Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Pass ❌ Let’s start by renaming this book something that better represents its contents: Punishments for Kids. I poked around on the internet and learned that both Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend earned Ph.D.’s in clinical psychology and then went on to co-found a healthcare company together. I was unable to find any indication ofContinue reading “Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend”

Gospel-Based Parenting by Angela Harders

Borrow 👍 A perfect title for a great little book! This compact book jumps right into why using Proverbs as a parenting book is problematic. Harders offers proper hermeneutics for Proverbs and profound insights into scripture—along with a couple respectful parenting alternatives tucked neatly in the back. She has a truly unique ability of writingContinue reading “Gospel-Based Parenting by Angela Harders”

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

Pass ❌ I can sum up the book’s message in one sentence: In order to obey God, you must hit children (p. 30). Every bit of “Christianese” advice and instruction in Shepherding a Child’s Heart (SACH) is centered around this disturbing lie. Please be aware I won’t be using euphemisms like “spanking,” “discipline,” or “theContinue reading “Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp”

The Flourishing Family by Dr. David and Amanda Erickson

Buy ✅ This is my # 1 Must-Read for Christian parents. A bold “Jesus-centered guide to parenting with peace and purpose.” Forget the shallow peace that comes from caving in to demands or sidestepping conflict—that’s nothing but permissive parenting. Real peacemakers tackle chaos head-on, forging authentic peace within themselves and in their relationships. For ChristianContinue reading “The Flourishing Family by Dr. David and Amanda Erickson”

No Perfect Parents by Dave & Ann Wilson, Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel, & Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande

Pass ❌ ❌ ❌ Another stack of Christian parenting books that do not fully advocate for treating children with dignity and respect. I struggle writing reviews for books like these because inside of each of them you can find valuable wisdom, practical tips, and useful biblical guidance. However, with so little time for young familiesContinue reading “No Perfect Parents by Dave & Ann Wilson, Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel, & Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande”

Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina

Borrow 👍 A great journey through the scientific discoveries on brain development and the essential elements parents should keep in mind during the first 5 years of their child’s life- not just the diaper days. This book would have earned my highest honor of “Buy” had it not endorsed swift punishments and consequences- surprisingly, TheContinue reading “Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina”

Parenting – Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley

Pass ❌ Except for a handful of gems here and there, this book mainly consists of anecdotes from Andy and Sandra’s childhoods and their experiences as parents. I’ll spare you story-time with the Stanleys and share with you some key takeaways from the book. A couple issues I had with the book: One issue wasContinue reading “Parenting – Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley”

8 Great Smarts by Dr. Kathy Koch

Borrow 👍 When you were younger, did you ever use the word “smart” to describe yourself? In a public school system that only valued two of the eight intelligences, it was challenging for many of us to believe we were smart. Dr. Kathy highlights that you were good at theater because you are smart, youContinue reading “8 Great Smarts by Dr. Kathy Koch”