10 Things Great Dads Do

by Rick Johnson

Great dads raise happier, healthier, more successful kids

But how do men go about being that great dad? Fathering expert Rick Johnson offers ten practical strategies to help men become the dads they want to be, including

· helping their kids find the humor in life
· surrounding their family with healthy friends and role models
· communicating clearly with their children
· helping their kids develop self-esteem and respect for others
· being a gatekeeper when it comes to their kids’ social circle
· setting reachable goals for themselves and their children
· and more

Genres: Parenting

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Rick founded Better Dads, a fathering skills program, based on the urgent need to empower men to lead and serve in their families and communities. Rick's books have expanded his work to include influencing the whole family, with life-changing insights for men and women on parenting, marriage, and personal growth. Inspiring and equipping through innovative multimedia presentations and seminars, Rick's resources, methods and personal approach have been transforming the lives of men, women, and their families for over 20 years.

Rick speaks at many large conferences across the US and Canada. He is a popular keynote speaker at men’s and women’s retreats and conferences on parenting and marriage.

He is a nationally recognized expert in several areas having been asked to deliver papers at venues such as the International Convention of Adult Children of Alcoholics, County of Los Angeles Child Abuse Prevention Conference and the State of New York Fatherhood Conference. Rick’s work with men and fathers was recognized when he was invited to the White House as part of the “Champions of Change” ceremony in 2012.

Prior to becoming a bestselling author and speaker, Rick was a small business owner for 16 years, owning and operating an environmental engineering firm. He attended George Fox University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Organizational Leadership, and has a Masters Degree in Education from Concordia University. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, has served on the Board of Directors for several community and business associations, and coaches high school basketball in his spare time. Rick has been featured in many national publications such as New Man Magazine, Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, Christianity Today’s Men of Integrity, Relevant Magazine, Pentecostal Evangel, Thriving Family, and Proverbs 31 Ministries Magazine.

He is the bestselling author of twelve books and has appeared on over 300 radio programs and television shows around the United States and Canada. He is the former co-host of a live, weekly radio show and a frequent guest host of other local programs. Rick is actively involved with the men’s and family ministries as well as speaking from the pulpit at his church and various other churches.

Rick and his wife Suzanne have two adult children (one deceased) and is raising an adopted granddaughter having recently re-located to Texas.

You can find out more about Rick on his web site at www.betterdads.net .

Reviews

[Jonathan Beigle · Rating 3 out of 5]

10 Things is a book for guys looking to be great dads. Overall, I liked most of the ideas in the book, especially allowing your children to go through hard times and suffer a little. I also like the focus on the dad truly being the "man of the house" and being the protector of the home. However, there were a few issues that I had. First and foremost, I don't like it when writers try to sneak it by you that it's a Christian book. I can understand how this would be very frustrating for someone that is not a Christian. The front cover, back cover and the first ~60% of the book say absolutely nothing about God, the Bible or anything. Then in the last 4-5 chapters it takes more a Christian perspective on things. To me, it seemed like Rick Johnson was initially trying to trick non-Christians into reading his book. Second, I'm pretty sure he says that he has blatantly lied on his resume multiple times (and this is in the Christian section of the book!). How is that setting a godly example for your kids? Lastly, I'm not a big fan of the chapter on discipline. He talks through the whole book about being strong as a dad and the leader and then the discipline discussion seemed like it was written by a very weak man. It's probably worth a read, but I can't give it more than 3 stars.

A few of my favorite quotes:
p. 39 - "The best conversations [with your kids] always happen when you are doing something together - not when you sit them down for a 'talk'."
p. 64- "Your words as a father spoken over your children are a prophecy of their future. Negative words are destructive, but words of encouragement bolster them throughout life in ways that border on the miraculous."
p. 110 - "God seldom uses a parked bus."
p. 135 - "Being a good father is not so much about being a good parent as it is about being a good man."
p. 155 - "Trust between people is established by three conditions: knowing that the other person is listening, knowing that we can risk our feelings without having them discounted, and knowing that the person believes what we have to offer is significant."

