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Big Daddy's Rules: Raising Daughters Is Tougher Than I Look
Father of two daughters, bestselling author, and a star of The Sopranos and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Steven Schirripa brings a welcome dose of humor and old-school advice to the parenting wars.
Steven Schirripa knew he was in trouble the moment he held his firstborn daughter in his arms. He realized that he was now in the role of a Big Daddy—someone who is strong, loyal, and always looking out for his kids’ best interest (even if it isn’t always the popular decision). Overprotective? Maybe. Willing to tone it down? Absolutely not.
With a mixture of bravado and self-effacing humor, Schirripa delivers his categorically antiquated, but always hilarious tough-guy stance on what it takes to raise kids today. Big Daddy’s Rules is filled with often hilarious stories of his over-the-top parenting style—staring his daughter’s new boyfriend down, freaking out after finding a birth control pack in the bathroom, and paying a visit to a teacher who made a less than appropriate comment to his youngest daughter. But Schirripa isn’t just cracking jokes here—this is a call to action for dads to return to commonsense parenting and reclaim their role as protector and holder of values to be passed down.
Steven Schirripa knew he was in trouble the moment he held his firstborn daughter in his arms. He realized that he was now in the role of a Big Daddy—someone who is strong, loyal, and always looking out for his kids’ best interest (even if it isn’t always the popular decision). Overprotective? Maybe. Willing to tone it down? Absolutely not.
With a mixture of bravado and self-effacing humor, Schirripa delivers his categorically antiquated, but always hilarious tough-guy stance on what it takes to raise kids today. Big Daddy’s Rules is filled with often hilarious stories of his over-the-top parenting style—staring his daughter’s new boyfriend down, freaking out after finding a birth control pack in the bathroom, and paying a visit to a teacher who made a less than appropriate comment to his youngest daughter. But Schirripa isn’t just cracking jokes here—this is a call to action for dads to return to commonsense parenting and reclaim their role as protector and holder of values to be passed down.
- GenresParenting
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
About the author
Steven R. Schirripa
10 books11 followersSteven Ralph Schirripa is an American actor. He is regularly credited as Steven R. Schirripa, including his total of over 300 total appearances in three long running series, playing: Bobby Bacala on The Sopranos; Leo Boykewich on The Secret Life of the American Teenager; and Detective Anthony Abetemarco on Blue Bloods. Schirripa is host of two Investigation Discovery series: Karma's A B*tch! and Nothing Personal. He is the voice of Roberto in the Open Season film series.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 30, 2013
“Big Daddy’s Rules, Raising Daughters Is Tougher Than I Look”, by Steve Schirripa with Philip Lerman.
Category – Comedy/Parenting Publication Date – May 7, 2013
Move over Dr. Spock, here comes a guy who really knows what he’s talking about. Steve Schirripa is best known for his role in “The Sopranos”, but he does have a hidden talent in how to raise children, especially girls. Steve is the father of two girls and has a sure proof method of bringing them up safely in a world full of dangers.
Although the book revolves around girls, many of the stories and a lot of the advice can be used on raising boys.
Steve makes no bones, and certainly doesn’t spare foul language, to put his point across. His is a hard nosed approach, but a loving one, that puts the parent as the head of the family. In most cases, the parent makes the decisions and there is no negotiating about the decision. Most teenagers today would be very upset with this kind of parenting, Steve’s answer to that “tough luck” (not his words). If his girls want a tattoo, the answer is NO, if his girls want their ears pierced, ONE PIERCING and if they want to stay out after midnight, NO. In his words, “Nothing happens good after midnight”. If they want to go out, he wants to know WHERE, WHAT THEY ARE DOING, AND WITH WHOM, AND WHEN WILL THEY BE BACK.
If they go to a party, he calls the parents to make sure its legit and that there will be parental supervision.
In all of this parenting, the book is loaded from top to bottom with comedy. A very easy and fast read that not only entertains but could very well help in rearing your children.
