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