Dad for a lifetime

Gregory W. Slayton, author of the best-seller

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In his book, Slayton paints a picture of a so-called "noble family vision", which is a map of sorts of what type of father, and type of family, that can be developed.

The book then provides 10 specific tools to help fathers achieve that vision - even when circumstances change and the trials of life make that vision seems unreachable.

Zhang Yaqin, the vice-president of Microsoft China, says it is an action-oriented book featuring practical tools for being a good father. One piece of advice: When spending quality time with your kids, don't be checking your cellphone.

The book is "a man-on-man talk", he says.

However, there is no perfect father in this world, as men are all learning and growing. "Sometimes when I've made mistakes, my little boy, who is 13 years old, says to me, 'Hey Dad, be a better dad today!'," the author says.

Slayton, who seeks strength from his strong faith, also poses questions throughout the book for greater reflection, and gives brief but vital instructions that can be put in practice.

"The difference between spending zero hours with your family and spending five or 10 hours a week with your family can be the difference of whether you will have a happy family or have no family when you are 70 years old."

The book also addresses long-distance fatherly relationships, single fatherhood, as well as "beanballs", dubbed by Slayton as life's trials that create obstacles for parenting.

"Fatherhood is a journey, and it is a journey forever. But it's the most exciting journey we can imagine and it is the biggest blessing that you can have," he says.

Contact the writer at zhangyuchen@chinadaily.com.cn