Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible by Danika Cooley Book Review

In Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible, Danika Cooley explored the topic of helping our children to love reading the Bible. She shared a personal story about how her son asked her about Jonah and why he was called a prophet and not a missionary and how she had to study the scriptures to figure it out. She explained how she used a children’s audio Bible CD when they were small. She revealed tips on how she made the Bible approachable and how she continued the Bible reading appropriate for the age range. She went into details on how she did it from little people until high school level. She also looked at some of the excuses we use such as, “reading the Bible is too hard for kids, too edgy, and too big”. She shared ways we can overcome this and still teach our children the Word of God. She also described how she used fun creative ways to keep her small children occupied while the other older children would read and study the Bible together as a family. She used boxes as an idea and the kids would do different things such as, stickers, dollhouse, coloring, and action figures and they had to play 30 minutes during the older children’s Bible study. This helped them to also gain some of the Bible conversations while they were busy playing in the background. 

 

 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who has children and they are searching for a book to assist them in leading their children into a relationship with the Word of God. It contained countless tips and suggestions on how a family was able to leave a lasting legacy in their children’s lives. I immensely enjoyed how she shared creative ideas she used to engage her own children and teaching them the importance of studying the written word and building a foundation on Christ’s teachings and leadership. I also liked how she explored how we can have a profitable discussion on what our children are reading and asking open end questions that will cause our children to ponder what they are reading about and how they can apply it to their lives. 

 

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/Chosen Books for my honest review.” 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Help-Your-Kids-Learn-Bible/dp/0764237942/

First-Time Dad: The Stuff You Need to Know By John Fuller with Paul Batura Book Review

In First-Time Dad, John Fuller shared personal insight to first time dads about the joys and challenges that are ahead of them in parenting. Like most parents, they were thrilled after they found out they had a positive pregnancy test especially after two years of trying to conceive. He began the book by asking dads what their expectations were now that they are officially a dad and what they are truly afraid of. This is critical and must be discussed with your spouse especially if there is baggage from your childhood. There is a helpful chapter in the book entitled, “Break the Chain” to assist readers in dealing with the hurtful past wounds where it won’t be repeated in the future! The book also discussed the importance of loving your wife and staying connected and in love when little ones join the picture. The book covered the difference between girls and boys and how to help your children succeed in life.

 

I would recommend this astonishing book on parenting to every single dad whether you are expecting a baby or already have a few children. Moms are also welcomed to read this book as well but it’s more geared towards men. I appreciated how direct John Fuller was in sharing with dads how a baby is going to affect their whole entire world and there will be days of triumph and days of feeling like you failed as a dad. And this is something every parent goes through. I liked how he shared how a baby will affect your marriage in many ways and it will take some adjusting to. For instance, we all know your sleep cycle will get thrown off for a while, romance and finding time to make love will be challenging, and going out on dates will became rare. I liked how he included suggestions to help parents deal with the changes a baby brings and how it’s possible to stay connected to your spouse during this time. He recommended striving to have weekly dates and communication times. I liked how he included a chapter devoted to sharing the differences between girls and boys to guide parents in raising their children. I also enjoyed that he discussed how to lead your children spiritually, how to build character in them, and how time means a lot to your children. Even though, I’m single and not a parent yet, this book taught me a lot about parenting my future children. I highly recommend this book and if you’re looking an excellent parenting book, then read this one!

                                  

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers book review bloggers program." 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of First-Time Dad check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

http://www.amazon.com/First-Time-Dad-Stuff-Really/dp/0802487505

 

http://www.christianbook.com/first-time-stuff-really-need-know/john-fuller/9780802487506/pd/487506?product_redirect=1&Ntt=487506&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP 

How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? : What God Wants Us to Hear When We Talk to Our Kids By Rachael Carman Book Review

 

 

In How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You, Rachael Carman writes from personal experience about the countless lessons God has taught her when raising her seven children. In writing this book, she surveyed and asked parents and their children what their parents were saying to them and what God was attempting to communicate to them. Rachael stated there are three categories of messages we are conveying to our kids, such as: giving our children commands, trying to shape their behavior to fit our expectations, and sharing our feelings about how much we love our children. She strongly believed that we must change our behaviors and it’s critical to display and help our children to understand God’s love for them. If love is at the center, it becomes much easier to modify our children’s behavior. This book covered the topics of, “I Love You, Hold My Hand, I Remember the Day You Were Born, God Has Great Plans for You, Answer Me When I Call, and much more.

