Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know | Meg Meeker

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know | Meg Meeker | Wonderful and Informative Guide for Fathers. Buy it!

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Strong Fathers, St...

	Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know Meg Meeker Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2006 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 137 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Being a Good Dad Isn't Hard But It Does Take Work

I loved the tone and message of this book which is basic to everything in life - anything worth doing is worth doing well. That doesn't mean it comes easy, in fact it may be a lot of hard, painful work, but if it is something you care about, like your daughter and your relationship with her, it is worth doing right. Unlike many parenting books, this one isn't overly 'preachy'. It also focuses on attributes men tend to have and how to use those attributes to be a good father - be strong, be firm, be supportive, be involved. I highly recommend this book to the average dads out there who want to do the best they can for their little girl. This book speaks very well to the average dad. It acknowledges our flaws and focuses on our tendencies - men are problem solvers - and points out that in some cases, this is exactly what your daughter is looking for. Meg Meeker does an excellent job of inserting anecdotes of fathers and their struggles in their role as well as some true stories about daughters that were not so fortunate. Although Meeker does delve some into religion, she doesn't overdo it. Her presentation throughout the book is very pragmatic and objective. For example, she makes a point in one chapter about religious beliefs and how it is important for fathers to be clear about their beliefs with their daughters. Even if those beliefs are not in the mainstream, she observes that what is important is to be clear and communicate that to your daughter with an awareness that those beliefs may not be accepted by all. Meeker's message is that the key is to be clear in those beliefs, honest and strong. Meeker makes a critical observation that is contrary to many popular parenting ideas today. That is don't be afraid to be strong, don't hesitate to be assertive. Often, that strength and assertiveness is the guidance and support girls are looking for, whether conciously or unconciously.

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Wonderful and Informative Guide for Fathers. Buy it!

It This is an excellent book that really challenges fathers to be the best dad they can be. The book stresses over and over again how important a father is (opposite of the message that pop culture tells us) and that a father is the main person in a daughter's life that determines the direction their life will take. It makes clear that this is not a easy task, but clearly a worthwhile one. It also give you the permission to do what needs to be done.

A Dad needs to be on the front line and a hero for their daughter. This is the opposite message of pop culture. While this book challenges you to be the best dad, it also tells you why you can be.

This book builds you and your ego up as a father by outlining all the power you bring to the task.

Here is a paragraph that sums up the feel and mission of this book:
"You will have friends that are much more lenient with their daughter. The risks out there are real...don't relax until the battle leaves home (and not even then). This is a tall order, but I (the author) have seen enough heroic fathers to know that it's a tall order that every good man can fill if he sets himself to it. All it requires is that you be a man, a real man, which means a man of courage, perseverance, and integrity. You were made a man for a reason. You were made a man to be strong, loving husband and a father. So listen to your instincts (about protecting your daughter) and do what's right. Be a hero."

Her writing style smoothly mixes encouragement, facts, stories and references for a smooth, balanced and informative read.

Chapters include topics such as:
Teaching humility
Protect and defend her
Pragmatism and grit
You are the most important man in her life
She needs a hero
Teach her to fight
Be the man you want her to marry
Teach her who God is
Keep her connected

The author, Meg Meeker, MD has spent twenty years practicing pediatric and adolescent medicine and counseling teens and parents. Dr. Meeker is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a fellow of the National Advisory Board of the Medical Institute. She is a popular speaker on teen issues and is frequently heard on nationally syndicated radio and television programs. She lives and works in Traverse City, Michigan, where she is married and practices with her husband, Walter Meeker. They have four children.

The author basis her conclusions not only on her own experiences from twenty years in the medical field, but also an extensive usage of outside sources. She details her sources in the back of the book in her Bibliography and Notes.

This book focuses on relationships with daughters and does not mention relationships with sons.

I urge mothers to buy this book for the father of their daughters and I urge fathers to take up the challenge and go to battle for the lives of their daughters.

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Good Information to start with

Our first is due in 3 months(our little Chloe) and I heard about the book through Dave Ramsey, I have to say it's been worthwhile. You might not agree with every chapter or suggestion but the most important thought is that we Father's get involved and be the Dad our girls need on many levels. Some of the info might scare some people but I think it's trying to wake up us newer Dad's to the important roles we play in her life and to take the reins and not opt out when it gets difficult or about something we're uncomfortable with. Good book and I will not be opting out, our daughters deserve the best.

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Good reminder, but lacking in some areas

I would like to commend Dr. Meeker for writing a book focused on improving Fatherhood. Too often fathers forget their influence in raising a strong daughter.

This book gave me a key insight: Take a Stand for your Daughter(s). Most of Dr. Meeker's advice centers around this insight. It is crucial to believe in your daughter and stand up for her morals and virtues.

This book was a good reminder but I found it lacking in a few areas. Most notable was how to drive long-term change. The lessons are insightful but they don't drive a substantial change in a Father's way of Being. Too often we remember a lesson but don't change.

I struggled with Dr. Meeker's data on Faith and Divorce. The common misperception is to take the initial data that stronger father's are married and have faith in God. There is ample evidence to show that the key is to have parents that have strong morals, virtues and a belief in their daughter's potential. This does not require Faith in a single God or a couple that is married.

Having a strong family unit with a father and mother in the same household is important. Again, I differ with Dr. Meeker's opinion that you should stay together for the sake of the children. Your children are intuitive humans and will feel your intentions. Staying together but spiting each other and not communicating will also be detrimental. A commitment to your wife is required for a successful marriage that shows the benefits of a strong marriage.

Overall a good reminder for Fathers on their strong influence on their daughter's perception of men. Strong evidence shows this to be true, and I can attest from my experience with my daughters. My recommendation is to read this book but consider enhancing with stronger changes in your Being, for example reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle or Seven Habits by Covey.

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