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Johnson in his new book, “10 Things Great Dads Do” published by Revell gives us Strategies for Raising Great Kids.

From the Back Cover: Great dads raise happier, healthier, more successful kids

But how do men go about being that great dad? Fathering expert Rick Johnson offers ten practical strategies to help men become the dads they want to be, including

· helping their kids find the humor in life
· surrounding their family with healthy friends and role models
· communicating clearly with their children
· helping their kids develop self-esteem and respect for others
· being a gatekeeper when it comes to their kids’ social circle
· setting reachable goals for themselves and their children
· and more
This book looks at some of the unique characteristics or uncommon qualities that highly effective fathers possess. These behaviors turn average dads into great dads. Rick Johnson has done some research and has come up ten things that great dads do. I am not a father so I really have no intimate experience here however I did have a father and he did a lot of what is presented here and I think I turned out okay. Any man can be a father it takes a lot of work to be a great dad and it begins when they are babies. If you try to start when they are older you have already lost a great deal of ground. Mr. Johnson tells us that “As a father you have been given the power to impact not only the lives of your own children but other children as well.” I think that all men should have this book would be a great gift for male friends and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
Great dads raise happier, healthier, more successful kids

But how do men go about being that great dad? Fathering expert Rick Johnson offers ten practical strategies to help men become the dads they want to be, including

· helping their kids find the humor in life
· surrounding their family with healthy friends and role models
· communicating clearly with their children
· helping their kids develop self-esteem and respect for others
· being a gatekeeper when it comes to their kids’ social circle
· setting reachable goals for themselves and their children
· and more

My Review:
Dads get a rough go of it especially these days. Most children would rather play video games than spend time with one or both of their parents. So what is a dad to do? The author Rick Johnson offers 10 little ditties to help a so-so dad become a great one!

To begin with, a dad and his wife need to gauge the health of their family and make amends or needed changes first. I think the one thing that I agree with the most is the point that the author makes about laughter. I wholeheartedly agree on that and I would even go as far to say that the dad always in most situations names the temperature, if you will of the family.

If Dad is on board with things, our children's attitudes seem to go more smoothly especially is available and involved. I know in our household that is definitely true. This book is great for first time dads and veteran dads. A great gift idea!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.

[Abraham Haskins-Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you look at this book from 10,000 feet there are some good little tidbits of advice on being a present father, but I didn’t appreciate the slow, then rapid, descent into Christian rhetoric. It was also hard to take the good advice seriously when it was wrapped in statements line “God wants you to suffer because he loves you” or the general attitude throughout the book that mothers are an obstacle that has to be overcome to be a good dad.
I think this would do better if it was labeled a Christian, conservative book for dads, but as for me and my house, we will stick with Ryan Holiday for my sage advice.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unnecessarily blunt.
I couldn’t find any genuine insight.
A good thing, dads who want to be good dads will read this book and have conversation starters, if the other person has read this book too.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Johnson has made another enjoyable, practical contribution for parents—this time, for dads in particular. As always, he comes across as a genuine, often humorous, salt-of-the-earth guy who is figuring things out as he goes, just like the rest of us. In keeping with the strategic mission of Johnson’s nonprofit, Better Dads, this book aims to motivate and equip fathers to invest wisely, lovingly, and lastingly in their children. While "10 Things" overlaps some with Johnson’s previous books on fathering, it still does a good job of filling in some substantial gaps left unfilled by the other books, and it serves as a good starting point for those unacquainted this popular author. I was particularly uplifted by the couple of chapters that focused on his encouragement to fathers to focus on their own personal and growth needs—for example, need for friends, need for spirituality—in order to be better dads for their children. And I was riveted by Johnson’s rip-the-scab-off-honest discussion of his own recent, years-long struggle with God.

Some have criticized Johnson as “too religious,” so those with kneejerk sensitivity to anything spiritual might not welcome his approach. I happen to perceive him as having more of a give-it-a-try approach, not a take-this-or-else approach, to religion. Others accuse Johnson of being “patriarchal” or “chauvinistic,” but honestly, I hear in his more challenging statements the kindness of an authoritative father, not the tyranny of an authoritarian monster. And it’s hard to argue with his time-tested traditional assumptions, especially in light of the way that kids are going as a result of all the “progressive” approaches to parenting today.