 

I immensely enjoyed the chapter entitled, “God’s Has Great Plans for You” because she believed in instilling hope into her children’s lives. Every night she would hold her children and speak out loud and remind them that God had phenomenal plans in store for them. What really touched her was when one of her boys reminded her one night that God had great plans for her too and this is something parents often times forget once they have children. I think this is imperative that we teach our children they have a destiny to fulfill and they must run their own race.

 

I also liked the chapter, “Not is Not the Time” this one discussed how her children wanted something like candy to eat before breakfast and she told them no because the timing wasn’t right. I liked how she related this lesson to how we want God to answer our prayers right now and let our dreams to come to pass right this instant. But sometimes the answer isn’t no, sometimes it’s more of the fact that the timing isn’t meant for right now. We have to remember that God’s has perfect timing and when it’s supposed to happen, no devil in hell can stop it!

 

I’m not married yet and I don’t have any kids, I requested to review this book because I wanted to get a head start on learning about parenting. I would recommend this amazing book to every single parent who is seeking to learn how to improve their parenting skills and they are wanting to help their children learn more about Christ and His infinite love for them. I really liked how transparent Rachael Carman was in sharing personal stories in each chapter to teach a valuable lesson she learned in parenting her own kids. It had very practical Christian parenting principles enclosed throughout the entire book that will assist parents and help them to convey God’s love to their children and it contained helpful questions at the end of each chapter. I also liked how this book could be read like a parenting devotional and this is especially beneficial for the busy parent. If you’re looking for an excellent book on parenting, then read this one!

 

“I received a review copy of How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You from Litfuse for this review.”

 

 

About the book:

Rachel Carman’s book, How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You?, will challenge your parenting and spiritual life. Many of the same things you’re telling your kids are what the Heavenly Father is saying to you! You’ll learn to recognize and appreciate God’s instructions for your life, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.

How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? (Apologia Educational Ministries, September 2014)

You’ve probably said these things to your kids, but have you listened to what you’re saying?

“I remember the day you were born.”

“Turn down the music!”

“This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.”

“Hold my hand.”

Your heavenly Father wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you’re raising children—she has seven! But this lovely devotional book will help you to hear God’s still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, cut fingers, and carpet crawlers. You’ll learn how to recognize God’s instructions for you, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Rachael Carman is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries. The wife of Davis and the mother of seven children, Rachael challenges parents to live by reckless, obedient faith. As a direct reflection of her heart’s desire to encourage, inspire, and celebrate motherhood, Rachael also leads Real Refreshment Retreats, weekend events that energize and invigorate homeschooling mothers with meaningful worship and speakers plus practical encouragement for the homeschool journey.

Find out more about Rachael at https://blog.apologia.com/rachaelcarman.

Read What Others Are Saying:

 

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/how-many-times-do-i-have-to-tell-you-by-rachael-carman

 

 

Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family: Avoiding the 6 Dysfunctional Parenting Styles by Michelle Anthony Blog Tour and Book Review

