Now that my children are grown, there are many new books on
parenting and child training out there that were not available when my
children were young. If you had to choose one book on the subject of
parenting or child training to recommend to new parents, which book
would it be and why? (It doesn’t have to be a new book. It doesn’t even
have to be a book.) I will post the top three suggestions, and will
read
all the suggestions and narrow them down to the top three most helpful,
from my been there done that perspective. If you
do not want to leave your suggestions in the comments, feel free to e-mail me at alittleperspective [at] gmail [dot] com.
Please also spread this request around the homeschool blogosphere. We
want as many responses as possible. Thank you for your help!
takingthechallenge says
This book totally changed my outlook on parenting and educating because of it’s celebration of the gift of children. In my family, children really weren’t seen as blessings (accept by my our grandparents) but as burdens. Education was something best left to the “experts” in public school. While my husband and I broke the mold and took the plunge into homeschooling (one of the best decisions of our lives), it wasn’t until reading this book that I finally was able to let go of “schooling at home” and shed the ingrained notion that (even though they were obviously failing) “the ‘experts’ were right in the choices of what to teach and when and how” and…yada, yada, yada.
While I wished I’d read this book at a much younger age, I’m thankful for the years that I was able to implement what I learned and for the privilege of having my children read it and discuss with them the absolute beauty and freedom of homeschooling and that they would be able to homeschool their own children in better ways and with more freedom than when they were homeschooled.
I’m thankful for this book reminding me of the beauty and fleetingness of childhood and that while parenting is indeed a great responsibility, it is an even greater privilege! And it reminded me that we are to become as little children ourselves to enter the kingdom of Heaven…if that isn’t a celebration of children and their importance…I can’t think what is!
Titus2woman says
I second For the Children’s Sake and add Hints on Child Training by H.C. Trumbull. I can’t wait to glean from your other responses! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Anonymous says
Shepherding a child’s heart, by Tedd Tripp
Coming from an abusive environment I found this book eye opening. I think he does a tremendous job of putting the roles of parent and child in their proper perspective.
The Mother At Home, by John S.C. Abbott
I haven’t read this one but I’ve ordered it. It came highly recommended as being “one of the most valuable resources for training young women, from a Biblical perspective, on the art of mothering.”
Hope this helps,
Stephanie
stephanie [at] bteministries [dot] com
Anonymous says
I really liked Hints on Child Training and Easy Homeschooling and Easy Homeschooling Companion both by Lorraine Curry. I liked the last two not so much for their homeschooling outlook but more for the parenting advice. Very good and practical. I highly recommend them.
BarbaraFrank says
I was a new mom looking through a stack of parenting books from the public library in an effort to figure out how to care for my new baby, and I wasn’t having much luck. Then I remembered a book I had picked up at a Christian bookstore just a few weeks before my baby was born. It was “Home Grown Kids” by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore. Not only did it give me some tips for caring for a baby, it also introduced me to the revolutionary idea of homeschooling. Twenty-two years and four children later, I can tell you God used that book to bless us all on a wonderful homeschooling journey that continues to this day 🙂
Barb
ServingHim says
I will second the recommendation of “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” because that taught me to find the root cause of behavior, which is sin, and to focus on changing the heart and not to focus on outward compliance.
I also love the book of Proverbs for practical wisdom. The verses can be applied to many, many situations.
I’m looking forward to seeing others’ recommendations!
—
Elaine <
Anonymous says
“To Train Up a Child” by Michael and Debi Pearl (and the next two in the series: No Greater Joy, volumes 1 & 2)
“Preparation for Parenting” by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo (and the others in the series–the ORIGINAL versions, not the newer versions)
“Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp
ExcelsiorWarriors says
My first and foremost choice will always be the Bible for it has been my guiding light and source of inspiration as I grow on this journey of parenthood.
However, if you wanted a selection outside of the more obvious this is what I would suggest:
For Parents – Power of a Praying Parent – this helped me to see my children as my sisters and brothers in Christ and how they desperately needed me to stand in the gap for them. (I also second For the Childrens Sake)
For Mothers – Sally Clarkson’s books: namely Ministry of Motherhood and Mission of Motherhood. Each gave a new perspective on who I am as a woman and mother of the blessings I have been given to raise. I am still learning this lesson and reading these books. This is definitely something you grow into season by season.
These are my general choices on the subject. There are more as you add other aspects to the mix like homeschooling.
Thanks for asking. I look forward to the results and others comments.
Lara says
This has to be one of the best mothering books I’ve read to date. Very encouraging and biblical. I am so excited to glean from all the other suggestions. Thanks for posting this survey. 🙂
LaurieBluedorn says
My first choice is The Mother At Home by John S.C. Abbott.
Second is Home Grown Kids by Raymond Moore
Third is For the Children’s Sake
You can purchase The Mother At Home from graceandtruthbooks.com
Laurie
Anonymous says
If I could only choose one book it would be the Bible. After that come, in no particular order, Doorpost’s For Instruction in Righteousness, Hints on Child Training, For the Children’s Sake, the CM Volumes 1-6 and The Heart of Anger (By Lou Priolo). I haven’t read Shepherding a Child’s Heart, but I have been told by others that The Heart of Anger is somewhat like the “how-to” book for Shepherding a Child’s Heart. These are the books that have most influenced mine and my husband’s childrearing styles. (These aren’t the only ones we read, but the ones that spoke to us the most.)
In Love,
Katie Barr