Tag Archives: life lessons

Dad, Please Help Me!

At the Hyde household, love was abundant; resources were few.


Today’s story is from Justin Hyde.

“What we ate for dinner had often roamed the forest that day. Neighbors were miles apart,” Justin explained. As a boy, Justin longed to hunt with his dad. He pleaded, but was told,

“Justin, you’re too young.”

Justin Hyde

Justin Hyde (right) and dad, Kevin Hyde (3rd from right) with family and friends

The day finally came. Justin was 6. Justin’s dad carried his gun. The sling was too big for Justin’s tiny shoulder. They started the trek up the mountain. Justin remembered, “It seemed like we walked forever.” Father and son moved quietly through the brush, “We didn’t want to frighten the prey.” Shadows grew long. Darkness began to fall.   READ MORE 

Fathers Grow Better with Time

Fathers Grow Better with Time…

Dad became my mentor, the best a son could have. But I had paid a price.


Today’s story is from Diane Prince Johnston.

In 1974, I had just graduated from law school. I was determined to take on the world and forge my own way.

By that time, Chubby, my dad had decades of business experience. He had built successful real estate, lending and land development firms. Dad became my mentor, the best a son could have. But I had paid a price. When I was young, Dad left home early and worked late. I sometimes went days without seeing him.

Diane and her dad

Diane Prince Johnson and her dad Alan Prince

Our Savvy Dad guest today is Diane Prince Johnston. I identify with her story of Alan Prince, her remarkable dad. Like me, Diane paid a similar price early in life.

READ MORE 

The Father of Aerobics – Dr. Kenneth Cooper

The next time you’re sweating your way to a healthier life, gasp a “thanks” to Dr. Kenneth Cooper.


Dr. Cooper is our special Savvy Dad guest today. Dr. Cooper is a famous father — the father of aerobics. As you will see, his dad … and mom inspired him to help others live a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the father of aerobics

Dr. Kenneth Cooper,
The Father of Aerobics

Dr. Cooper is known worldwide for inventing the term “aerobics.” He authored the 1968 book by the same name, and launched a health movement that swept the land and endures to this day. Dr. Cooper advocates keeping your body fit and strong to prevent disease—true primary care.

As Dr. Cooper puts it, “…Health insurance is really disease insurance…Primary care is a misnomer and, in reality it is secondary care; taking care of people when they are sick.”   READ MORE 

Sophisticated Fathering

Sophisticated Fathering

Want to be a good dad? Be a role model.
Want to be a great dad? Make your kids the role model.


Corey Hague

I told my son Corey when I come to a fork in the road and don’t know which way is right, I ask myself “what would Corey do?”

It’s the next level.

Every day I hear stories of fathering. I’ve learned something I didn’t expect. Being a role model for your daughter or son is not as important as making them want to be a role model for you.

I’ve seen examples of not-so-good dads, with a child intent on setting him straight. How? The child becomes an example of everything right. I don’t recommend being a bad dad in the hope your kids will come to the rescue. But, consider this…   READ MORE 

Dad, I’m so proud of you.

‘Dad, I’m so proud of you.’


Greg Hague's sons

Corey, Brian, Casey & Jason
I’m so proud of my sons.

This morning my son made me sad. We were talking about Savvy Dad stuff. There was a momentary lull in the conversation. Then Brian said,

“Dad, I’m so proud of you. What you’re doing is so special – and you’re working so hard. Just wanted you to know how I feel.”

My heart lit up. Are there more powerful words between father and son?
READ MORE 

To Your Child —A Promise Kept is Invaluable

A promise to his little girl long ago. It was time to deliver, he knew. The price he would pay! Leave a career. Start over. Forge a new life.


Lise Webb Johnson, executive editor of John Wiley and Sons, is our Savvy Dad guest today. A mom herself, Lise told us she often thinks about a special day, her dad, and a promise he made.
Lise Webb Johnson

Lise Webb Johnson

Lise was just 9. She sat weeping on the floor of a hall closet in their Springhill, Kansas home. It was moving day…again.

“Dad was in senior management while I was growing up,” she recalls. “We had to move—a lot. This was our fifth in ten years.

The strain of always being the ‘new girl’ wore thin. It was hard to make new friends, to adjust and fit in.   READ MORE