My review:  I would recommend this life changing book to every single parent who are seeking information about how to be the best parent they can be. Even though I'm single and I don't have kids yet this book taught me a lot about parenting, leading our children in the right direction, and instilling Christian principles in their lives. I also plan to reread this book whenever that time does come. Michelle Anthony writes in a practical way where parents can connect with. I really like how she walked readers through the six different dysfunctional parenting styles. She also helps readers to improve in their Christian parenting. My favorite chapter was entitled, "A Time to Bless" because she included powerful blessings from scripture that we can declare over our children's life. This is something I strongly believe will tremendous benefit children and it could literally change their entire lives. I really loved the blessing of being an overcomer based off of 1 John 4:4 and 5:4. This one reminds our kids that through Christ they have the victory and they are more than a conqueror. I also enjoyed that she recommended parents to read Numbers 6:22-26 aloud over their children. Numbers 6:22-26 is a passage about God blessing them, protecting them, God being gracious to them, and giving them peace. Speaking out loud blessings over my children is something that I want to do for my future children. I also liked the father's nod and this is something every man is longing for from his father. This is something I will strive to do for my kids. I want to make sure they know I'm proud of them. If you’re looking for an excellent book about parenting, check out this book!   “I received a review copy of Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family from Litfuse for this review.”     About the book: Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family: Avoiding the 6 Dysfunctional Parenting Styles (David C. Cook, January 2015) We all want to guide our children into the abundant life that Jesus offers. But when we pursue the more and better that the world offers above our pursuit of Jesus, we fall into dangerous parenting habits. In Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family, Michelle Anthony unpacks six common dysfunctional parenting styles that we fall into out of habit, lack of attention, or just oversight due to busyness. If you long to show your children Jesus but don't know how to do it, you'll find hope in this practical guide to creating a relentlessly grace-filled home that is focused on God as first in charge. Includes Scripture guides, reflection questions, ideas for family rites of passage, and other real life family examples. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BSJpxN    About the author: Michelle Anthony is the vice president of Learning Resources and Family Ministry Architect at David C Cook and the author of Spiritual Parenting, Dreaming of More for the Next Generation, A Theology of Family Ministry, and The Big God Story. Michelle has graduate degrees in Christian education, theology, and leadership and over twenty-five years of church ministry experience as a children's and family pastor. She lives in Colorado Springs and loves a good book and a cup of coffee.   Find Michelle online: website, Facebook, Twitter

 

 

 

Growing Up God’s Way for Boys and Girls by Dr. Chris Richards and Dr. Liz Jones Book Review

Growing Up God’s Way for Boys and Girls are wonderful resources written by two pediatricians, Dr. Chris Richards and Dr. Liz Jones. They wrote the books in order to guide parents in having the challenging “talk” with their children. The books are meant for their parents and their child to read together. The book has helpful illustrations to assist in teaching children about what is happening to their bodies during puberty and the graphics are friendly to early teenagers. The boy’s book is geared towards preteens aged ten to fourteen years old. The girl’s book is geared towards ages nine to thirteen. The book also covered critical topics such as marriage and preparing for the future. Both of these books are almost the same in content with a few sections being different depended upon the gender.

 

Let me first begin by saying, I’m not in the target audience and I’m not married and I don’t have kids yet. I read this book because I want to learn everything I can about children and raising them to be the man or woman God has created them to be and I know my kids will eventually grow up to be mature adults following Christ.

 

I would recommend these magnificent kid friendly books to every single parents who have early teenagers. I believe the authors did a prodigious job in helping kids not to fear growing up and I liked how the book reinforced to the children that they aren’t alone in the changes that their bodies are going through and that they can talk to their parents if they have any questions. I especially liked how they included scripture in describing marriage was between a man and a woman and how their marriage is strong enough to handle a new life entering this world and this is something that should be celebrated. I also loved how they shared verses on love in the Bible and the importance of being united as husband and wife. I believe that the book did its purpose in guiding parents in reading and discussing what is happening to their bodies, how pregnancy occurs, and the prominence of sanctity of marriage. I also plan on rereading these books with my future wife (whoever she is) and reading the books with our kids. If you’re a parent of an early teenager, you especially need to take a look at these remarkable books for your children.

 

“I received both of these books for free from Cross Focused Reviews / EP Books for this review”.

