As a new father, it hit me at exactly the right time. I keep finding myself looking backward in history for inspiration because I’m realizing that fathers across generations have carried many of the same fears and responsibilities, even if the world around them looked different. Your idea that we’re part of a long line of men trying to leave fatherhood better than we found it mirrors what I’ve been exploring in my own new publication, Raising a Good Man, where I’m looking to wisdom from fathers in history to help modern fathers raise sons of character. Thanks for reminding us that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that our sons will inherit not only what we build, but who we become. I have a feeling there are a lot more dads looking for this kind of conversation than publishers once believed!
Thanks for all your hard work Kevin, I just bought your book and I am excited to read it. I grew up in an Irish Catholic household with four kids, my dad was one of nine, I have two little ones now. At times I struggle to debug the old school dad software I was programmed with, I am grateful to find your work.
I agree that we'd all benefit from more male voices talking about parenting and fatherhood. Case in point: I was recently informed by Substack that my newsletter, Ask Your Father, is now "#89 and Rising in Parenting." Guess how many guys are ranked above me. Nevermind, I'll tell you: three (including you). Anyway, I'm glad you're helping to fill the void.
Also, your most recent post reminded me of a good article in the WSJ on how fatherhood has drastically changed over the past fifty years, but the ways we think about fatherhood often haven't--"What I receive most years are socks that say “#1 Dad,” last-minute arts and crafts, and the occasional grill gadget—a catalog essentially unchanged since 1965. The American father has been transformed significantly over the past half-century. But the gifts that honor him haven’t, and the gap between the two is worth a little economic reasoning.""
Hey Kevin, I was at your book launch the other night at Backstory. If all goes well I'll be a father in a few months... looking forward to following along here, and maybe having you on my podcast at some point.
I wanted to thank you for your great work and let you know about parent coaching services—an effective alternative to therapy! Gifted your book to my son. A new Dad!
Gloria -- you're so right. Parent coaching is powerful!
Kevin is a coach for fathers; he's running a group program right now.
Whether it's a book, a peer support group, a therapist or a coach -- it's wonderful to see so many fathers getting the support they need.
Pioneering the path I've been living has become easier knowing I'm part of a group / a "generation" maybe even of fathers showing up more vulnerably, committing to be more present.
Thanks Jeffrey! I so agree on all fronts. I am just a little biased because I started the Parent Coaching Institute in 2000 and know from experience over the years effectively addressing the growing complex challenges what a well-trained coach can mean for a deep change process for parents/families! All the best to you and all those fabulous fathers out there!
As a new father, it hit me at exactly the right time. I keep finding myself looking backward in history for inspiration because I’m realizing that fathers across generations have carried many of the same fears and responsibilities, even if the world around them looked different. Your idea that we’re part of a long line of men trying to leave fatherhood better than we found it mirrors what I’ve been exploring in my own new publication, Raising a Good Man, where I’m looking to wisdom from fathers in history to help modern fathers raise sons of character. Thanks for reminding us that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves, and that our sons will inherit not only what we build, but who we become. I have a feeling there are a lot more dads looking for this kind of conversation than publishers once believed!
Thanks for all your hard work Kevin, I just bought your book and I am excited to read it. I grew up in an Irish Catholic household with four kids, my dad was one of nine, I have two little ones now. At times I struggle to debug the old school dad software I was programmed with, I am grateful to find your work.
Hope the book helps! Seems like a lot of overlap, and I’m just trying to figure it out in public
Hi Kevin, congrats on the book!
I agree that we'd all benefit from more male voices talking about parenting and fatherhood. Case in point: I was recently informed by Substack that my newsletter, Ask Your Father, is now "#89 and Rising in Parenting." Guess how many guys are ranked above me. Nevermind, I'll tell you: three (including you). Anyway, I'm glad you're helping to fill the void.
Also, your most recent post reminded me of a good article in the WSJ on how fatherhood has drastically changed over the past fifty years, but the ways we think about fatherhood often haven't--"What I receive most years are socks that say “#1 Dad,” last-minute arts and crafts, and the occasional grill gadget—a catalog essentially unchanged since 1965. The American father has been transformed significantly over the past half-century. But the gifts that honor him haven’t, and the gap between the two is worth a little economic reasoning.""
Sharing the gift link here: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/what-dad-wants-this-fathers-day-c43d576f?st=Web9yr&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Keep up the good work, and I'll try to do the same!
Zach
Hey Kevin, I was at your book launch the other night at Backstory. If all goes well I'll be a father in a few months... looking forward to following along here, and maybe having you on my podcast at some point.
I wanted to thank you for your great work and let you know about parent coaching services—an effective alternative to therapy! Gifted your book to my son. A new Dad!
Gloria -- you're so right. Parent coaching is powerful!
Kevin is a coach for fathers; he's running a group program right now.
Whether it's a book, a peer support group, a therapist or a coach -- it's wonderful to see so many fathers getting the support they need.
Pioneering the path I've been living has become easier knowing I'm part of a group / a "generation" maybe even of fathers showing up more vulnerably, committing to be more present.
Excited for your son!
Thanks Jeffrey! I so agree on all fronts. I am just a little biased because I started the Parent Coaching Institute in 2000 and know from experience over the years effectively addressing the growing complex challenges what a well-trained coach can mean for a deep change process for parents/families! All the best to you and all those fabulous fathers out there!