We live in a fatherless period in time. I think often of this verse from a fatherless time in ancient history. What a promise God made as the final ink on the last pages of the Old Testament began to dry: He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. (Malachi 4:6) I've used this verse as a prayer in my home, asking God to make me the kind of mother who partners with God in turning the hearts of the Gresh children (and grandchildren) toward Bob! The kind of woman who turns Bob's heart toward our children (and grandchildren). If your children, like mine, have an involved dad in their lives, they are blessed. Let's be the kind of women who live as if we believe that! My husband is what we call a Wolf Dad. He and I learned the term years ago from a mentor who was teaching us about parenting. You see, wolves co-parent, but they fulfill very different roles.

For the first six months of life, a litter of cubs stays in the den receiving nurture, nourishment, and protection from "mom." During that time, if a cub attempts to wander from the den, she gently picks it up by the scruff of the neck and draws it deep back in. Her job is to keep the pups safe, teach them to groom themselves, and cuddle. Otherwise, they would not bond. But after six months, "dad" steps in. He invites those cuddly pups out of the den. In fact, sometimes he pushes them out. With each invitation or push, the litter goes farther and farther with him.

Eventually, they make it far enough to play a game of relay using sticks. His job is to teach them to take risks and to be hunters. Otherwise, they would not survive. Bob and I believe that mothers and fathers, like co-parenting wolves, have different roles to play in the lives of children. We also believe that those differences should be celebrated and affirmed. Sadly, that's not what many women do when their husband parent differently. When they act likes dads! That's why I'm so thankful for this book from Jay. He provides practical advice for wives and moms to celebrate and affirm the unique role a dad plays in a child's development.

This book will help you encourage your husband to move into his hero role in your family. That includes letting him parent differently. And, of course, it includes knowing when and how to practically help him or advise him. From something as simple as teaching dads to swaddle a baby using the burrito fold to practical strategies for activating their strengths while overcoming their weaknesses, you have incredible opportunities to help your husband become the hero your children need. Jay Payleitner speaks from the perspective of personal experience and biblical truth to equip moms and encourage dads. I've been following Jay for years, and I'm so thankful he has written this great book for women. Dive into the pages of it. It'll help you become the kind of woman who turns the hearts of a father and his children toward one another! Dannah Gresh, author of Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl and Six Ways to Keep the Good in Your Boy ; founder, True Girl.