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Growing Up God’s Way for Boys and Girls, then check them out on Amazon.com: 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Gods-Way-Boys/dp/0852349998/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Gods-Way-Girls/dp/1783970006/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KE8HBZ0KFCMJQDW51DK

Brand New Product: The Family Toolbox Information and Giveaway

 

The National Center for Biblical Parenting has a new product launching called The Family Toolbox and it’s geared towards parenting teenagers. The Family Toolbox was created to help Christian parents learn the essentials in parenting God’s way. The Family Toolbox contains eight real life examples sketches, teaching videos from Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, and a workbook filled with questions to lead to a discussion with their teenagers.

 

Here are some of the lessons you will learn:

http://www.biblicalparenting.org/familytoolboxparentteenorder.asp

 

Just One More Thing: Before You Leave Home By David Gudgel with Bernice Gudgel Book Review

About the book: This is the book we wish our parents gave us. Just One More Thing: Before You Leave Home is a packed guide to help young adults enter life on their own. In the book, the Gudgels use stories, perspectives, and dialogues to discuss 30 indispensable topics to help teens survive, including: worldview, financial challenges, use of time, career moves, moral dilemmas, sex, painful experiences, and spiritual life, among others. Written from a Biblical perspective, the book is more of a guide to making good decisions than a lecture on how to live., It's perfect for a parent and teen to go over together or to give as a thoughtful gift. This is a book they'll reference for years to come. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qb47U   Meet the authors: Dave & Bernice Gudgel are committed to walking intentionally with God and helping others do the same. Bernice has a degree in Psychology and has focused her adult life on raising three kids and leading various ministries in the church where people can connect with God and each other. Dave is a pastor and teaches for Walk Thru the Bible. Learn more at: http://davidandbernice.com

Check out what others are saying:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dgudgel

 

My Review:

I would highly recommend this magnificent book for every single parents or future parents. I would also endorse this book to teenagers and college students because it’s geared towards guiding teens in their next stage of life. I immensely connected with how transparent David and Bernice Gudgel were in sharing their own failures, success, and difficult decisions that had to be made in college. I loved how the authors covered a wide range of topics to help college aged students in transitioning. Some of my personal favorite topics was about: spending, debt, love, roommates, sex, abstinence, and drinking. These are just some things that college students will be facing and having to decide to choose wise or not. I extremely thought the last few chapters on practical tips concerning home stuff, your car, and safety matters was truly beneficial. I liked how the book contained questions and scripture verses to support the content and to encourage college students. It greatly reminded me and taught me a lot of practical tips that I believe most parents might tend to miss. This book would make a wonderful gift for any student entering college and it should be a required read for all students!

 

“I received the books for free from Litfuse Publicity Group/ CreateSpace for this review”.

The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity: and How to Answer Them Confidently By Alex McFarland Book Review

In The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity, Alex McFarland has written an excellent resource to guide parents in answering the difficult questions your children may ask about Christianity and their faith in Jesus Christ. As we all know, children love to discover and ask questions in order to comprehend the reason and meaning behind important concepts. Alex McFarland has written this book to encouraged parents that they should be their children’s sole source for any questions that their children will have. He strongly advocates to parents to make sure that they pause before answering their questions. Parents need to try and understand why their children is asking this particular question and what event has influenced them to bring this up. Your kids may be asking a question that goes much deeper than the surface question asked. For instance, Alex stated, “Let’s say your child comes to you and asks, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” This seems like a straightforward theological question, right? But what if Grandma had been ill and has just passed away? The real question your child is asking may be, “Why did God allow Grandma to die. I prayed for her. Why didn’t He answer my prayer?” This is a much personal issue” (Page 8). This book will tackle the challenging inquiries that your children may ask at some point about faith in God. A critical point that Alex made was allowing our children the freedom to ask questions without parents just giving a full on lecture. Parents should focus on a having a dialogue conversation with our kids.

 

The book comprises of questions about “God, Jesus, the Trinity and the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the Church, and questions parents ask and my question to you”. Some of the questions are, “Why does God allow evil?, Why does God allow suffering?, How do we know that God loves us?, Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?, When is Jesus coming back?, When I pray, who is listening – God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?, Are the miracles in the Bible true?, Why are Christians such hypocrites?, Questions parents ask”, and many more questions about Christianity. Each chapter begins with a quotation, key concepts feature, and information to assist parents in answering the chapter’s question.  

