How to Be a Great Dad: No Matter What Kind of Father You Had

by Keith Zafren

"Most men spend very little time pondering the question, Am I doing the right things to become a great dad? This book addresses this most important question in a profound way. It's filled with personal stories, focused on powerful principles, and is written for real people. We all know how easy it is, biologically, to become a father. What we often don't realize is that it takes work, dedication, and learned skills to become a dad, especially a great dad." - From the foreword by Jack Canfield, Co-Creator, #1 New York Times best selling series Chicken Soup for the Soul (r) In How to Be a Great Dad, you will learn: The 15-day Great Dad Challenge that transforms fathers into dads. Why dads matter way more than you may think. The lifelong impact fathers have on their children. The three simple and strategic skills to great dad success that all dads can master. Why bad or absent dads can land kids in prison. How to become the father you wish you'd had. Why "father nurture" is as important as "mother nurture." Why saying "I'm proud of you" makes all the difference. Why "I'll love you no matter what" means so much to your kids. Why a hug is not "just a hug" when it comes from Dad. How to build your kids' self-esteem. How to give what you may not have received. A doable process to overcome hurts or limitations from the past. Neil Chethik, executive director of The Carnegie Center, writes, "Keith Zafren is an inspiring guide on this adventure into the heart of fathering. Read this book. It will make you a better dad, and it may even help you forgive your own father for the mistakes he inevitably made." Neil Chethik Executive Director, The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning Author, FatherLoss and VoiceMale "WOW!!! 'Healing a Father Wound' was by far the most impactful and emotional section of any book I have ever read. I can't even describe how deeply this teaching affected me. The feeling of 'choked up' stayed throughout reading the section, and keeps coming back even now. I realized clearly how my own father wound has affected my entire life, and still does to this day. It also made me realize how the healing process is a daily reward to me and my boys, and so worth the effort. My heart was smiling while my eyes filled with tears. Awesome book!" Patrick McMillan Founder, TeachingHappiness.com Author, An Exercise in Happiness for Ki

Genres: Parenting, Self Help

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to come right out and say it – the title of this book is just all wrong.

Surprisingly, I really liked this book, but I felt that the title was… well, for lack of finding a better word – wrong.

In the beginning of the book there is an area directed for female readers, but I felt that even that was still directed at women regarding the male relationships in their life (either their dad or lack of dad or relationships with their husbands). I felt it was so much more.

I am not a dad (duh), but I am a mom. I grew up without a dad. Long story short, my biological mother and father divorced around my age of 1 and my mom remarried. My stepdad had an affair on my mom and divorced her and I when I was 14-ish. He continued seeing my half sisters for a few years, but even now, he has a poor relationship with them. I really missed out on the fatherly figure growing up and it has affected me as a person, wife, and mother.

I felt that the things that were shared in this book were great tips for any and all parents – with or without a father – mom or dad! While I get that the basis of the book was written based on what the author missed from his own father growing up – this book really is so much more than I think the title gives it credit too.

This book really is a great book for new parents, experienced parents, moms, dads, even caregivers of children! It is jam packed with fabulous tips on how to make our children feel our affirmation, acceptance, and adoration!

I see myself becoming a better mom because of this book and highly recommend it for all individuals who care for children – mom, dad, grandparents, etc. Taking the advice and the tips from this book and putting them into action are sure ways to create a better relationship with your children as well as make sure your children feel the three A’s.

[Momma Frugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY amazing book! Anytime an author speaks from the heart from their own experiences, you know it will be great.

Keith Zafren opens up about a very turbulent time in his life. You can feel the emotion in his words as he opens up about his story.

While preparing for this book, the author also did a lot of research which is nicely presented in this book as well.

This book just isn't for Dads. Moms should definitely read this book too.

I highly highly recommend this book. This would be a great book to include into a small group meeting, bible study, or as a gift.

Thank you to Keith Zafren, the author, for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for our review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in anyway.

[Andy Hausmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! A must read for all dads.