Dad's job
The Guide
Point the way, don't walk it for them.
You've already made most of the mistakes they're about to make. The job is to share what you know, ask the question that makes them think, and let them pick the road, even when you'd pick a different one.
How The Guide opens in the book
I taught Mia how to argue with me when she was nine. Deliberately. I’ve had plenty of time since to consider the wisdom of that decision.
Nine-year-olds have a pretty reliable set of responses when something doesn’t go their way. Crying, yelling, sulking, declaring the whole situation unfair. All perfectly understandable, and generally lousy ways to get what you want.
…
From the book
5 true stories in The Guide.
- The Cow
- The Popcorn Fart
- The Burger Run
- Go Homeless
- The LandCruiser
Find out what happened in the book.
Preorder on Amazon →Sh!t we wish we'd known
#23 Think Past the Want
Before saying yes or no to a car, dog, or phone, discuss the money, work, and responsibility that come with it. Give them room to change their mind, and leave yourself room to change yours.
- #24
- #25
- #26
- #27
4 more for The Guide. We're not giving away all 44 on a website. Feb 16, 2027.
Be The Guide this weekend.
Things to try with your kid, from strongerKIDS.org.
Bake For Someone Struggling
Cookies, bread, anything. Show up at their door. Hand it over. Leave.
Blindfold Obstacle Course
Build the course first. Run it blindfolded. Partner guides with voice only.
Bread From Scratch
Flour, water, yeast, salt. Four ingredients. Kid kneads for ten minutes.
One dad. Eight jobs.
The trick is knowing which one your kid needs right now.
On sale February 16, 2027 ·
Dads Who Give a Sh!t
44 Things We Wish We'd Known While Raising Kids
Drew Klonsky and Brent Hieggelke · Skyhorse Publishing
© 2026–2027 Sporty Carrot LLC. All rights reserved.