 

I vastly liked the story about eight year old, Lewis and a conversation that he had with his mother. Lewis asked his mother, “What is sex?” and she responded by discussing the differences between men and women and how they fall in love and then how babies occur. All Lewis wanted to know was how to mark a school form, M or F. Just as a side note, this book doesn’t discuss that topic because this book is more aimed at Christianity type questions. Alex McFarland shared this story as an illustration to not respond to our children’s questions with too much details and to answer their questions age appropriately. Another example would be if your kids ask about when Jesus is coming back, you may not need to go into the whole theological behind the book of Revelations and the pre- and post-tribulation rapture period. They may be looking for a more simple answer to their question. If they are wanting to go deeper and they are still asking questions, then feel free to respond with more in depth answers. He also addressed that it’s okay to admit to your children if you don’t know the answer to a question. But it’s important to tell your kids, we will find out the answer together and this might mean asking a pastor, a youth group leader, or another ministry key leader their question. I think this part of the book was especially beneficial to parents and it was a great reminder to parents to use discernment when answering some of their children’s questions and to answer them on their children’s maturity level.

 

One of my favorite questions was, “How do we know that God loves us?”. Parents are advised to always display unconditional love in their homes and to their children. As parents, we obviously know that our children will make mistakes and they will need grace, to be accepted, and loved unconditionally like Christ loves them. The most incredible tangible way that Christ has shown His children the He loves them was by sending this only Son to die for our countless sins. Jesus paid the ultimate penalty for our sins and it’s viral to share this message with your children. If you have younger children, Alex suggested planting a seed and watching it grow will help your children to understand patience and how their love and obedience are like the seeds growing. When we study the word of God and follow His word, we will see fruit manifested in our lives. Alex McFarland has travelled the world, teaching the word of God and he has seen that many young people have no clue that God loves them even when they sin. When we commit sins, we can choose to repent and ask for His forgiveness, and then to turn away from our sins. He also stated that if your child is struggling with low self-esteem and feeling unloved, help your child to reach out to others and develop ways, they can be a blessing to others and show others that they are loved and wanted.

 

I immensely loved how Alex McFarland crafted a few projects to assist parents in describing important concepts on the principles of God’s character. I really enjoyed the aspects of the sugar test and how it represented God’s standard for purity, a decaying apple to explain that everything decays, and planting a plant and letting your kids watch it grow and witness how the plant seeds grow and this is how as Christian’s we are supposed to bear fruit. There are many more special tangible projects presented in this book to help younger children grasp the ideas of Christianity.

 

I would recommend this magnificent book to every single parent, whether your child is younger or even a teenager. It is written for all ages in any parenting stages and it will be a very beneficial resource to guide parents in answering their children’s questions about Christianity. I would also recommend this book to people who one day hope to be parents, grandparents, as well as, pastors, kids or youth group leaders, and anyone who works with children. I learnt a remarkable lot about parenting and responding to our children’s most problematic questions regarding their personal faith in Christ. I will also like to say, that I’m only twenty-three and not married or a parent yet so I haven’t personally been asked or had to respond to some of the questions conversed in this book. I felt like this book has influenced me and it has assisted me so whenever I enter that stage of my life, I can already be a little prepared to answer whatever questions my kids may ask about Christianity. I immeasurably loved the chapter dedicated to the questions that parents ask. This chapter gave parents verses and information concerning sexual immorality, homosexuality, abortion, greed, money, materialism, drugs, drinking alcohol, people who commit suicide, and many more serious topics. This book is a brilliant foundation resource that will assist many parents confused on how to answer their children’s innumerable questions. I appreciate Alex McFarland on taking the considerable time in writing this book in order to lead parents in replying to their child’s questions. If you’re looking for a book on how to answer your children’s perplexing questions, then you definably need to read this one!

