The Real Dad Rules: The Everyday Steps, Secrets, and Satisfactions of Being a Real Dad, Every Day [Paperback]

Dan Pearce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 9, 2011

What is the difference between a dad and a real dad? A big one! Dan Pearce, author of the world's most popular dad blog (Single Dad Laughing), discusses the path that real dads take, the personal strength every father has, and the poignant realities of fatherhood. Pearce shares his own story of unexpectedly becoming a single dad (for the second time), as well as his own list of "Real Dad Rules" which he wrote to make sure that while he was going through his toughest moments, single fatherhood never turned into bad fatherhood. The Real Dad Rules is full of simple, powerful, and effective parenting discussion that can be read cover to cover or pulled off the shelf for that occasional burst of motivation when it's needed most. From a real dad's healthy touch, to powerful labeling, to the way a man treats the women in his life, this book covers it in a way that makes sense. Every child deserves a real dad. And every dad has the power and ability to be one. It just takes dedication, hard work, the occasional bout of humility, practice, a lot of laughing, and time. It doesn't matter where a dad starts in his journey. It doesn't matter what kind of past he has had or what mistakes have been made along the way. It doesn't matter what he is struggling with most. What matters is that he starts. What matters is that he is working on it. What matters is that he gives it his all. The Real Dad Rules is a must read by every father, no matter how far along he is in his own parenting journey. With special bonus chapters dedicated to single dads and stepdads, every father will find extremely useful and logical tools that he can use all along the way. Being a dad should be exciting. It should be fun. It should keep you on your toes. And, it should be the most fulfilling of all life's accomplishments. Real dads do it all, and they have a blast while they do.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dan Pearce is the author of the world’s #1 most popular dad blog, Single Dad Laughing. His writings about fatherhood and other areas of life have been read, shared, and loved by millions. He has become particularly well known for his ability to write directly, simply, and poignantly about parenting, relationships, hardships, bullying, and love. Often saying the things that others don’t want to say or admit, Dan strikes an often pensive and reflective chord within those who read his work. Dan has been featured on radio programs across the United States, television programs, and on tens of thousands of websites across the www. Single Dad Laughing was voted by visitors to Babble.com as the top Parenting Facebook page for 2010 and has received many other awards and honors since it began in mid-2010. Dan is a passionate advocate for better parenting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 9, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1461157757
• ISBN-13: 978-1461157755
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #406,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this guy! May 25, 2011

By Lucy

Format:Paperback

Dan cracks me up, makes me think about things I do, has helped me to see where I need to make some changes to better my life and is a good-enough dad who show up for his kid. In writing about his experiences, he helps me to better show up for my kids ~ who can't benefit from that?!
This is a great book that I am grateful to own. Thanks for sharing yourself w/ us, Dan... <3

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't. Put. It. Down!! May 25, 2011

By themeese

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is 9:30 pm and I am supposed to be paying my bills and doing my shopping. But have I been doing it? No, because I have been reading Dan's book, which arrived in my mailbox today, and I have had a hard time putting it down! I don't have a husband or children myself, but after following Dan's thought-provoking and beautifully written blog, I had to have the book for myself and two to gift. I have been drawn in from the first word, because Dan's prose resonates with everything I have always personally believed about the role of a good Dad. It seems to me that a lot of the trouble that kids find themselves in these days has a lot to do with the level of effective parenting in the home, and Dan's thoughts and insights hit home. It will be required reading for any man who thinks he wants to be a permanent part of my life, and if he is too proud to read it, he just may not pass the bar! Dan is a normal guy writing for normal guys who simply want to be real Dads to their kids. Would you believe that big publishing companies tried to tell him that "Fatherhood doesn't sell?!?!" Listen, folks. If you had a Dad who was a real Dad, buy it for him as a thank you. If you had a Dad who was a lousy, absentee, abusive Dad, buy it and read it to remind yourself that there are still good men in the world who want to get it right. If you are a Dad, or you are going to be a Dad, buy it and enjoy not being talked down to or hit over the head with confusing statistics and complex parenting "techniques," while being reminded of what a real Dad should be all about. If you think you already are one, buy it and read it as a pat-on-the-back as you think, "YEAH! I really try to do that!" Buy it. Read it. Blanket the world with it!!!... Show those snooty publisher people that we NEED MORE REAL DADS by sending Dan's sales through the roof!! Six chapters or so in and I can already say that you won't regret it. Not for one nanosecond. So there, and so says I!! *spoken emphatically while handing you a pencil so you can figure out how many men in your life need this book and slipping your credit card into your other hand* Read more ›

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The new dad's "Owner's Manual" May 17, 2011

By Smilingbird

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There are so many "parenting" books and classes, and so many "mommy" books and support groups, but dads still get left out of the loop so often. This book could change that.

I took a risk and bought the book "on spec" yesterday. I'm on a very tight budget, but Dan's blog has never failed to make me think, smile, cry and reflect. So I figured the book was probably a good bet. Based on the prologue, which I ready today, I made a good decision.

I plan to give this book to any dad whose baby shower I'm invited to. Engaging writing, clear ideas, heartfelt good advice. What more could any dad (or mom, for that matter) need? This might be the new dad's "Owner's Manual."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! May 25, 2011

By A. Reese

Format:Paperback

Dan's book is amazing, just like his blog. Although, I knew it would be. He has a way of saying what you are feeling inside, and can't find the words for. Every Dad should read this book, even if they are already a good dad. Inspiring is an understatement. Heck, I'm not even a dad, and I got a lot out of it. It should have been called Real Parent Rules, really. It makes you feel connected with your kid in a way that can't be explained, and makes you truly appreciate them even more than you already imagine you could. This is a must have for any parent.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift idea for Father's day!!! May 29, 2011

By Andrea

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is amazing. I think every dad (and mom and stepdad and stepmom and grandma etc. etc. etc.) should read this book. Dan has some beautiful advice from a NORMAL dad to other NORMAL dads. I am about halfway through the book and just love it. Dan has a way of making you laugh and cry, but most importantly, he allows you to look deep into yourself and ask what kind of parent and person you want to be and gives you the encouraging words and the hope to get there. This would be a great book to give as a gift to any parent or grandparent in your life... I wish Dan all the success in spreading this book far and wide...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All Dads need to read! May 26, 2011

By The Nice Guy

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been a follower of the Single Dad Laughing blog since shortly after the post titled "Congratulations, you just broke your child". I've been hooked ever since. This book is like the finale of a great show on television. Except, there's more blogs to read! This book as so incredible I can't even begin to describe it. I read it, then immediately passed it to my wife to read. Of all the books I've read in my life that are non-fiction, I think this book belongs on the same shelf as "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I laughed, I thought, I pondered, I reflected, I cried, and then spent numerous hours talking about the book with my wife once she got done reading it. I plan on ordering plenty of these books to hand out to all my buddies who are dads or who plan on being dads. Whichever agents and publishers told Dan that "Dad books don't sell".... well, I'm pretty sure they are now feeling the same way that movie makers felt after passing on pulp fiction.

If you want a book that will draw on almost every emotion in your body, this is the one to read. I'm a better man, dad, and husband after reading this book.