Uncool dads, fret not: there's a book for you!

by Jonathon Morgan (Subscribe to Jonathon Morgan's posts) Nov 6th 2006 6:34PM

Categories: Just For Dads, Fun & Activities, Media, That's Entertainment

Feeling like a big geek? I hear ya, dude. This foray into parenting has me constantly questioning my own coolness. Like somehow being a dad forbids me from being "hip", or "with it", or "jiggy", or something. Sigh. Never fear. There's a book that can help you.

Filled with tricks, games, puzzles and other stuff that's sure to impress you little ones, Be the Coolest Dad On Your Block has arrived to save us all. Find out how to make garbage bag kites, animated Lego movies and more -- so you, too, can be your household's very own MacGyver.

Check out Mark Frauenfelder's mini-review on BoingBoing, or just buy the thing.

Source

Comments (18)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ceallach 11-08-2006 @ 6:45PM

Um, it waited for publication, and is already out of date because of it.

Doug Hayes 11-09-2006 @ 3:21PM

You can definitely be a cool dad without all of this boring lingo.

Paul Richardson 11-09-2006 @ 4:11PM

Being a cool Dad is quite different than being a Dad that is cool.Most Dad's concerned with being cool do not make very good Dad's. However being the best Dad you can makes you a cool Dad. Read boystomenbook.com.

Gary K. 11-09-2006 @ 4:26PM

Yeah !! Read this book and you too can be a cool daddy !! Twenty three skidoo man !! It's the cat's pajamas !! Gimme a Break !!!!!!!!!!!!

Jay Mac 11-09-2006 @ 4:48PM

Being a cool dad is simple, not easy but simple. Put your child's wants and needs before your own, period.
Also understand that mom and dad are title's you earn,
just the fact you had a baby doesn't make you a mother or father. One more thing, kid's don't need parents that are (best) friends. Friend's they have, it's parent's they need.

Felicia 11-09-2006 @ 4:59PM

I agree with #3 about being the best dad that you can. My girls are always telling me that I'm a cool mom and that their friends love me. I can assure you that it's not because I let them get away with everything. My husband has never disciplined them... he has always left it to me dispite my complaints. My 17 year old daughter told me the other day that she respects me more because with me, she knows what she can expect. She said that I am consistent with discipline and does what I say that I'm going to do. And that I'm always fair and honest with them, unlike their father. Also, my being cool isn't because I buy them everything that they want because there have been many times that we've bought their clothes at Goodwill. I can't give them lots of things. In fact, they know that we won't have Christmas presents because we have no money. I usually buy dollar store stuff and fill their stockings. They love to see how much junk I can get in their. They said that's their favorite part of Christmas. Now days, alot of parents never say no to their kids because they are afraid that the child won't love them. I say that when you say no to them, it gives them a reason to respect you because you have provided boundries for them which is what a child wants .. whether they no it or not.

Mike Rotella 11-09-2006 @ 5:08PM

One thing to remember, when they're bad, don't be afraid to spank 'em.

jon 11-09-2006 @ 5:20PM

Now doing this makes you the coolest and a rich dad.
check it out.

Pete 11-09-2006 @ 6:11PM

If dads try to be cool all the time, they will be distracted by that and not have time for their kids who need a parent not a friend.

bob smith 11-09-2006 @ 8:35PM

cool dad is just seven letters the best dad changes diapers is up for midnight feeds, and gets involved with the childs life as they grow. be supportive, respectful,and there when needed when they grow up you will have a much better seven letter word. blessed

bri 11-09-2006 @ 8:35PM

Um, I think they mean being a cool dad as in, not being a dork. Like for example, don't dress like a tool or blast talk radio when dropping the kids off at school. Some dads embarrass their kids by being uncool and this creates a situation where kids wont bring friends home or hang around their parents. If that happens, then you lose some of the ability to see what your kids are doing. Cool can also mean, getting involved with what the kids are into and learning about it together instead of "trying" to be cool by using words or phrases that seem to be "cool". It also helps to let your kids pick out their clothes within reason because they know what will make them comfortable, instead of sending them to school in toughskin jeans because thats what you wore. Set a budget and let them make some choices. So basically, be cool and let your kids be themselves around you without the fear of dad making a dork out of himself and the family will grow.

Dennis 11-09-2006 @ 8:35PM

What's the hype just be yourself DAD!

henry 5-17-2007 @ 12:00AM

Fuck this book. Im a cool dad bitch!!

Dennis 11-09-2006 @ 8:35PM

Just be yourself!

kc 11-09-2006 @ 7:44PM

Its getting ugly (in my area at least)seeing all these "cool" dads with undisciplined kids who seem to not respect their parents, which I think because they are trying to hard being "cool" that they have lost the direction.

thomas williamson 11-10-2006 @ 9:41AM

I agree with #11 that dads have undisciplined kids.. both parents should agree on corrective action or discipline will go to hell in a handbasket.

Jonathon 11-09-2006 @ 8:37PM

Yeah...I think this book is about finding ways to identify with your kids in a way that they're excited about. What's all this took about having unruly brats?

Are we displacing feelings of self-consciousness, or what?

Anthony Bird 11-20-2006 @ 9:38AM

You don't need someone else telling you how to be a cool dad. I think it's all about establishing a good relationship with your child. Just be involved in his life. Know the things that your kids are interested in. It's enough that you know what they're into so you can relate with them better.You don't have to be too involved...then you'd just be annoying. Whether you're a cool dad or not is for your kids to decide. Maybe the book is a good read and can even provide helpful tips or give you ideas. But let it not be some sort of a parenting manual.

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