6 Books That Have Made Me a Better Parent

Christian Parenting Books

We’ve all heard people say, “Parenting is the only job that doesn’t come with a training manual”.  Maybe that was true before the 21st century, but now there are so many resources available that we are left without excuse.  Parenting can be overwhelming, even exhausting, but thankfully we now have thousands of articles on the internet, parenting magazines, seminars and, my favorite – books – at our fingertips that provide biblically-based teaching and wisdom that can give us the tools we need to guide us through the process without fear and anxiety.

In recent years, it has been difficult – heart-breaking, really –  to watch the news and read online how twisted the role of parenting has become, especially when God is not in the picture.  Children are growing up believing lies and are even confused about their own sexuality.  The world has “exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25) and is being willfully deceived by a “modern”, secular and evil culture.  I find it abominable.

Related: 100+ Free Downloadable Resources for Your Spiritual Growth

So here I’ve compiled a shortlist of six Christian books that have made me a better parent.  I’ve read them all and, along with my husband, have put many of their biblical-based tips and teachings into practice – and we have been impressed by the results.

Our children are on the cusp of adolescence so we have a ways to go, but we are thankful that we have the right perspective and the information we need to move through this next phase of parenting without apprehension.

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♥ Disclaimer: I recently partnered with ChristianBook.com as an affiliate as a way to monetize my blog, but mostly to expose my readers to excellent Christian products that will be sure to enrich their lives.  For transparency’s sake, I want you to know that I may earn a commission if you purchase something through the links I provide – at no extra cost to you.  And now, back to our regularly scheduled program! ♥

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I have included a short description of each book provided by Christian Book.  All of the titles come with the option of purchasing a digital version.  Just click on the title of each book for more information.

Related: 4 Devotional Books That Will Invigorate Your Life

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6 Christian Parenting Books All Parents Should Read

The Power of a Praying Parent

by Stormie Omartian

Stormie Omartian’s bestselling The Power of a Praying® series (more than 28 million copies sold) is rereleased with fresh new covers and new material to reach a still-growing market of readers eager to discover the power of prayer for their lives.

After 20 years of raising her son and daughter alongside her husband, Michael, Stormie looks back at the trials and joys of parenting and the power in praying for her children. In these easy-to-read chapters, Stormie shares from personal experience as to how parents can pray for their kids’

• safety
• character development
• adolescence
• peer pressure
• school experiences
• friends
• relationship with God

This resource will help you to be an amazing praying parent whether your kids are three or thirty-three.

From the back cover:

You want the best for your kids.  You’re in great company.  Stormie Omartian and her husband, Michael, spent 20 years raising their children…and more than 35 years praying for them.  And now, in 32 short, easy-to-read chapters, Stormie shares how you can pray through each stage of your child’s life, from early childhood through adulthood.  You don’t have to be a perfect parent.  But you need to be a praying parent.  And you can do that.

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Confident Parenting

by Jim Burns

° Finding replenishment for overcrowded lives ° Overcoming negative family patterns ° Creating a grace-filled home ° Communicating with affection, warmth and encouragement ° Raising kids who love God and themselves °

Burns incorporates common sense and accessible parenting tips and strategies into this fictional tale of a family. Part story, part information, each chapter explores a different aspect of parenting.

The basics of good parenting sometimes get lost – or weren’t taught – and kids suffer for it. Jim Burns, with more than 20 years of experience counseling families, helps parents get on the right path and experience the rewards of a healthy home life. Here is time-tested advice along with strategies for today’s families. Infused with his signature candidness and practicality, he explores different aspects of parenting in each chapter – from breaking generational chains of dysfunction and creating a warm atmosphere to handling discipline issues and blessing children with a legacy of faith. At the heart of his message are three parenting keys: affection, warmth, and encouragement.

From the back cover:

Somewhere in the busyness of life many of us have forgotten – or perhaps weren’t even taught – the basics of good parenting and our kids are suffering for it.  This book will help your family get on the right path and experience the rewards of a healthy home life.

