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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Daily Dad summary
366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids
16 mins
Brief summary
The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday is a parenting guide for fathers to help them raise their kids with wisdom and values, drawing on the timeless wisdom of Stoicism. It offers daily advice and inspiration on how to lead a good life as a dad and mentor.
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The Daily Dad
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
Show them what it means to do the right thing
Imagine you’re driving your car. Your child is sitting in the back seat, watching. You’re in a hurry to get home, so you drive a little bit too fast and get pulled over. Money’s tight, so you try (and fail) to talk your way out of the ticket. After the cop leaves, you mutter your annoyance and frustration under your breath.
To you, that might be just another stressful day. But your child was observing you the whole time – what lessons did they learn, or unlearn? You can’t stress the importance of following rules, then speed when it’s convenient. What’s the value of honesty if you lie to the officer to avoid a fine? Who can preach love and respect, then say bad things behind someone’s back?
The truth is, it’s not just isolated moments like this. Your children are always watching you from the back seat. They’re following you. And when you go off the path, so do they.
Let them see you doing the right thing – working hard, keeping a promise, being respectful. Take the stoic philosopher Socrates. Despite his wisdom, his greatest teachings came from his character and actions, not his words. Isn’t this the ultimate standard we should hold our parenting to?
Sometimes our children misbehave – they say a cruel word, or they make a choice that goes against the values we try to teach. Shocked, we wonder where they learned that. Rarely do we admit the obvious answer: we’re probably at fault.
So next time your child does something you disapprove of, ask them this: “Have you ever seen me do that?” Maybe you’ve been unconsciously or accidentally modeling an unhealthy behavior. But now you have a valuable learning opportunity to be better.
Your children are always watching. Let them see the right thing.
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What is The Daily Dad about?
The Daily Dad (2023) is a philosophical meditation on the roles and responsibilities of parents. Presented as short passages to be consumed one day at a time, it draws on the author’s experiences of fatherhood, as well as the writings of history's greatest thinkers – from Plato to Bruce Springsteen. Whether you’re an expecting new parent or already living with a full nest, this wisdom and practical advice is timeless and applicable to all.
The Daily Dad Review
The Daily Dad (2020) is a thought-provoking book that presents invaluable insights and advice on fatherhood and parenting. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Packed with practical and actionable tips, it equips fathers with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of parenting and become better dads.
- By weaving personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and wisdom from various sources, the book offers relatable and inspiring content for fathers of all backgrounds.
- With its intimate and engaging approach, the book sheds light on the profound and beautiful journey of being a dad, keeping readers captivated from start to finish.
Who should read The Daily Dad?
- New parents looking to cultivate a healthy and productive mindset for the momentous task ahead of them
- Seasoned parents who want to raise their kids with the bigger picture in mind
- Teachers, mentors, and other carers craving the best for their children’s future
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The Daily Dad FAQs
What is the main message of The Daily Dad?
The main message of The Daily Dad is to inspire and guide dads to be present, intentional, and impactful in their children's lives.
How long does it take to read The Daily Dad?
The reading time for The Daily Dad varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Daily Dad a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Daily Dad is a valuable read for dads who want to strengthen their relationship with their children. It provides practical insights and actionable advice for daily growth.
Who is the author of The Daily Dad?
The author of The Daily Dad is Ryan Holiday.
What to read after The Daily Dad?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Daily Dad, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan
- Raising Men by Eric Davis
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Raising Securely Attached Kids by Eli Harwood
- The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine
- Why Love Matters by Sue Gerhardt
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- How to Raise Successful People by Esther Wojcicki
- The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene