ALEX BERENSON: Gentle parenting can't replace the strength of a good dad

June 19, 2026 - 22:19

In a cultural moment where "gentle parenting" dominates the conversation, author Alex Berenson is pushing back with a straightforward manifesto for dads. His new book offers 50 practical tips aimed at redefining fatherhood, arguing that modern parenting advice has stripped fathers of their natural authority and strength. Berenson contends that the current trend of soft, emotionally-focused parenting often leaves a void that a father's direct, action-oriented approach can fill.

Rather than offering vague platitudes, the book focuses on concrete actions: teaching kids how to handle disappointment, encouraging physical risk-taking within safe limits, and modeling resilience. Berenson criticizes what he sees as a negative portrayal of fathers in media and parenting literature, where dads are often depicted as bumbling or unnecessary. He argues that a good father provides a counterbalance to the endless validation of gentle parenting, offering structure and accountability. The core message is that children need more than just a friend in their parent; they need a leader who can set boundaries and prepare them for a world that will not always coddle them. By reclaiming the role of the dad as a source of strength and practical wisdom, Berenson hopes to give fathers permission to parent with confidence.