Parenting Books

Bringing Up Boys, by James Dobson, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2001. Practical insight for parents raising boys – especially for those whose boys are still young. Exposes the negative impact of the feminist movement on boys and the subtle ways our culture has decided against masculinity. A call to revive our ability to raise responsible, hard-working, men who are not afraid of their masculinity and who know what it means to be a man.

Complete Book of Baby and Child Care, foreword by Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, 1999. Terrific, thorough reference book for anything and everything to do with raising a child. Good first line of defense before calling the pediatrician. Written from a distinctly Christian worldview.

Dare to Discipline, by James Dobson," Gospel Light Publishing", 1970. Comprehensive book on the lack of discipline in our culture, resulting in a lack of authority. Good hands on application for parents – especially with ideas to help with discipline strategies. A bit dated, but still applicable.
On Secular Education, by R.L. Dabney, Canon Press, 1989. Booklet on the Church verses the State for education. Goes through various views and outcomes regarding education, arguing that parents are the ones charged and responsible for the education of their children. The state should not usurp this responsibility.

Parenting Isn’t for Cowards, by James Dobson, Inspirational Press, 1987. Compared compliant and strong-willed children. Encourages parents to get children under control while they are young. If parents can set their child in the right direction early, they will need less guidance and direct oversight as they grow. Provided hands on application and encouragement for parents dealing with strong-willed children and good insight for parents of compliant children.

Parenting with Scriptures – A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments, by Kara Durbin, Moody Press, 2001. Terrific quick-reference book for various character traits/problems such as complaining, honesty, obedience, etc. Each topic includes a definition, related Scripture verses (text and reference), discussion questions and action points. Very practical and useful.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart, by Tedd Tripp, Shepherd Press, 1998. The parenting book for gracious, Christ-centered tips on how to raise your child. The video series, which is virtually identical to the book, is also available at the Byfield Parish Church Library.

Standing on the Promises, by Doug Wilson, Veritas Press, 1997. A theological book focused on parental responsibility in all aspects of raising children, including education. A bit ‘heady’ in the beginning to set a Biblical foundation for the more hands on applications which comes later on in the book.

The Heart of Anger – Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children, by Lou Priolo, Calvary Press, 1997. Scripture-packed approach to helping children work through anger in a positive, Biblical manner. Practical tips and helps included. Helps to also deal with “sassy” back talking, tone of voice issues too. (Great, helpful resource for parent’s anger too!)

The New First 3 Years of Life, by Burton L. White, Fireside, 1995. Very detailed book on intellectual, social and physical changes which occur at each stage of growth, from infancy to toddler-hood. Very thorough, written from a secular worldview.

The Strong Willed Child, by James Dobson, Inspirational Press, 1978. Emphasized parenting as a balance of rewards, punishment and love as well as being firm and standing by what you say. Good book, but not completely helpful for all situations.

The Way They Learn, by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias, Focus on the Family, 1994. A Helpful look at learning styles. Covers learning types, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. A layperson’s overview of a pretty technical topic. Useful suggestions for parents and teachers for assessing children and helping them to become better learners by understanding the way they learn.

What’s the Difference?, by John Piper, Crossway Books, 1990. A very concise, well thought out book on masculinity and femininity according to the Bible. An attempt to begin to argue against our “unisex” culture. Provides great insight for parents and their children.

 

Devotional Books for Children

My ABC Bible Verses  Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts, by Susan Hunt, Good News Publishing, 1999. List of 26 short Scripture verses accompanied by a short story and helps for memorizing each verse.

Big Truths for Little Kids, by Susan Hunt and Richard Hunt, Good News Publishing, 1999. Based on First Catechism—Biblical Truths for God’s Children, by Great Commission Publications, and Catechism for Young Children by Christian Education and Publications, PCA. Simple questions and answers listed along with a fun, relevant short story.

Jesus Wants All of Me, Daily Devotional for Kids!, by Phil Smouse, Barbour Press, 1999. Very short readings based on Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest along with a related Scripture verse. Great, colorful pictures. (Sometimes it’s so simplified, the meaning is lost. Other times, it’s very profound.)