Customer Reviews

Better Dads, Stronger Sons: How Fathers Can Guide Boys to Become Men of Character

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I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Rick Johnson is the founder of Better Dads, a fathering skills program designed to equip men to be more engaged in the lives of their children and he writes from the experience of a less-than-adequate father turned "super dad" following his conversion to Christ. Johnson shares his own failings, fears and weaknesses as a challenge to other dads to encourage them that they, too, can and should be more diligent about their fathering. The book is full of practical advice mixed with godly wisdom and would make a great gift to any father young or old, especially for that dad who feels overwhelmed or under-equipped for the task of spiritually leading his family.

Johnson addresses pretty much all areas of concern for a man. He deals with the importance of fathers bonding with their children, especially the need for an older man to bond with a younger man - he argues that true manhood is something that is caught by being in the presence of men, not something that a woman can teach and definitely not something that the culture is promoting or endorsing. Johnson also deals with the issues of sex and the important role that the father plays in this issue as well as discipline. Johnson is seeking to help fathers produce men of honor...not simply successful by the world's standards, but successful by God's standard - men who live by a code of honor that is greater than themselves and are willing to pay the price necessary to achieve "greatness." Johnson was one of those worldly successes who found that when he reached the top of the ladder, it was leaning against the wrong building - but he has changed directions and now is not only a successful husband and father, but a mentor and equipper of others!

At a time when there is a renewed emphasis on the importance of Fathers, BETTER DADS, STRONGER SONS provides an excellent guide for anyone who would like to have a part in helping to build a generation of stronger young men. By following the Biblical principles and practical applications outlined here, parenting can become a more exciting and less formidable role for every man who is a father. While much of the material will not be new to those who have sought guidance in parenting, Rick Johnson presents it in a dynamic format that inspires follow-up.

His list of "The Top Ten Mistakes that Fathers Make" is enlightening. It includes not only the expected "Giving too little time" but also "Forgetting to have fun" and "Being complacent and passive." Johnson covers many other topics that often are avoided or given the scripture treatment: i.e. the Bible says don't do, so don't do it. He discusses sex, respect, and the importance of showing love toward the boy's mother.

Each chapter is filled with examples, inserted highlights and Biblical references, and is followed by several suggestions for reflection and application. Used as a guide, these are sure to trigger more ideas that a man could develop to meet his own situation. For example, in the chapter "Making a Noble Man," one of the suggestions is to "Tell your son what you think makes a man. Ask him what character traits he thinks are manly." A follow-up might be to rent several "guy" movies and discuss whether the heroes were manly or simply macho.

Rick Johnson not only has written a timely book, he also founded Better Dads, an organization dedicated to equipping men to be better fathers. He delivers training workshops to businesses, churches and schools. Like many in the field, the author lived his subject. He was raised in a chaotic home where he did not get the fathering he needed. As a result, he spent his early adulthood trying to fill that void with drugs, alcohol and looking for love in all the wrong places. His epiphany came with the birth of his first son, and with God's help he has become devoted to forging a better path for future generations.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ. who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.bookreporter.com and www.womenonwriting.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.

How often in your life do you find such value in a book that you purchase extra copies to give away? I recently purchased my second order of four.
I so enjoy giving this to friends and clients with Boy(s).
There is no other job or challenge harder than parenting and one that you have virtually zero training. EVERY Father should read and re-read this book, period.

I can't say that there was anything profound or new in the book. Everything was pretty straightforward and I kept on thinking "of course, it obvious a good dad is supposed to do that." There were times when I found it hard to continue on and finish the book. At the same time, because I was reading the book it had me thinking about what kind of a father I wanted to be, which wouldn't have happened if I didn't read it. Ultimately it was worth the read, just for the fact that it really got me thinking.

Personally, I believe that being a parent is one of the most important jobs on Earth. Seems rather obvious to me, but it's amazing how many people think that just because you can physically father a child, it qualifies you to be a Real father. We study for new jobs, we study for the SAT's, we even study the manual on how to hook up our new surround sound, but doesn't raising a child with good character affect eternity in a much stronger sense? Since my ex wouldn't read it, I did (I'm the mom). I enjoyed it so much I purchased the mother's version, "That's My Son." My son is only 18 months right now, but I'm of the opinion that a little effort now will save me much headache and heartache in the future. Even if you are not a 'reader,' please make the effort.

I have boys that are 15, 11, and 9. I was looking for direction on how to improve my fathering to the 15 year old, and have a better effort for the younger boys. The book does a good job of iterating out the things that important for the father-son relationship. I also love the chapter on the qualities that we should try to instill in our sons. To a tee they are the list that I would have written, and yet in today's world they are difficult to imprint to sons. While i love the Christian based perspectives and fully agree that Godliness is a part of building stronger sons, there are examples in the book (zero dating until the boy is out of high school ??) that I am not sure are the best plan. At least in those example, it fosters thinking about raising your son in a different way. In the end, the willingness to talk openly about being masculine, being a protector and a provider, and connecting on that level with your sons was a great message for me to hear.

I actually read this book a few years ago, and was led to start a men's group for better fathers afterwards. The other dads and I went through the book and learned a lot about fathering and training the young sons we have to become men of God one day. Just wanted to say that many principles help me still today. A constant reminder that your boy's eyes are always on you, as a father. If he doesn't learn from you, he'll pick someone else to learn from! Great words about leadership, godliness, masculinity and mentoring our sons.

Great for a small group study!

This is a most phenomenal read! As a military man and a deployed husband and father this book inspired me to begin having a better and closer relationship with my son. I've been absent even when I was in the US and at home, but have decided to become more active because of Rick's motivating story. If you feel lost as a father and want to grow in that role with some godly advice, read this book!!

my husband is currently deployed while i am pregnant with our first baby, a son. I bought him this book and he said its a great read and that it was really applicable to his life.

Bought this for a father I knew. He said it was a great book and gave him a lot of insight.