If Jenny McCarthy can pen entire volumes on parenting, then Garth Brooks—arguably the most prominent figure in country music—can certainly share advice on raising daughters. After taking a significant hiatus to prioritize family, Brooks is ready to return to the limelight now that his youngest child is 18. With his children growing up, he’s stepping back into the public eye.
Let me clarify: I’ve never been a Garth Brooks admirer, and country music isn’t exactly my go-to genre. However, Brooks is not just any country artist; he ranks as the second best-selling album artist in U.S. history, following The Beatles and ahead of Elvis Presley. Despite my reservations, he garners immense respect and admiration, and as a father of three daughters, he has valuable insights to share.
Recently, People magazine featured him on their cover, highlighting his Top 5 Tips for Raising Daughters. While I usually shy away from celebrity parenting advice, I found myself intrigued enough to click through. Here’s a breakdown of his suggestions, presented in a different order for a fresh perspective.
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Establish Clear Consequences.
Brooks emphasizes the importance of setting consequences, particularly regarding grades and cell phone use. We’ve all witnessed parents who threaten to cancel plans without follow-through, teaching kids nothing in the process. A well-defined consequence can be highly effective, though I still struggle to part with my son’s Legos, even when they cause me pain at night. -
Evaluate Their Dates Early.
Initially, I braced myself for an outdated, protective approach, but Brooks offered a refreshing perspective. He suggests that a young man who can set aside his pride by allowing a girl to drive on their first date demonstrates maturity. His focus on independence and equality is commendable, aligning with his previously expressed support for LGBTQ+ rights. I was pleasantly surprised by this advice. -
Encourage Hard Work.
I wholeheartedly agree with Brooks on this point. He made his children work in service roles, which is a lesson I value deeply from my own experiences. My son, for instance, has started a Lego service, helping younger kids with their building kits. When my children are old enough, I plan to encourage them to take jobs to understand the value of hard work. In fact, I believe a gap year before college to gain work experience can be beneficial. -
Allow Them to Experience Failure.
This advice struck a chord with me. Brooks recounts how his daughter continued to play soccer despite facing tough competition. Many parents, myself included, often feel the urge to intervene and rescue their child from disappointment. Instead, I’m learning to guide my kids by asking if they want advice rather than offering unsolicited help. When my daughter lost at backgammon recently, she proudly declared, “That’s the least I’ve ever lost by!” -
Be Available, But Not Always.
Here, we diverge. After stepping back from full-time work to be present for my kids, I quickly learned how often they need me throughout the day. What starts as a desire to be available can become overwhelming, leading to a cycle of forgotten items and school nurse calls. We had to establish boundaries about when it’s appropriate to call home—like serious illnesses or emergencies—rather than responding to every little concern.
In conclusion, it’s fascinating to see how even a megastar like Garth Brooks finds joy in the daily grind of parenting. While we may not all have the privilege of retreating from the empty nest syndrome with world tours, we can still appreciate the simple moments of packing lunches and cheering at soccer games. His parenting tips, while surprising, provide real insight into the challenges and joys of raising children.
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Summary
Garth Brooks shares valuable parenting advice based on his experiences raising three daughters. His tips highlight the importance of setting consequences, fostering independence in relationships, encouraging hard work, allowing children to experience failure, and maintaining a balance in availability. Despite my initial skepticism, his insights resonate with many parents navigating the complexities of raising children.