So, you’ve seen the book, The Christian Parenting Handbook, around (a lot) the internet the past week or two, but what is it exactly? This is not like any parenting book I’ve ever seen before. I usually don’t buy parenting books. They either offer good sounding information with no direct Scriptural references or I don’t know how to go about applying it with my children. This is the first book I have read (still reading actually) that starts with Scripture and follows through with the practical application.
Laid out within 50 chapters, are 50 strategies that will shape and direct your parenting philosophy, one chapter for each idea. Not just ideas, but the Scriptural basis and practical how-to. There is no chronological order, earlier chapters for younger children, etc. You can jump in anywhere. Catchy titles “Fair Doesn’t Mean Equal” or “Consistency is Overrated” will direct you to a chapter dealing with your most immediate need. Skip around, check out what sounds interesting, read them in any order — but don’t miss any of them.
Nagging. Yelling. This had been me lately. With my husband’s work schedule making me feel like a single parent, I was frazzled and felt like I was drowning. No matter what I told my children or promised them if they complied, things weren’t happening as they should. I was casually reading through the Christian Parenting Handbook and the chapter on Internal Motivation caught my attention. Referencing 1 Samuel 16:7 “Man looks to the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I learned this was about more than just keeping toys put away or help with laundry. My methods had been rewarding them in thinking only of themselves. No concern for what was the right thing to do (help Mama) but only what would get them the “carrot” they desired.
Once I started employing the strategies explained in the chapter, I started seeing the return of my children. These strategies did not involve a bigger reward, but a much better one. The reward of feeling good about a job well done. I’ve been smiling more, nagging less. They’ve been super helpful — especially eager if they can do something before I even have to ask about it.
This may sound like “miracle work”. I feel like I should have some sort of disclaimer “not typical results”. This was not a complete change in my children’s hearts, but a readjustment. These attitudes were common before the “seemingly-single parent” weeks. Something changed in that time and it needed to change back. I had changed our relationship, and by repairing the relationship, we were back to where we should be (at least in this area – we’re not perfect 😉 ). See? Parenting doesn’t always need to be hard work if you’re doing the “heart” work.
My favorite thing about the whole Handbook? This is certainly not some one-size-fits-all philosophy. There is not a formula to follow by any parent to achieve a certain result. Our wonderful Creator did not make us that way. He designed each family – knowing which children would need what kind of parents and vice-versa. This book is about helping you develop what works for your family – which is probably different for each of your children.
Still not convinced? You can read the first 5 chapters free by filling out the form on the website. Don’t forget, you want to purchase your copy this week to take advantage of the $400 worth of bonus resources from the National Center for Biblical Parenting. You can also enter all week to win some of the awesome prizes to celebrate the release of the Christian Parenting Handbook.
Right now through Saturday night, midnight Eastern time, I am giving away five different prizes to five different winners (one winner per prize). These are more of the resources from the National Center for Biblical Parenting. One of the prizes is a copy of the Christian Parenting Handbook with pdf Companion Guide. If you don’t win the book, I wanted you to still have the opportunity to buy it and get the gift bundle.
