Fathering From Love

Jonathan T. Scott
Proud Parent Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0975403001
Reviewed by Cherie Burbach for Reader Views (3/06)

Jonathan Scott grew up with a father who was a success in business and yet failed miserably when it came to parenting. He took that upbringing to heart and vowed not to duplicate this cycle with his own children. As a result of taking years of notes and recording his thoughts, he has written “Fathering From Love,” a must read for parents – fathers especially – of any age.

The chapters in “Fathering From Love” begin with the a lesson stemming from personal observations from Scott – including items from his childhood, the state of society today, and his own experience in parenting – and end with “afterthoughts,” a bulleted list of items Scott wished he could have heard from his own father. In recording these afterthoughts Scott has given the reader countless conversation starters and ways to remind your child how much you care. Perhaps the most poignant of these thoughts is on page 98:

“I never knew how quickly kids are willing to forgive a fallible father who’s willing to do better.”

Scott is living testament that no matter your upbringing, if you had a father that did not love you as he should, you need to become aware of this situation and take steps to change that with your own children. The author gives the reader plenty of chances to reflect on personal behavior with each lesson and “afterthought” he writes. He rounds out the book with “40 Ways to Improve Your Relationship Today” as well as a host of websites to view for more ideas and help.

This book is a pleasant read and most importantly, a great resource for parents. No matter what your age, it is never too late to make steps to repair the relationship with your child. “Fathering From Love” will show you how to take those steps starting today.

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