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Top 10 Tips for Sleep Deprived Prayer (4 comments)
Taking ‘crazy’ one step closer to ‘can do’ (2 comments)
Stress-throwers and stress-absorbers (0 comments)
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10 in 2 by Ben Pfahlert (6 comments). In January 2010 I set myself a goal that has transformed my diary, my thinking, my reading and the … more
Taking ‘crazy’ one step closer to ‘can do’ by Guest blogger (2 comments). Guest blogger Mikey Lynch, one of the directors of The Geneva Push, talks about the network's approach to … more
Top 10 Tips for Sleep Deprived Prayer by Jennie Baddeley (4 comments). There are so many reasons for losing sleep it's not really worth listing them. You're either getting enough sleep or you're … more
Stress-throwers and stress-absorbers by Jean Williams (0 comments). Are you a stress-thrower or a stress-absorber? A stress-thrower blames things on others and expresses stress in anger; a … more
‘Missional Lifestyle’: Education by Nicole Starling (11 comments). This is the fifth in Nicole's series on ‘missional lifestyle’. Read parts 1, 2, 3 … more
Why do we pray for others? by Scott Newling (1 comment). Learning to pray for others is one of the first things we learn as Christians: we see it commended … more
Forgiveness and repentance (part 8): Does God only forgive us when we repent? (ii) by Mark Baddeley (17 comments). (Read parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.) Does … more
The power of example by Peter Sholl (3 comments). Mexico in the 1940s was a country trying to come to grips with the 20th century. While discoveries of oil and … more
Forgiveness and repentance (part 7): Does God only forgive us when we repent? (i) by Mark Baddeley (29 comments). (Read parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.) We have been … more
The gospel to Greeks by Karen Beilharz (0 comments). For the past three Saturdays, we've been looking at contributions to the old Briefing ‘People in Ministry’ column, … more
Tony Payne
Paul is one of the Staff Editors at Matthias Media. He is married to Cathy and has three fantastic kids. He loves student ministry, reading, writing music and playing the saxophone, and is looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.
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Thanks for the post! I smirked at the list of dire warnings, but then winced at the guilt-inducing suggestions. I would love to have daily family worship before daily family Mozart time and then present each person with their own scrapbook…
How true Jean. After reading a parenting book, I usually spend about 3 weeks trying desperately to implement all the great tips! During this time, I have to fight off the proud, judgemental thoughts as my kids are ‘obviously receiving much better parenting than everyone else’s’, then I fall into despair as I realize that I just can’t DO IT ALL!
But then I fall back on God’s magnificent grace and remind myself that He who flung stars into space, can surely take care of my little ones, even when I’m a substandard parent.
I enjoy reading anything on improving communication skills—with children OR adults. My husband recently published a book that is a helpful guide to those who are seriously interested in learning how to listen reflectively to others (of all ages). It’s titled PLEASE LISTEN TO ME! A CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO REFLECTIVE LISTENING. It’s written from a Christian viewpoint TO Christians and is quite practical. Check it out on any online bookstore or go to http://www.WinePressBooks.com
God bless!
I have a few comments.
1. If God had wanted us to espouse a particular parenting method, it would be clearly present in Scripture. But when we look, Scripture espouses no method. Therefore, any book which claims that a particular method is the One True Method for Christians is lying about Scripture.
2. A book which leaves you feeling guilty and overburdened, rather than that children are a blessing and a joy, is selling both children and the Gospel short. Treat with extreme caution, then read Galatians again.
3. All truth is God’s truth—and the sciences can give us some guide to child development. Do not despise secular parenting books just because they are secular. The Mozart Effect has never been replicated, so listen to Mozart with thanksgiving and joy rather than vicarious academic ambition.
4. Remember that most Christian parenting books are both American and Arminian and keep your eyes peeled for the effects this has on the material.
Having raised three children who are now grown and married, I am ready to reveal our “secrets for success!” Read a few books and then pray a lot for your kids and for your own faith and patience. Every child is different and so is every parent. Beyond the obvious, there are almost no universal rules.
One thing that can be the unfortunate result of having read too many parenting books is that your methods tend to change with each “puff of the wind” as you read a new book with a differing or even an opposite view of the problem than the previous book. Inconsistency leads to unsettled and ultimately disobedient kids… Like one of the previous posters said, God did not specify a method of parenting, therefore no book can claim that it is “God’s Way” to parent…
As a Mum to be - I have been thinking through and looking for a book or two to read with tips on parenting.
I have also spoken to lots of friends who are Christian and parents asking their advice on books and parenting.
I have NO IDEA about being a parent because I am not one. The advice I have been given is to read the books with a pinch of salt but I have found one book in particular quite helpful.
I certainly don’t agree with everything they say but they have some practical advice and I have learned things I never knew before.
So while I agree with you and see what you are saying - for a ‘mum-to-be’ parenting is a real unknown until it happens but some books can be helpful if read and taken in the right manner.
Nicole, I agree, parenting books can be very helpful.
I am planning to review some parenting books on my blog in the next month or so, as soon as I have time.
But if you’re keen to get started, could I recommend:
Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child’s Heart / Instructing a Child’s Heart
Kent and Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Family
These are excellent - though as with all parenting books, don’t take them as gospel! You may or may not choose to follow their exact advice.
The Bible gives fantastic, clear guidelines on parenting, allowing much room for freedom, as I will outline in part 2 of this post.
Thanks Jean for your advice - I will most certainly look those books up.
I look forward to your parenting book reviews
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