Teaching Choral Concepts

Review

     In today's world of overlapping parental roles, a father may find himself somewhat confused as to just how he fits into the family picture. Should he be premissive? Should he be strict? Should he take an active part in the lives of his children, or should he merely be a family figure-head? Is it possible that he can love his children, yet still fail to be a good dad? Questions such as these are not abnormal nor uncommon. Fatherhood is one of the most important stewardships a man will ever assume; and rather than being a burden, it ought to be a very natural, enjoyable, "regular" experience. 

With warmth, humor and practical suggestions, A Regular Dad addresses topics such as teaching self-esteem, communicating love, conveying the value of work, creating memories, and establishing traditions. It is through the treatment of these topics that the author begins to identify what it means to be a "good dad" and how a father should be woven into the fabric of a family unit.  In contrast to other books on fatherhood and fathering techniques, A Regular Dad incorporates a different twist by including both parents in the fathering process. At the end of each chapter, topics for discussion are presented so that Mom and Dad can function as a team in leading their children to live happy and successful lives. 

Fatherhood is indeed a challenging endeavor, but an exciting one. With a touch of encouragement, a lot of patience, and a little guidance from this book, there are no limits to the good that a dad, even just a "regular dad" can do. 

Table of Contents

PREFACE, 9

1. DAD: WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT GOOD ARE YOU ANYWAY?, 19
When a man becomes a real dad
The influence a dad can have
On being a "regular dad"

2. A "LAST LETTER", 26
If a dad had to write a "last letter" to his children, what would he write?
My "last letter": hopes for my children, some things I want for them and our relationship, my support of their decisions

3. LOVE COMES FIRST, 32
The love of a dad for his children
Communicate unique value to each child
Make each child feel like #1
Give praise, affection, touch

4. TRADITIONS AND MEMORIES, 46
Family traditions and memories are ways of helping children establish identity
What will a child remember about his home life?
Create traditions

5. SPEND THE TIME, 54
Time spent with a child communicates interest and love
Quantity as well as quality is necessary
A dad has to work at making the time, not just wait to "find it"

6. WORK TOGETHER, 65
Teach the value of work
Set up a household chore routine so that nagging isn't necessary
The real value of work for a child

7. THE HOME IS A REFUGE, 79
Children, like adults, need a refuge, where they can relax from the demands of the world
Listen to children's opinions

8. REDUCE THE DEMANDS, 88
Reduce undue demands at home and help children prepare for school and outside pressures
Determine which parental and societal demands are needless or excessive

9. ALLOW AND CAUSE GROWTH, 100
Children must not be forced into one mold
A dad can be an influence, but not the creator
Allow decisions and choices
Independence is the goal
Prepare children to be grown up at 18 and able to make their own decisions
Life isn't always easy
A dad can help his child grow from life's experiences
Reduce the fear some parents have of letting their children grow in their own unique ways

10. TEACH HOW TO LIVE, 116
Teach the skills and values of living
A dad can teach the basics of who he is and what he stands for to counter the influences of the world
Limit TV, discuss it, and use it to clarify views
Teach children to question societal standards to the point where they can come to their own conclusions and lifestyle

11. RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS, 129
Teach children to respect themselves as the basis for respecting others
Make positive use of labels
Parents won't approve all of their children's choices in friends, but must allow free choice
Teach the skills to communicate with others
Help children accept others' ideas by your acceptance of theirs

12. CONFLICTING NEEDS, 141
Parents have a need to hold onto the family
Children have a need to get free of it
Get to know your kids
Recognize the level of development

13. DISCIPLINE, 149
Discipline has to make sense
We don't own anyone, nor are we responsible for our child's choices
No manipulation, abuse, trickery, or excessive control
Communicate love in discipline
Flare-ups and Pre-sets

14. DON'T BE A TYPICAL DAD, 163
Dads have typically been the providers and mothers the nurturers, yet both should nurture
No pampering as a dad
Be a liberated family
Fatherhood can give the greatest rewards in life

INDEX, 171

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