 

“Tyndale House Publishers/ Focus on the Family has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.”

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity, then check it out on Amazon.com:

 

 http://www.amazon.com/Toughest-Questions-Your-about-Christianity/dp/1589976789

Adventures in Odyssey A.C.T.S. (A Call to Service) Blog Tour

Join Adventures in Odyssey this summer to discover how fun it can be to serve others!

Adventures in Odyssey, the beloved audio series from Focus on the Family, has encouraged kids toward a stronger faith for 25 years. Whit, Connie, Eugene, and the other loveable characters from Odyssey have shared countless adventures with kids across the world in the classic audio dramas, books, videos, and devotionals, fulfilling the AIO promise to help kids discover, imagine, and grow.

This summer, Adventures in Odyssey is joining with Christian bookstores across the country, inviting kids to participate in a Summer of Service. They’re promoting the biblical message, “When you serve, everybody wins,” encouraging kids to serve their families, their communities, and their world. Whether it’s baking cookies for an elderly neighbor or putting together a care package for missionaries overseas, kids will discover that serving can be a blast! 

How the A.C.T.S. (A Call to Service) challenge and contest works:

Kids who join A.C.T.S. can pick up a service log and collect fun character stickers for hours served at participating bookstores throughout the summer, or download a serving log online at whitsend.org.  At the end of the summer, kids can record and upload a short video telling how they serve and why they’d like to become an Adventures in Odyssey Ambassador.

A hundred winners will get the brand new AIO Album, and after online voting, two grand prize winners (one boy and one girl) will get to travel on an exciting Good-Goers Mission Based Adventure trip to another country with a parent!  The out-of-country destination will be announced on a live podcast May 22—hosted by AIO actors Katie Leigh (Connie) and Chris Anthony (Chris)—which you can watch at whitsend.org/acts. You don’t want to miss it!

                                                                                                            

Why serve?

Our culture puts an extravagant amount of energy into raising kids who will grow up to feel good about themselves. In schools, clubs, homes, and even at church, adults have made a decided effort to bolster children’s “self-esteem” –not by actually encouraging kids do something that’s worthwhile, but by simply telling them they are important and valuable.

At the turn of the century, researchers predicted that the next generation would respond to these efforts of raising self-esteem by being filled with optimism and civic duty. Unfortunately, recent research shows the opposite. Kids coming of age today are more self-centered, disrespectful of authority, and depressed than ever before.

In a very real way, then, the best path toward building selfless, confident children is to help and encourage them toward a growing and thriving faith in God. And that includes obedience to what God teaches—not because it makes kids feel good, although it often does—but because they’re following God’s instructions to love Him and serve others. That builds a faith they can count on and carry with them into adulthood—which is the greatest gift any parent can bestow on their child.

 

FREE Downloads from Tyndale House Publishers:

 

Tyndale House Publishers has also generously provided a free MP3 download of the AIO Service episode, “Business of Busyness” to remind parents and children the importance of priorities and scheduling. As parents, we have to follow the scripture verse, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLT. We have to set aside time for God where He can speak to us, study and meditate on scriptures, and pray to our Heavenly Father. It’s critical to lead and encourage our family to help and serve others like Christ has done and has called us to do.

To download the free MP3 file, click here:

http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/acts-a-call-to-serve/

 

And there is also a free PDF download of summer service ideas for kids available here:

http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/acts-a-call-to-serve/

“I received a free copy of Adventures in Odyssey: Our Favorites Album from Tyndale House Publishers for participating in this blog tour.”

The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child’s Life: By Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN Book Review

 

In The Christian Parenting Handbook, Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller has written an excellence resource to guide parents in the different stages of their children lives. The book focused on teaching and applying fifty heart principles that are Biblical based. Some of the chapters are: Consistency is Overrated, Build Internal Motivation, Consequences Aren’t the Only Answer, Envision a Positive Future, Teamwork….Individual at Their Best, It Takes Two to Argue, but Only One to Stop, Discipline Kid Separately for Siblings Conflict, To Spank or Not to Spank, The Value of Grandparents, and much more.

