Unsolicited: Advice for Parents from a Childless Teacher

by Michael W. McAdam

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2026

Reviews

[Laura Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tour de force in a small package! Michael offers insights for educators, parents and students in this concise tome! As a parent and former educator myself, I truly relate to everything Michael has written. It would have come in handy when I was a Teacher's Aide almost 30 years ago and when my own children were in school! The tone is witty, without being condescending. I wish I had a reference like that years ago. There's a lot to take away from this book - and it extends beyond the classroom. Read it! Your life, and your relationship with your children, will be enhanced by it. I can't recommend this book enough!

It takes a village to raise a child and Michael gives important insights into utilizing the power of that Village!

Where was this book when I was in school? Or my kids? My own academic and social achievement MAY have been completely different. Also may have provided better support to my kids! School + home = TEAM!

Michael also talks about the importance of recognizing learning differences. Neurodivergence can be like navigating life without a map but Michael provides us with Cheats to navigate a little easier!

Don't just take my word for it; read the book!

Laura Horne
Author/Former Educator/Mother and Grandmother

[Victoria Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Mac has written a book for parents that every teacher from kindergarten to high school will wish they had available to hand out to parents on the first day of school. Full of very practical, implementable advice, it will make the students (and parents) journey through school easier.

Mr. Mac includes personal stories to make his points, links to websites for further information and help, and rounds it all off with the basic skills we all need to be successful. As a retired elementary school teacher of 30 years, I applaud the sensitivity and compassion with which he writes about the children entrusted to his care.

A must read for parents and teachers, both.

[Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book with a greater respect for teachers and a better understanding of the challenges students face every day. The advice is honest, compassionate, and grounded in decades of real experience rather than theory alone. Whether you're raising your first child or your last, this book offers practical insights that are easy to appreciate and remember.

[Aleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few parenting books that doesn't pretend there's a perfect solution for every situation. Instead, it encourages thoughtful conversations and realistic expectations. The author's classroom experience provides valuable context that many parenting guides simply don't have. I would happily recommend it to any family with school-aged children.

[Shalu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated that this book goes beyond academic performance and talks about emotional growth, friendships, manners, resilience, and communication. Those topics are just as important as grades, yet they often receive less attention. The author's practical examples make the advice easy to understand and apply in everyday family life.

[Pragya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's storytelling makes this book enjoyable from beginning to end. He combines personal experiences with educational research in a way that feels natural rather than academic. The result is a book that's informative without becoming overwhelming. I came away with a better appreciation for what teachers experience behind the scenes.

[Shreya · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the parent of a middle school student, I found several chapters especially valuable. The sections about homework, attendance, and helping children develop independence were filled with sensible advice. Nothing felt preachy or unrealistic. It reads like guidance from an experienced educator who genuinely wants children to thrive.