On the Shoulders of Giants
The first book by Owen Connolly
This book came about as a result of parenting courses run by The Nurture Institute of Further Education, starting initially in Froebel College in Blackrock and having moved recently to All Hallows College in Drumcondra. It was always noticeable on these courses that the main attendees were women. Based on this a decision was taken to introduce a one day course for men only targeting initially the husbands of the women who had already attended a Nurture Parenting Course. Owen designed the format of the course to specifically appeal to men and to encourage them to appreciate their unique value as fathers, husbands, partners and sons.
These courses were very successful and prompted feedback which indicated that the men who attended them benefited greatly from the experience. Some examples of this feedback are:
"Now I am able to understand my children's problems better and appreciate their world as well as my own."
"Now I have decided to enjoy and love my kids without judging or having preconceived ideas of how they should be."
"Now I know my role as a father is very important."
"Now I know that encouragement, attention, and acceptance are really important for the healthy development of my children."
"Now I have decided to talk to other fathers about our role."
Indeed, one participant was so impressed with the content of the course that he personally financed the production of this book which covers the course material and much more.
We would hope that this book would get into the hands of as many men as possible as we find that there are many men who are fathers but find it very difficult to be a Dad.
The book is a no nonsense guide to parenting for the everyday father on the street. Written in a non technical style. As Claire O'Sullivan from the Irish Examiner put it:
"A great book for any interested fathers, it's practical without psycho babble and answers a lot of questions that any young father might have."Claire O'Sullivan
Other quotes from journalists
"I found Standing on the Shoulders of Giants enlightening because of its insights, exhilarating because of its honesty, and liberating because it is always rooted in a common sense already available to me. Owen Connolly confronts and answers questions that mostly society declines to acknowledge a man can have. For this reason I was greatly moved by his book."John Waters, writer and longtime campaigner for parental rights for fathers
"As the old cliché goes - and it's especially true for fathers - kids don't come with an instruction manual. Well now they do."Sean Moncrieff, The Moncrieff show, Newstalk 106 FM
"The eminently sensible advice here is useful for new dads and challenging for those who have been down that road already. Its down-to-earth tone makes it a vital read for all who care about their children and the ways in which to help them on their road into the world outside."Ger Siggins, Assistant Editor, Sunday Tribune