My older daughter started kindergarten last month (year-round school here), and my husband insisted on attending the informational meeting that was held prior to her first day. I was more than happy to stay home and let him sit through what I expected (and I was right) would be one heck of a yawnfest.

But even more important than my glee at avoiding the first in what will probably be a never-ending string of school meetings was my pleasure in seeing his genuine interest in our daughter’s schooling.

I consider myself to be one of the lucky women whose husband really and truly enjoys his children, no matter whether he’s performing the routine tasks or taking them out for special treats. He even loved those baby days when all they did was cry and sleep and poop. But I know he much prefers the verbal interaction and sharing of interests that come as children enter what Armin Brott calls “the wonder years” - ages 3 to 9.

So I didn’t even have to ask him to read Brott’s newest book - “Fathering Your School-Age Child” - the subject of the latest Parent Bloggers Network review campaign. He saw it on the counter, picked it up, and brought it to the bathroom. Because let’s be honest, that’s where daddies do most of their reading.

He has read and enjoyed two of Brott’s other books about fatherhood - “The Expectant Father” and “The New Father” - and passed them along to his older brother who recently became a father himself. And when I asked him to provide some feedback on the book, he gladly obliged - because he loves me as well as our girls.

“The author, Armin Brott, wrote a comprehensive and well-researched handbook for any dad - first timers or even third-timers (like myself). As with most handbooks, one can read FYSAC flipping around forward and back to areas that interest you and or are relevant to current problems or concerns. I have a five year-old so I was immediately drawn first to that chapter. I loved reading what to expect of my five year-old and proudly checking off that, “yup - she does that too.” The chapters are well organized and are consistent. Beginning with expectations to how the child is growing mentally and physically and finally to how the dad is evolving to the new role.

Mr Brott liberally peppers his paragraphs with relevant recent research citing the scientific paper and author. This lends tremendous credibility, but also takes a lot of space that could have been used to convey more insights; that said, although it’s possibly the only critique, I understand this referencing is necessary. One researcher revealed that I had been doing something wrong. When Tacy complains that I have to go to work, I explain that if I did not go, I couldn’t pay the mortgage and we would live in a box under a bridge. According to researchers however, I should not make my daughter feel guilty, and the example given on page 49 is almost verbatim what I keep telling Tacy about mortgages and the (ahem) joys of cardboard box life.

I also was fascinated to learn about the research done over time relating to the interaction between three-to-five year-olds and their fathers as related to their empathy as older children. There is a direct correlation, it was found, between the amount of attention given to this sprouting toddler and how well they adjusted to groups as nine year-olds, along with their overall level of compassion and kindness.

And it’s up to date! Those instant message acronyms that older kids use on their cell phones are translated by Mr. Brott on page 175. I knew a few of them already, but this kind of information is very useful to monitor development and potential problems.

In sum, I found the book useful, interesting, and relevant. It’s already helped make me a better dad.”

For my part, I don’t think that his explanation to Tacy regarding the necessity of work induces guilt. Considering how many adults don’t seem to understand the importance of money management and financial consequences, I think it’s probably a good idea to start teaching these concepts early. However, we should probably dispense with the worst case scenario of cardboard-box-as-domicile.

I’ve had no doubt all along that my husband will be an involved father throughout our children’s lives. But it’s still a great affirmation to witness the depth and continuity of his interest.

For more information about all of Armin Brott’s publications and other fathering resources, please visit his website. If you’d like to purchase a copy of “Fathering Your School-Age Child”, click here.