Family That Preps Together Stays Together: (Even If They Complain About It)

Let me just say this right out of the gate-I didn't start prepping because I thought the zombies were coming. I mean, if they do, I've got a plan, sure. But that's not why I started stuffing peanut butter in a five-gallon bucket or teaching my daughters how to start a fire with dryer lint and a gum wrapper.

I started because I believe in being ready. Not paranoid. Not hoarding 300 rolls of toilet paper ready. Just prepared.

The funny part is, getting myself prepared? That was the easy part. Getting my family on board? Different story.

My wife Trish is a saint. A patient, loving, intelligent woman who can handle just about anything life throws at her. Except, apparently, the smell of Jackson, my best buddy and the most loyal prepper sidekick a guy could ask for. Jackson's hygiene standards are somewhere between "nonexistent" and "biohazard," and Trish has made it very clear he's not allowed on the furniture anymore. My daughters, Stephanie and Alexandria, would rather watch makeup tutorials than discuss water filtration systems, but even they've started to come around. Mostly because Jackson keeps showing them bizarre survival hacks like how to turn a tampon into a water filter. Don't ask. Actually, do ask-we'll get into that later.

This book isn't about being perfect. It's not about becoming the next wilderness survival guru. It's about finding a way to bring your family into the fold, even if they roll their eyes, groan, and accuse you of being "extra." It's about weaving preparedness into everyday life without turning your home into a bunker or your weekend into a forced march through the woods.

If you've ever wondered how to prep without being that guy, or how to make your kids care about anything other than Wi-Fi, or if you're just trying to keep your loved ones safe without completely losing your sanity-welcome. You're in the right place.

Let's get your crew prepped. Even if they complain about it.