By Seraphina Quinn
Mark Roberts’ latest book, Parenting with Purpose, is more than a guide for parents; it’s a heartfelt manifesto on cultivating kindness, respect, and empathy in future generations. The journey behind his writing reveals a man deeply rooted in the values instilled in him during a humble childhood in rural Nevada. His parents created a nurturing environment that emphasized self-respect, kindness, and appreciation, themes that now serve as the foundation of his writing. Mark, a father, grandfather, and retired Army pilot brings both personal experience and practical wisdom to his work, emphasizing the essential role of values-based parenting in shaping compassionate, capable adults.
Growing up, Mark spent his days exploring nature, surrounded by a family culture that valued introspection, learning, and kindness. His parents believed in giving their children the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes. It was a strategy that not only fostered independence but also ingrained a deep sense of empathy and gratitude, virtues that would guide Mark throughout his life. “I learned to appreciate what I had, instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have,” he recalls. This sentiment, now a central tenet of his book, shines as a guiding light for readers, encouraging them to cultivate similar virtues within their families.
Mark’s book is designed to counter what he sees as troubling messages in today’s children’s media. He expresses frustration with the negative values often embedded in popular cartoons, which he feels can sometimes glorify disrespect and self-centered behavior. As a young father, he noticed these themes in his daughters’ shows, and the problem has only worsened. “Now, as a grandparent, I see it’s even more pressing,” he says. Driven by this realization, he initially created Raptor Cats, a comic book series with his daughters that attempted to provide wholesome, value-based storytelling. Although Raptor Cats didn’t gain significant traction, Mark’s desire to create content that parents can trust never wavered. This vision laid the groundwork for Parenting with Purpose, which he describes as “a complete guide to helping kids build character in an age where positive role models are harder to find.”
Mark’s military experience as an Army helicopter pilot also plays a profound role in shaping his philosophy on resilience and discipline, principles he hopes to impart to young readers and their families. The importance of persistence and adaptability, learned in the demanding environment of flight school and combat, led him to include activities in his book that are simple yet foundational, such as making one’s bed every day. This seemingly small task teaches discipline, responsibility, and self-satisfaction, Mark explains, serving as a powerful analogy for life. “In the military, we start with small tasks and build up, and I believe that’s exactly how you should raise kids,” he reflects.
Mark’s approach to instilling values isn’t just theoretical; he provides practical, hands-on activities that parents can easily incorporate into their routines. One such activity is encouraging children to open doors for others. Mark recalls a formative moment from his own childhood when, at age four, he opened the door for an older woman at a laundromat. She thanked him with a quarter, a significant amount to a child in the 1960s. The reward wasn’t just the money; it was the positive impact he’d had on someone else. These early experiences with kindness became his lifelong compass, and he hopes they will resonate with readers as they embark on their own journeys of teaching empathy and gratitude to their children.
Parenting with Purpose isn’t just about enforcing rules or teaching basic manners; it’s about creating what Mark calls a “legacy of kindness.” He believes that when parents model positive behavior, their children internalize those values, which in turn ripple out into society. “You have to walk the talk,” he insists. “Kids are observant; they see what you do. If you preach kindness and integrity but act otherwise, they’ll notice.” In today’s world, where trust can often feel undermined by media and society, Mark’s emphasis on authenticity is especially resonant.
The book’s timing couldn’t be more relevant. Parents today are often overwhelmed and stressed by the pressures of modern life, leaving little time to research wholesome activities or character-building lessons for their kids. Mark understands this firsthand and hopes his book will serve as a “go-to” resource. “At the end of the day, most parents are just too exhausted to hunt down that perfect lesson on gratitude or kindness,” he acknowledges.
Beyond the content of the book itself, Mark has larger aspirations for his work. He envisions a future where the principles of Parenting with Purpose extend beyond the written word and into various forms of media and products that parents can trust. Mark is already exploring the idea of creating cartoons, comics, and even costumes based on Raptor Cats and the themes of his book. “I want parents to be able to hand their kids something and know it’s safe and positive,” he explains. In a media landscape filled with concerning messages, Mark’s commitment to creating trustworthy content feels almost revolutionary.
Published by Mark V.
