Believing It All: Lessons I Learned from My Children by Marc Parent

by Marc Parent

The acclaimed book in which a natural-born storyteller relays the vital lessons and inspiration he has drawn from life's most perfect children.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Parenting, Self Help, Unfinished, Book Club

Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believing it All is a beautiful memoir by a father who is the primary caregiver for his two children under the age of five. In it, he tells many of the things he has learned from them.

Marc Parent wrote another book that I read – Turning Stones – about his experiences working for a child protective agency in New York City. Some of the scenes he witnessed during that time were horrific, so it is easy to see why he wanted to take his wife and children someplace out in the country that was hopefully safer for young children. The contrast in tone between the two books could not have been greater.

The two boys, Casey and Owen, lead their father on an expedition of discovery that he shares with them – everything from their first dead animal in the road to trying to find the right school for Casey when the time comes. And Marc Parent is the perfect person to tell us about all this, as he sees beyond the mundane events to their deep philosophical meanings.

[Topmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those reads that begs me to mix metaphors: the cat's meow, apple of my eye, bees' knees (and do bees really have knees? or do wasps?)... A find from my little library down the street. Even my snooty English grad school pal had to admit the writing is superior.

A must for anyone out there with kids.

(P.S. I prefer the original subtitle of what must be the first hard cover edition. It's "What my children taught me about trout fishing, jelly toast, and life".)

[Susan Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book! Poignant and beautifully written, this is the story of a stay-at-home / writer dad and his two young boys.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this dad's philosophical mewsings on the innocence and natural wisdom of his two little tykes. (Although I did think at times they could have used a little more discipline.) The writing here is excellent and the deep thinking beyond the obvious will give everyone food for thought.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a stay at home father about the lessons learned from his 2 preschool boys, I found this to be a sweet and loving book The author's statement that child abuse arises out of self-hatred, something I had not considered before although, once pointed out seems quite clear. The fact that the author feels his children have taught him to be a better person by seeing him as the important and best person in their lives,is very touching. The fact that Mr. Parent plans to use this lesson as a way to make the people in his life find their better side hints at what a good father and husband he must be.

[Anna-Lesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good, but a little corny too. I'm not gonna lie, I cried a few times, but overall exactly what you would expect.
I also thought the author focused on his oldest child way more than the little guy!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book written by a stay at home dad about the lessons his children teach him. He hits the nail on the head and it's really nice to see it from a fathers perspective. Always a good reminder to be present in the now with your children. They don't wait for no one.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the few books I have read twice. Listen to audio version for added enjoyment.

[Shawna Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anybody with kids..kinda makes you think about the stuff that is really important like mud puddles and comes from a realistic perspective

[sleeps9hours · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this reflection on parenthood by an insightful father.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a parent of two young boys, I really enjoyed this. Marc Parent is a beautiful writer and nails many of the emotions that come along with parenthood on the head!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I've given it away to friends who are parents. It's warm and thoughtful and hilarious.

[Lisa Burtt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about a stay-at-home dad - very cute!

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The way the author described things about life really resonated with me.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thought fodder.

[The Library Writer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quiet little series of reflections from a stay at home dad living with his two little sons on a rural area, trying to make sense of life and find wisdom in their childhood. Quick read.

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The joys of fatherhood as told by a stay-at-home dad.