Books on Parenting

I am wondering what books would you readers recommend that deal with parenting? We grew up with Benjamin Spock and he has since admitted his philosophy is flawed, so what books do modern parents like that are balanced and Biblical?

I am thinking of someone who may expand Susanna Wesley's philosophy on parenting. Also one that deals with birth-order. I know Kevin Leman has written some on this issue but am not familiar with current writings.

There is one thing I am seeing that disturbs me - we never had to deal with this issue. Your first-born is a daughter, the second one is a male and your third can be a female and from there on it can be any gender. The first-born is one who takes responsibility and does it well. The second, who is a boy, will work hard to interfere, make life absolutely miserable for the older and - younger - sister. There is a rivalry that I suspect is rooted in maleness and femaleness and how they relate. The tragedy is that parents seem to be oblivious to this conflict - they think these children are just fighting again.

Anyhow, is there a book that would address these issues that would be wise to share with young parents?

Thank-you!

Hi Sis, You'll easily find all kinds of material on amazon.com - or elsewhere.

I like Andrew Murray's "How to Bring your Children to Christ".

If I were you I would have reservations about Susannah Wesley. I read her biography by Dallimore (a reputable Christian biographer). She is certainly an exhaled saint. She was a dedicated Christian in many ways, but she did not model strong believing faith. It was not until after her son John became an evangelist that he led her to the Lord in saving faith.

I suggest the "Boundaries" books by Cloud/Townsend. There is also a Boundaries for Kids - which I have not read. This is very basic reading - and addresses unhelpful patterns that prevail in our relationships today.

Years ago I found this book helpful:
"How to Really love your child" by Dr. Ross Campbell. (I see you can still being published.)

Blessed adventures in parenting, Ginnyrose,
Diane

Denny Kenaston with Charity ministries
Micheal Pearl has some good ideas

QUOTE:
"If I were you I would have reservations about Susannah Wesley."

I have never heard of this. After doing a brief search did find she struggled with doubt until later in life. But then, I would not think this would discredit her parenting skills, do you? Still, I know others have written a lot on parenting - Wesley's philosophy is not an isolated one.

The reason I asked about a book on parenting is I want to buy one for someone. I know they are plentiful and it vexes me to no end to wade through this assortment to find a gem. Our 'baby' is almost 6 feet tall and and has seen 31 - or 32,depending on how you want to count them - birthdays so we have been out of this loop for a while.

Thanks for sharing.

Ginnyrose,

I suggest you read "Susanna" by Arnold Dallimore. I see a copy for 25 cents on amazon.com. Go for it!! You'll love it!

The author has done careful biographical research into primary documents, but keeps the book from getting overly scholarly in style. So it's engaging, but not glamorized. You see the strength of her character - even as you see her struggle with faith.

You can always decide afterwards if your friend would like it.

Diane

"Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.

Great book.

To Train up a Child by Michael and Debbie Pearl is a good book. In fact, I would recommend almost anything they write in regards to parenting.

Dear sister Sandra (Ginnyrose),

I've been trying to think about books that would be good ones to recommend for parenting. I thought of a few. I haven't read through this whole thread, so some of these may have recommended by other people already. One is called, 'Shepherding your Child's heart', by Tedd Tripp. This seemed to have been a balanced book, in the sense of emphasizing the need for parents to discipline their kids, but to do so in a loving way. Also, a book that I've heard many good things about but haven't had a chance to read yet is, 'How to raise your children for Christ' by Andrew Murray.

Another series of books I'd highly recommend are daily devotional books. They are called, 'The one year book of Devotions for kids'. (Tyndale publishing) There are a number of books in this series. The way they work is each day as a family you first read through a Bible passage that goes with the daily devotion. Then this is followed by a 'devotional', that basically puts the principles from the Bible passage into the form of story. So the story shows a real life application of these principles in someone's life. These books are great!

…..Along these same lines, I had been thinking of starting a new thread recently to ask for feedback from parents about 'good kids books that would really stir up kid's interest in the things of God'. I hope that asking about this on this thread does not derail your thread Sandra, and take away from the focus of it. If it does, I'll start a new one :)

…..Can any of you recommend good books such as this? (I'm thinking of books that will help kids to see the power of God at work in people's lives, to transform them and to equip them for service. I'd be especially interested in hearing about biographies of Christians, which fit this description. As well, it would be great to know if anyone has come across books that deal with revivals that have taken place, and how God has been at work in kid's lives in these revivals. )

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and as well, I'd be interested to hear about more good suggestions that people have about 'parenting books' they've found to be helpful.

In Christ's love,
John

I would highly recommend "Standing on the Promises" by Douglas Wilson. Even though he writes from a postmilliennial perspective, it is a very good read. If he seems to be coming across too strong, watch a couple of his AskDoug videos and you'll see what a jovial character he is, and it will put a helpful perspective on his writing.

Also of great worth, though I haven't yet finished it yet, is his book on raising boys called "Future Men"

You can get them from from amazon, or from the publisher's website Canon Press.

Agree with roadsign and Miccah.

Have really enjoyed the instruction in the "Boundaries" books by Cloud/Townsend. Very good for Adults, too.

"Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.

I have received many good things from Michael and Debbie Pearl in "To Train Up A Child".

Really appreciate the parts of the Body that help us out in parenting.

This was good, too.
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=42573&forum=35&2

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Pilgrim

QUOTE:
" I hope that asking about this on this thread does not derail your thread Sandra, and take away from the focus of it."

John, don't fret about this - let the discussion begin, if you want to. I will read and perhaps in others' posts something will 'click' in my mind.

Thanks, one and all for your opinions. I appreciate it.

Dr. Gabor Mate wrote, "Hold on to Your Kids".

You can get the general idea on Youtube clips here:

Dr. Gabor Mate on Attachment and Conscious Parenting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tdljIW86e8&feature=related

Gabor Mate Lecture - "Hold On To Your Kids": (longer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_akH6Cin6E&feature=related

This is revealing information. You see the relevance of the Christian's place in society.

Diane