Parenting tips from Tom Sturges

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How do you raise amazing children? How do you teach them to be kind and honest, insightful and inquisitive, athletic and curious, loving and thoughtful? How do you give your child the courage to be a good sport, a good sibling, a good friend, a good person?
When Tom Sturges became a father, he wanted to be the greatest father who ever walked the earth. So he asked a lot of questions. He picked up ideas, advice, and tips from parents, grandparents, even rock stars and sports legends- anyone who had unique insights to share. He’s compiled it into a practical, inspiring “rule book” , Grow the Tree You Got. Philosophical, sensible, and empowering, the ideas subscribe to a simple premise: It is impossible to respect a child too much, but it is worth the effort to try.

I was totally inspired by my conversation with Tom.

About Tom Sturges: Tom is a father, coach, mentor, teacher, volunteer, and music industry executive who has worked with some of the greatest songwriters of this generation.

Tom’s efforts with at-risk children at a South Los Angeles school have allowed him to become an important figure in the lives of many children there. He has received more than 20 commendations for his volunteerism, which is also the subject of the documentary film WITNESS TO A DREAM, a chronicle of 37 students who achieved a 100% high school graduation rate thanks, in large part, to music and mentoring.

Tom created a learning program that develops creativity in children via song and lyric writing, and then recording the finished songs. Every Idea is a Good Idea has been a part of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) for eight years and more than 500 students have written songs with Tom.

He was an appointee to the Governor’s Mentoring Partnership for California and has been an active supporter and fundraiser for City Of Hope. Mr. Sturges is also a voting member of NARAS (the organization that sponsors the Grammy’s), a member of their Board of Directors and President of the Los Angeles Chapter.

He is Executive Vice President and Head of Creative for Universal Music Publishing Group. Tom is responsible for the continuing career development of hundreds of writers, writer/artists and writer/producers. Among his signings are Foo Fighters, 3 Doors Down, 50 Cent, Jack Johnson, Mark Batson, Vanessa Carlton, Dashboard Confessional, and most recently Jason Castro.

Tom is the son of legendary filmmaker Preston Sturges.