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

Rick Johnson (Author)

Book Description

The relationship between a father and a son is like none other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, always striving to teach their sons the life skills they'll need to grow into honorable men. But many dads struggle with feelings of inadequacy regarding their fathering abilities. They want to be better dads.

Rick Johnson can show them how. In this insightful and practical book, Johnson shows how fathers can be equipped and inspired to be positive role models for their sons. He stresses the significance of male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership; discusses important topics such as sexual purity, respect, and self-discipline; and reveals the top ten mistakes to avoid as a father.

From commitment and courage to honesty and humility, Better Dads, Stronger Sons helps men strive to be the dads God designed them to be--so their sons can grow to be everything they are meant to be.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rick Johnson is a good man. It's been a joy to watch him come to Christ and see him step up to the plate with a strong sense of Christ-honoring purpose. Rick knows that there is no higher office a man can hold than father. We here in the Northwest will profit greatly from this ministry which coaches men to be fathers."
Dr. Stu Weber, Pastor, Author of Tender Warrior and Four Pillars of a Man's Heart.

From the Back Cover

Your son is counting on you.

The relationship between a father and a son is like no other. Dads have a God-given role to protect and provide for their families, always striving to teach their sons the life skills they'll need to grow into honorable men. That may seem like a tall order. But being a good father isn't so much what kind of parent you are as what kind of person you are. Better Dads, Stronger Sons can show you how to

" talk with your son about important topics such as dating, sexual purity, respect, and self-discipline
" understand why male bonding, discipline, and spiritual leadership are vital to your relationship with your son
" recognize and avoid the top ten mistakes a father can make

Even if you don't have confidence in your fathering skills, God says you fit the bill perfectly in his plan for your family. This book will help you strive to be the dad God designed you to be--so your son can grow to be everything he is meant to be.

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. He is also the author of That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character.

"Rick Johnson is writing about the very things that deeply touch our hearts-the vital impact of fathers on their children! Fathers, sons, and families will benefit . . . for generations!"-Ron Nichols, director of training, National Center for Fathering

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 1807 KB
• Print Length: 240 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B001C344C4
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #270,907 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, solid practical wisdom for dads October 23, 2006

By Dan Panetti VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A helpful book for fathers July 10, 2006

By FaithfulReader.com

Format:Paperback

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 [e-mail].

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have... September 19, 2008

By Michael J. Coolbroth

Format:Paperback

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.

More 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 ten years.

Rick speaks at many large conferences across the US and Canada including MOPS International conventions, Promise Keepers Canada events, Design 4 Living women's conferences, and Iron Sharpens Iron men's conferences. 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 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.

Rick has appeared on over 250 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 various churches.

Rick and his wife Suzanne have two (nearly) adult children and live in Gresham, Oregon.