Parenting Short Takes: The Importance of Dads

The titles in this issue paint an intriguing sociological portrait. The importance of fathers is highlighted, and the titles are not limited to the usual sappy Father's Day suspects, which are probably only read by women. They are solid offerings that speak to the current generation of fathers' desires to be active leaders in children's lives. The books addressing women's issues explore the common angst of working professionals and how we balance our desires for ourselves as women, as mothers, and the dreams of our children.

Cartmell, Todd. Project Dad: The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide for Becoming a Great Father. Revell. Apr. 2011. 208p. ISBN 9780800719999. pap. $12.99. CHILD REARING
Clinical psychologist Cartmell offers a humorous, touching, and effective DIY guide for growing and enhancing that one-of-a-kind bond between father and child. Playfully appreciating the perspectives of both father and child, the author identifies five key concepts for parenting, presented within the context of a Christian family: eyes (how you look at your children), mouth (how you talk to your children), heart (how you connect with your children), hands (how you act toward your children), and feet (how you lead your children). Even though each chapter includes references to Scripture, Cartmell's style transcends any neocon vibes, and his delightful, laugh-out-loud humor reaches beyond dogma. A delightful fatherhood guide with a clever style that feels like a warm and necessary embrace. Very well done.

Deal, Ron L. The Smart Stepdad: Steps To Help You Succeed! Bethany. Apr. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9780764206962. pap. $13.99. CHILD REARING
Marriage and family therapist Deal gives a wealth of sound and practical advice for stepfathers. From allowing the child to set the relationship's pace, to understanding that a stepfather does not a father make, to reprocessing developmental grieving, his advice is recommended for all stepfathers. Whether the stepchildren are young, out of the house, or whether their biological father is alive or deceased, his guiding philosophy combined with specific strategies for building relationships is relevant and helpful to new and seasoned stepfathers. He includes case studiess, advice for moms, and discussion questions for a group-read setting. While some readers may be reluctant to choose this title based on the author's affiliation with Focus on the Family, his advice goes beyond a conservative audience. Recommended.

Denmead, Ken. The Geek Dad's Guide to Weekend Fun: Cool Hacks, Cutting-Edge Games, and More Awesome Projects for the Whole Family. Gotham: Penguin Group (USA). May 2011. 227p. ISBN 9781592406449. pap. $18. CHILD REARING
Roll out the red carpet-Geek Dad is back! Denmead has assembled another stellar collection of weekend projects to exercise your STEM skills, tickle your funny bone, and get your kids doing both while thinking you're the best dad in town. From building a backyard zip line to tricking out your Nerf gun, Denmead subscribes to the hacking community's philosophy that "if you can't understand how something works, you don't truly own it." Each project thus has a learning/building/playing trinity, a trait that might just be the holy grail of parenting. He includes conceptual overviews, cost estimates, difficulty ratings, duration ratings, reusability ratings, and a tools and materials lists. Not only are Denmead's projects practical, but kids will love the mildly dangerous feel to them.

Dorfman, Kelly. What's Eating Your Child?: The Hidden Connections Between Food and Childhood Ailments-Anxiety, Recurrent Ear Infections, Stomachaches, Picky Eating, Rashes, ADHD, and More. And What Every Parent Can Do About It. Workman. Jun. 2011. 352p. ISBN 9780761161196. pap. $13.95. CHILD REARING
Health program planner and nutritionist Dorfman has written a commendable title on the relationship among food, nutrition, and certain childhood ailments. Encouraging parents to be "nutrition detectives," she highlights the way toward ascertaining if a food allergy or intolerance could be contributing to the problem, while appreciating the challenges parents often face in the kitchen. In her "E.A.T. program," she gives excellent suggestions for changing food habits that are realistic without being Pollyanna-ish. From "The Case of the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow" to "The Toddler Who Could Not Stop Spitting Up," Dorfman does an excellent job of outlining how nutrition can affect a child's development and when to turn to other medical approaches; she persuasively argues for greater knowledge from pediatricians and specialists. Recommended.

Gillespie, Becky Beaupre & Hollee Schwartz Temple. Good Enough Is the New Perfect: Finding Happiness and Success in Modern Motherhood. Harlequin. Apr. 2011. 288p. ISBN 9780373892372. pap. $16.95. CHILD REARING
Despite racking up impressive accomplishments and earning more money, women are not as happy as they could be, argue the authors. Journalist Gillespie and journalist-cum-attorney Temple surveyed over 900 working mothers to see if there were options that didn't involve being exhausted or frustrated and, if so, what those commonalities were. Their findings? Enough of the perfectionist uber-pursuits! Just because "you can do anything...doesn't mean you have to do everything." Many titles have been published on work/life balance, helicopter parenting, gender, and labor division; this is another step in the right direction. However, this reviewer firmly believes that mental tweaking will have limited effects until family and corporate policies truly change for the better. This title is recommended for its valuable insight into the changing landscape of working families.

Sturges, Tom. Grow the Tree You Got: & 99 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Adolescents and Teenagers. Tarcher: Penguin. May 2011. 288p. ISBN 9781585428601. pap. $15.95. CHILD REARING
Sturges (Parking Lot Rules)-mentor, music executive, and son of Academy Award winner Preston Sturges-here offers personal essays for successfully parenting an adolescent. With insights into the music industry scattered throughout, he weaves his own life experiences as both a young person and an adult into his parenting years, as well as the influence of various high-profile figures such as Paul McCartney and Shaquille O'Neal (whose praise for the galley includes the astoundingly literary statement, "This is a great book"). While Sturges offers up decent advice in a pleasant enough style, there is nothing groundbreaking or significant here. For libraries where there is local interest.

Wright, Greg. Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts. Thomas Nelson. May 2011. 208p. ISBN 9781595553201. $16.99. CHILD REARING
If going on a date with your dad seems creepy, take a second to hear the details. Consultant and motivational speaker Wright didn't like the feeling that his parenting was "shooting from the hip every day," so he hatched a plan and a mission. He instituted individual "date nights" with each of his four girls, wherein he would pick her up, take her somewhere interesting, and make a real effort to get to know her and to nurture her "inner compass." His three equations that yield predictable results: 1. Rules - Relationship = Rebellion; 2. Relationship - Rules = Destruction; 3. Relationship + Rules = Connection. Wright's formulas are a good guidepost, even if his style is a bit cheesy and pitchy. At hardcover prices, this is optional.