If you’re a dad with great male role models in your life and a pretty solid grasp on what it means to be a dad, you might still take away a few helpful morsels from this book. (I did, and I’m almost finished raising my brood of four.) But especially if you’re a dad without any good male examples to follow, who wants to parent your kids well but doesn’t know how, you could do a lot worse than listening to Johnson’s stories and gleaning from his experience.

I received a free copy of this book, but was under no obligation to provide this review. I've reviewed the book because I value its content, and my opinions are completely honest.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not, nor ever will be a father; but I try to review some books that I think are beneficial to others. This is one such book.

The book is an easy, but interesting read with a lot of helpful advice. The author approached it a little differently than I expected, but in a much better way than I expected. Using experiences from his life as a child, father, and grandfather; along with experiences others have related to him, he came up with the ten things great dads do.

In addition to what was mentioned above, he addresses how important it is for the parents to have a good relationship with each other and to have friendships with others their own age and even addressees the issue of how men can work at having friends. The author pulls together so much more than just how to interact with and discipline your kids, to show there is a lot more dads need to do to make their home the kind of home it should be, and to raise the kind of kids he wants to raise. This is a very valuable resource for any father still raising kids.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great dads generally have great kids. The questions comes when a dad wants to know how to be great. The author has pulled from his experience and research to give ten great tips for dads to implement that will help them raise great kids. Each chapter talks about one strategy and gives stories, illustrations, pointers, and tips on the topic. The author writes the book from a faith base and incorporates it throughout the book.

While imparting quite a bit of information, the book was still enjoyable to read and entertaining with all of the stories and illustrations. I liked the presentation and layout of the tips and extra facts in each chapter. Even though I'm a mom, I can attest to the truth of a lot of the information he gave. While my husband is already a great dad, I'll be passing this on to him to read next. This book is a wonderful asset to any family.

I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book due to entering a goodreads drawing.

This is a well written book that gives good advice to fathers regarding how to be a "great dad". This book is not "preachy". Mr. Johnson is well aware of men's differences and accepts them. The suggestions given to become closer to your children and guiding them to adulthood is very perceptive. The scientific studies regarding what happens when children do not have a father there for them physically and mentally is a wake up call to todays families. I do hope fathers and mothers will read this book and they incorporate this advice into their family life. It is hard work raising a decent human being and today it is probably even more so due to all the video distractions children have.

[Kasey Cocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all of the self-help books available it can be difficult to narrow down the choices and to find one that is actually helpful. I'm not a dad but I am very lucky to have a dad who is wonderful, wise, generous and kind. Parts of this book felt like Johnson was talking about my dad. Perhaps that lended a bit of bias in enjoying the read so much. I found the book easy to understand and full of valuable information that a dad could use to become more than just the father. Kids today need a great role model in their dad. I'm so happy that this book contains all the right elements. I received an ARC through Revell Publishing in exchange for and honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally when I review a book I try to give a brief synopsis of what the book was about and when I got out of it. However, in this particular instance I will not do that. The reason is this: this book is so powerful that my recommendation is just simply go out and get a copy if you are a father or for the father in your life.

In his book, Rick Johnson does a wonderful favor to all dads out there by putting together 10 great things dads do. I found this to be unbelievably powerful and very challenging. Not only will it inspire but it will also encourage fathers to do what is right to achieve amazing results in their home.

*I received a complimentary copy of thi book fro

[Josh L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started OK, then quickly became just one guy's perspective on what works. I admire his boldness to write this book, really did not admire his proof-texting of Scripture. Overall, had practical tips that will help. But coulda, shoulda just read it on a short blog (or the last chapter of the book for that matter!)

[Mark Wiltshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read, as I prepare myself for being a dad for the first time (with twins), it is a great collection of 10 things to focus on, to be the best dad you can be.

Really inspiring.

[Allex Cadavid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight and application suggestions.