Category – Comedy/Parenting Publication Date – May 7, 2013
Move over Dr. Spock, here comes a guy who really knows what he’s talking about. Steve Schirripa is best known for his role in “The Sopranos”, but he does have a hidden talent in how to raise children, especially girls. Steve is the father of two girls and has a sure proof method of bringing them up safely in a world full of dangers.
Although the book revolves around girls, many of the stories and a lot of the advice can be used on raising boys.
Steve makes no bones, and certainly doesn’t spare foul language, to put his point across. His is a hard nosed approach, but a loving one, that puts the parent as the head of the family. In most cases, the parent makes the decisions and there is no negotiating about the decision. Most teenagers today would be very upset with this kind of parenting, Steve’s answer to that “tough luck” (not his words). If his girls want a tattoo, the answer is NO, if his girls want their ears pierced, ONE PIERCING and if they want to stay out after midnight, NO. In his words, “Nothing happens good after midnight”. If they want to go out, he wants to know WHERE, WHAT THEY ARE DOING, AND WITH WHOM, AND WHEN WILL THEY BE BACK.
If they go to a party, he calls the parents to make sure its legit and that there will be parental supervision.
In all of this parenting, the book is loaded from top to bottom with comedy. A very easy and fast read that not only entertains but could very well help in rearing your children.
June 17, 2013
If you’d asked me before I read this book who Steve Schirripa was, I couldn’t have told you. I’ve never watched a single episode of The Sopranos or The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and he’s not the type of personality that engages me. So why did I read this book? I was influenced in part by the endorsement of Jim Gaffigan (a comedian my husband enjoys, whose own recently released book, Dad is Fat, made it onto hubby’s wish list). But mainly I was curious. Could this tough guy actually give edifying parenting advice?
Well, my reaction is mixed. On the one hand, I should have known to expect a lot of rough language. I mean, really rough, which baffles me–why is liberal use of the f-word necessary to up the funny on anything? But I see now I was being naive. This guy became famous for starring in The Sopranos, right? So why would I expect anything less? Maybe because it’s a book on parenting, and on parenting girls, in particular. I thought its tone might be a little…softer.
I did expect that Schirripa and I would not agree on every moral point. To that end, I was correct.
That said, this guy actually says a lot that I do completely resonate with. He cuts through much of the nonsense (he uses a different word) of modern-day parenting and lays down common sense law–or Big Daddy rules, I suppose. Plus, anyone who keeps half an eye on Hollywood celebs will enjoy some of his inside-track takes on the parenting efforts of famous folks. Anson Williams, for example, Joe Piscopo, and others.
Finally, Steve’s Peeves (at the end of the book) is worth the paper it’s printed on. He says here what more of us wish we had the guts to.
Thanks to Touchstone for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
Well, my reaction is mixed. On the one hand, I should have known to expect a lot of rough language. I mean, really rough, which baffles me–why is liberal use of the f-word necessary to up the funny on anything? But I see now I was being naive. This guy became famous for starring in The Sopranos, right? So why would I expect anything less? Maybe because it’s a book on parenting, and on parenting girls, in particular. I thought its tone might be a little…softer.
I did expect that Schirripa and I would not agree on every moral point. To that end, I was correct.
That said, this guy actually says a lot that I do completely resonate with. He cuts through much of the nonsense (he uses a different word) of modern-day parenting and lays down common sense law–or Big Daddy rules, I suppose. Plus, anyone who keeps half an eye on Hollywood celebs will enjoy some of his inside-track takes on the parenting efforts of famous folks. Anson Williams, for example, Joe Piscopo, and others.
Finally, Steve’s Peeves (at the end of the book) is worth the paper it’s printed on. He says here what more of us wish we had the guts to.
Thanks to Touchstone for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
September 27, 2019
It made me laugh but also contains a lot of common sense. He could have done a little less cursing.
