If Jenny McCarthy can pen extensive tomes on parenting, then surely Garth Brooks—the iconic figure of country music—can offer advice on raising daughters. After taking a significant hiatus from his career to focus on his family, Brooks is now stepping back into the limelight as his youngest child turns 18. With his children growing up, he’s ready to embrace the world once again.
Let me be upfront: I’ve never considered myself a Garth Brooks enthusiast, nor do I typically delve into country music. However, Brooks isn’t merely a country artist—he’s a musical powerhouse. He ranks as the second-best-selling album artist in U.S. history, trailing only The Beatles, with Elvis Presley right behind. Dismiss my skepticism all you want; he is adored by millions and is a commendable father to three daughters with valuable insights to share.
Recently, a prominent magazine featured him on their cover, highlighting his Top 5 Tips for Raising Daughters. Although I generally overlook Brooks-related articles, I clicked on this one, curious to glean some wisdom. Let’s explore his tips, but I’ll present them in reverse order for a twist.
- Always Set Consequences.
Brooks emphasizes the importance of establishing clear consequences for actions, particularly regarding grades and cell phone privileges. We’ve all witnessed parents threatening, “If you do this again, I’m canceling our trip!”—only to follow through with the trip anyway, leaving kids unscathed. A well-defined consequence can make a significant impact. (Yet, I still find it hard to toss out my son’s Legos even after stepping on them late at night.) - Evaluate Their Dates Immediately.
My initial thought was that this would be some sort of overbearing, outdated advice regarding daughters and their suitors. However, Brooks’ perspective is surprisingly refreshing. He suggests that if a young man is willing to let a girl drive on their first date, it shows maturity. His emphasis is on fostering independence rather than being overly protective. Kudos, Garth! Your views on equality and support for LGBTQ+ rights hint at your progressive mindset. I genuinely appreciate this advice. - Encourage Them to Work.
I wholeheartedly agree with this tip. It’s commendable when affluent parents encourage their children to take on jobs, as Brooks did by having his kids wait tables. My own childhood was shaped by various jobs, including waitressing, teaching me the value of hard work and money management. My 11-year-old has even started a Lego service, assisting younger kids with their building projects, which alleviates stress for their busy parents. I believe every young adult should experience the workforce before diving into college—once again, Garth and I are on the same page! - Allow Them to Experience Failure.
Now this one hits home too! Brooks discusses his daughter’s soccer experience, where she faced tough losses. There’s a growing concern about how we’re raising children who struggle with losing. While it’s not my primary worry, I’ve seen the frustration in my kids’ eyes, and I constantly fight the urge to swoop in and save them from their mistakes. Just recently, during a game of backgammon, I refrained from giving unsolicited advice. My daughter proudly noted, “That’s the least I’ve ever lost by!” when she didn’t win. Garth, you’re spot on with this one too. - Always Be Available.
Here’s where our views diverge. When I transitioned from a full-time office job to being more present for my kids, I quickly learned the endless demands that arise daily. Initially, I relished being available, but soon found myself entrenched in a cycle of delivering forgotten items to school and responding to vague calls from the school nurse regarding my kids’ well-being. It turned out that many of these calls were simply about whether they wanted to come home. My advice? Don’t feel obligated to be on call at all times. Set boundaries and communicate them clearly with your children and their school. Establish what constitutes a legitimate call home, whether it’s for a serious illness or an emergency.
In conclusion, it turns out I do resonate with Garth Brooks after all. While not everyone can escape the emptiness of an empty nest by embarking on global tours, we can learn from how even the most celebrated stars find joy in the everyday parenting tasks—like packing lunches and cheering from the sidelines. His parenting tips, rooted in common sense, are surprisingly relatable and worth considering.
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