Ex-InMaricopa Father of the Year Urges Men to ‘Dad Up’ in Inspiring New Book

Bradley E. Kraay faced profound challenges when personal tragedies sparked a journey of introspection and reflection on fatherhood. The loss of his father-in-law and his father’s late-stage cancer diagnosis coincided with the birth of his son, leading him to confront life’s fragility.

As the 2013 recipient of “Best Dad In Maricopa,” Kraay engaged in difficult conversations about life and his experiences as a father. Throughout these discussions, his passion for writing became a medium for expressing his thoughts on the complexities of fatherhood, which were documented over the years in his journals.

“It was around the time that my dad’s cancer went into remission that I started looking back on my writings and felt compelled to share what I had learned,” Kraay reflected. The positive feedback from friends motivated him to compile his insights into his new book, The Dad Up Revolution: Parenting with Intentionality, Purpose, & Balance, published on September 24 and available on Amazon.

Kraay discovered a common desire among men for camaraderie that transcends traditional interests like sports, focusing instead on the shared challenges of being husbands and fathers. “Open discussions can profoundly impact our understanding of these daily battles,” he noted.

In The Dad Up Revolution, Kraay emphasizes the importance of addressing the realities of fatherhood. “This is not just about acknowledging our responsibilities; it’s about raising the bar for future generations of fathers,” he explained, aiming to inspire an active commitment to their roles.

This book serves as a motivating guide, not only for engaged fathers but also for those grappling with their parenting roles. Kraay hopes readers will derive encouragement and foster self-reflection as they navigate the challenges of fatherhood.

His book also features contributions from various guest writers, offering diverse cultural perspectives on parenting. “Understanding these cultural differences is crucial, especially living in a place like Arizona, which can enrich our parenting styles,” he pointed out.

Central to Kraay’s message is the concept of “dad up,” a positive call to action that contrasts with the more common phrase “man up.” He encourages fathers to actively participate in their children’s lives, stating, “Don’t just be a passenger; be a co-pilot with your partner.”

Kraay believes the legacy left by fathers is determined by the choices they make, whether positive, negative, or non-existent. He hopes his book will serve as a tool to guide men in their parenting journey, especially those in their 20s and early 30s.

Looking ahead, Kraay is developing additional formats of the book, including a Kindle version scheduled for release during the holiday season, as well as an audiobook and podcasts featuring conversations with writers and radio personalities. “I believe it looks great on a bookshelf,” he stated with optimism about its future impact.