October 20, 2020
I’m married to my own Goomba and we have two daughters. Steve Schirripa hit the nail exactly on its head. It was a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 10, 2013
Known for being an actor, Steve Schirripa tells the story of his life as being a dad. His old school rules and advice and his humor make this a perfect self help book for any parent of girls, especially teenage girls. His definition of Big Daddy is someone who is strong, devoted, and always looking out for his girls even if it means he is not the cool dad.
This book is informational but so funny and enjoyable. I have a tween and a teenager, both girls. The stories Steve shares in his story hit home with me. The stories of his kids pushing for more freedom, of dating, and of fighting were almost exactly the story of my life. I got ideas on how to react and how to approach some issues. As a mom I saw a lot more of my husband in Steve’s reactions then myself in his reactions and thoughts. They made me laugh and shake my head.
I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried (when he left his daughter at college), and I read… and read…and read. I could not stop. Anyone, Mom or Dad, who has teenage girls will relate to Steve. This could be labeled as self-help or parenting, but it is so much more. I will certainly recommend this to my fellow parents.
This book is informational but so funny and enjoyable. I have a tween and a teenager, both girls. The stories Steve shares in his story hit home with me. The stories of his kids pushing for more freedom, of dating, and of fighting were almost exactly the story of my life. I got ideas on how to react and how to approach some issues. As a mom I saw a lot more of my husband in Steve’s reactions then myself in his reactions and thoughts. They made me laugh and shake my head.
I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried (when he left his daughter at college), and I read… and read…and read. I could not stop. Anyone, Mom or Dad, who has teenage girls will relate to Steve. This could be labeled as self-help or parenting, but it is so much more. I will certainly recommend this to my fellow parents.
December 16, 2015
This should be required reading for all dads. If they think they haven't encountered situations similar to those in "Big Daddy's Rules: Raising Girls in Tougher Than I Look," they probably are in denial.
Steve Schirripa tells it like it is - high heels, hugs, hilarity and all. Moms will enjoy it, too, recognizing their husbands in the author's actions and thoughts.
And for all parents, be prepared to laugh - and cry. Being a parent (dad or mom) is an emotional roller coaster, and Big Daddy jumps right in!
ARC provided by NetGalley
Steve Schirripa tells it like it is - high heels, hugs, hilarity and all. Moms will enjoy it, too, recognizing their husbands in the author's actions and thoughts.
And for all parents, be prepared to laugh - and cry. Being a parent (dad or mom) is an emotional roller coaster, and Big Daddy jumps right in!
ARC provided by NetGalley
May 15, 2013
Advice in the form of stories from Steve S- he tells ppl to not be afraid to parent, to be there for the child, and quality time is important.
He also lists the parenting styles that gets on his nerves and should be stopped.
Funny, realistic advice, and interesting.
My review:
Traveling With T
He also lists the parenting styles that gets on his nerves and should be stopped.
Funny, realistic advice, and interesting.
My review:
Traveling With T
May 20, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a laugh out loud, tissue please, handbook for dads. As situations came up in the story I could definitely sympathize. I have two daughters (14 and 20) and three granddaughters. I loved this book and shared it with my husband - who enjoyed it! I would recommend this to anyone who has girls!!
This was a laugh out loud, tissue please, handbook for dads. As situations came up in the story I could definitely sympathize. I have two daughters (14 and 20) and three granddaughters. I loved this book and shared it with my husband - who enjoyed it! I would recommend this to anyone who has girls!!
April 1, 2013
From stardom to parenthood... Funny informational book that was enjoyable and interesting...
June 4, 2013
This book is for anyone who has kids, wants kids or just wants to LOL. Really good, informational and funny...
September 28, 2013
There were parts that were really funny and that was enough at the start. But the book is really disjointed and jumps from topic to topic constantly. It was tough to finish.
September 11, 2013
While Steve uses a lot of language I strive not to use, he is very funny. More importantly he has some good values and guidance for other Big Dads.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews