Book review: Be A Better Dad Today

Contributed By Rev Kevin Graves

He boldly states, “One of the most important gifts you can give your children is to love your wife.” He highlights another important tool; that fathers need Other Good Dads. We need allies. We need accountability. We need encouragement.

Despite Professor Slayton’s many successes, he writes that being a Dad is “the most important job a man will ever have.” Raised in a dysfunctional home by a father who abandoned them when he was an early teenager, Gregory was rescued by a Chinese immigrant family who took him in, taught him what a real family could be, and ultimately introduced him to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Inspired by this example, Gregory spent 25 years studying common traits of successful fathers around the world. He has compiled these nuggets into a handy 10 Tools format, based on the acronym “F-A-T-H-E-R-H-O-O-D”. It includes gems such as Family Fun, having an Optimistic, Never-Surrender Attitude, and tips on marriage (All-in Marriage), where Gregory gives multiple facts on how a strong marriage directly impacts children in life. He boldly states, “One of the most important gifts you can give your children is to love your wife.” He highlights another important tool; that fathers need Other Good Dads. We need allies. We need accountability. We need encouragement.

Full of practical suggestions and a “Put It To Work” section at the end of each chapter, one of the most outstanding chapters teaches us how to create a Noble Family Vision. While many work for companies and attend churches with clearly defined vision statements, Professor Slayton wisely beckons us: “Happy families are not built by accident”. Families need a vision too! The book ends with some practical ways to start a Father’s Group. Get a copy of Be A Better Dad Today, and consider starting one at your church!

Rev Kevin Graves has lived in Asia for 34 years and is the founder of Target Ministries. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, Rev Graves is also Executive Director of Family First Singapore, author, and father of seven children together with his wife, Joyce.

Be A Better Dad Today is available at the Attic Library at Faith. You can also purchase a copy at Faithworks Bookstore (11 East Coast Road, #02-22 The Odean Katong, Singapore 428722). Visit their website at https://www.faithworks.com.sg for more information. For multiple copies you can also contact admin@foffoundation.org.