 

Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller pointed out that when if we only use internal motivation to much. It only makes our children do what their supposed to in order to obtain a reward. For example, “If you get your homework done, you can do out and play.” “If you clean your room, you can watch a video.” (Page 5). This approach teaches children to ask themselves, “What do I gain by doing what is required of me?” As parents, we have to remember that we have to think long term and lead our children until mature caring adults. They also specified that, “rewards shouldn’t be abandoned, but should instead be used to encourage the heart. Use them sparingly, because rewards often lose their effectiveness over time, requiring that you increase the reward to get the same result.” (Page 8). We have to teach our children that doing what is right and required is worth it.

 

Another wonderful life changing parenting tact included in the book was not always punishing your child by throwing out a consequence for a wrong behavior. When a child acts out, it’s imperative to let the child re-practice doing the right thing where they are learn the correct way. This teaches children how they are expected to behave and how they are required to speak to their parents and others. I personally believe this one would greatly impact families and children if parents would be intentional about having children re-practice and learn from their negative responses and actions.

 

When the opportunity to review and promote The Christian Parenting Handbook, I gladly wanted to be a member of the Launch Team. I will admit that the principles presented in this book I haven’t experienced firsthand. I’m 23 years old and I’m not married or a parent yet (hopefully, I will be both one day). This means that I’m not in the main target audience of this book. I ultimately read this book where I could learn from other parents who have been where I one day will be. I firmly believe that learning from other parent’s victories and struggles immensely helps other parents to become better fathers and mothers. I know reading a book is only the first step and the real challenge comes in the everyday life of raising children. This book taught me a lot of information and parenting strategies that I didn’t know. And I’m positive the authors have written something that will benefit you in your parenting, as well.

 

One of the chapters that influenced me was, “Identify Character Qualities to Address Problems”. The authors suggested that parents write down the bad behaviors they see their child committing and what occurred. Afterwards, parents need to write down the character qualities that their children are missing or not displaying. Then, it’s vital to focus on the positive qualities, you are wanting to see in your child. Ex: “compassion, determination, obedience, honor, attentiveness, patience, gracefulness, and self-discipline” (Page 15-16). The author also stated that parents need to affirm and express thankfulness when their child demonstrated great character qualities. This point will guide parents in making sure they are bringing up a child in the way and desires of the Lord.

 

Another chapter that I loved was, “Teach Kids to be Solvers Instead of Whiners”. This one talked about the dreadful whines and complains from our kids. I know adults who still haven’t learnt this lesson. I know when I have kids this is something most parents at some point might have to deal with. The authors described that it’s imperative to impart in our kids that if they want a drink, or a snack, or help finding something that they must not demand it in a whiny voice. One method would be by using the word please followed by their request. Eventually, you want to teach children to be less depend on you and more capable of being responsible. By teaching children to be proactive in finding a solution to their current predicament, this helps children to learn that complaining won’t benefit them in getting their way.

 

I would recommend this magnificent life changing Christian parenting handbook to any expecting parents, parents, people hoping to one day be parents, and even grandparents. By reading this book, it revealed me a lot of areas that I have very little clue on how to be an effective parent. While I was reading the book, I even wrote down critical notes and points to remind myself on how to be a better father to my future children. I also plan on rereading this book with my future wife whenever we’re expecting our first child. And I’m sure we will be rereading it again at times when we’re unsure of what to do in our parenting. This isn’t a book to be read just one time. The reader should read it multiple times to gain the knowledge and to enact the suggestions discussed. This book has the impact and potential to change homes and your children’s hearts. If you’re looking for a brilliant book on parenting, then this one is the one you need to get and apply to your life!

 

“I received an advance PDF file of this book for free from the authors, Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller for this review”.

 

 

 

 

To purchase a copy of the book, check it below:

 

http://www.biblicalparenting.org/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=543&idaffiliate=64