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12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid

by Tim Elmore

Leading your kids to succeed in life

You’re deeply committed to helping your kids succeed. But you’re concerned—why are so many graduates unprepared to enter the workforce and face life on their own? You’re doing your best to raise healthy children, but sometimes you wonder, am I really helping them?

Tim Elmore shows you how to avoid twelve critical mistakes parents unintentionally make. He outlines practical and effective parenting skills so you won’t fall into common traps, such as…

• making happiness a goal instead of a by-product
• not letting kids struggle or fight for what they believe
• not letting them fail or suffer consequences
• lying about kids’ potential – and not exploring their true potential
• giving them what they should earn

Find out why thousands of organizations have sought out Tim Elmore to help them develop young leaders—and how you can improve your parenting skills and help your kids soar.

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Grace-Based Parenting

by Tim Kimmel

° A fresh start ° Set your family free °

Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They’ve tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.

Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don’t work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God’s love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children.

Releasing in an affordable trade paper edition, this revolutionary book presents a whole new way to nurture a healthy family.

From the back cover:

In Grace-Based Parenting, Dr. Kimmel offers a revolutionary concept that focuses on the model and guidance provided by God the Father – the ultimate child and family expert.

Grace-Based Parenting is not another manual full of impossible standards; rather it is a new map for learning to see ourselves and our children through God’s limitless tenderness – to raise our kids the way God raises us.  This thoughtful, profound and compassionate book presents a truly liberating way to nurture a healthy family.  As we embrace the grace he offers we begin to give it – creating a sound foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children.

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The Five Love Languages of Children

by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

The secret to loving children effectively

You know you love your child. But how can you make sure your child knows it?

The #1 New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages® has helped millions of couples learn the secret to building a love that lasts. Now discover how to speak your child’s love language in a way that he or she understands. Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell help you:

• discover your child’s love language
• assist your child in successful learning
• use the love languages to correct and discipline more effectively
• build a foundation of unconditional love for your child

Plus: Find dozens of tips for practical ways to speak your child’s love language.

Discover your child’s primary language—then speak it—and you will be well on your way to a stronger relationship with your flourishing child.

From the back cover:

You love your child, but does your child feel loved?  Every child has a unique way of feeling loved.  When you discover your child’s love language – and how to speak it – you can build a solid foundation for your child to trust you and flourish as they grow.

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She’s Gonna Blow!

by Julie Ann Barnhill

Real help for moms dealing with anger

Tens of thousands of moms who struggle with anger have found hope, laughter, understanding, and biblical counsel in She’s Gonna Blow! With over 100,000 in print, this bestseller now has a fresh cover and a new practical helps section with more resources and step-by-step advice.

Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages of Children, tells readers that Julie Ann Barnhill “has learned from her journey, and so will you…You’ll identify with Julie’s open, honest approach.“

Straightforward and easy-to-read, She’s Gonna Blow! is for every mom seeking here-and-now hope and help to…

• find healthier ways of expressing anger
• let go of control issues and be more positive
• draw closer to the God who created moms and mothering

From the back cover:

A “been there, done that” mom herself, Julie Barnhill turns the hilarious scenes of everyday life with the kids into a practical guide for anyone who’s wrestling with down-to-earth realities…

• You were going to be a “good mother” – but it only worked until the kids were born.
• You find yourself saying “never again,” and then blowing it yet another time.
• You get to the end of the day and realize you haven’t laughed, relaxed, or enjoyed your children.

She’s Gonna Blow! offers you hope, honest understanding, and good measures of laughter and wise biblical counsel.  Julie will help show you the way back to the God who knows your mother heart as no one else does – and who offers lifelong peace and change for your journey of mothering!

Related: When Anger Takes Over

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Children are a gift from God, according to Psalm 127:3.  It may not feel that way during the toughest parts of parenting.  But, there is hope!  We can do this with God’s help.  I think I can safely say that we’ve all screwed up enough to know that God is the only perfect parent.  The six books I am recommending are full of grace, and truth and even laughter.  So, take a deep breath, pick up one of these books and remember that God’s mercies are new every morning!

Let me know if and when you do read any of these and also if you have a parenting book that you highly recommend!

Summer

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