Dad's job
The Translator
Explain the world to them, and let them loose.
The world is confusing, and your kid can be confusing to the world. The job is translating both ways, checking your own assumptions, and eventually letting them make sense of it without you.
How The Translator opens in the book
Growing up in New York City, you learn pretty early that what somebody says and what they mean can be two entirely different things. “Have a nice day” might be a sincere farewell or a fairly serious insult, depending on the tone attached to it. You learn to pay attention. The expression, the inflection, who’s standing nearby, and what happened five minutes before you arrived.
…
From the book
5 true stories in The Translator.
- The Bucket
- The Stock Car
- The Empty Street
- The Bondo Money
- The Hood
Find out what happened in the book.
Preorder on Amazon →Sh!t we wish we'd known
#33 Show Them What Comes After the Swear Word
Kids copy the energy as much as the language. Teach them where the words belong, then show them what comes next: admit it sucks, laugh if you can, and deal with the problem.
- #34
- #35
- #36
- #37
4 more for The Translator. We're not giving away all 44 on a website. Feb 16, 2027.
Be The Translator this weekend.
Things to try with your kid, from strongerKIDS.org.
Argue Both Sides
Pick any topic. Argue for it hard. Then argue against it just as hard.
Budget A Family Meal
$20 limit. Kid plans every dish, shops the list, tracks spending.
Cards For Kids In Hospitals
Paper and markers. Real words. Drop them off in person if you can.
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
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