Customer Reviews

Building the Christian Family You Never Had: A Practical Guide for Pioneer Parents

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This is such a helpful book! I recommend it to all parents, no matter what kind of home they grew up in.
Mary shares her difficult journey of trying to make sense of the painful story of her childhood and trying to craft a new story-one of a healthy Christian family-for her own children.
If you grew up in a non-Christian home, you may have a strong desire to raise your children in the Christian faith. But you didn't have that modeled for you, so you're what Mary refers to as a "pioneer parent." Even if your home was basically pretty good but just void of faith, you still need some help because you didn't have a model to follow. You're not sure what a Christian family looks like, exactly.
You are sure you don't want to do it the way your family did, but Mary points out that just deciding what not to do is not enough.
Mary had a very difficult childhood-full of abuse and loss. But she has found God in the story of her life, and her book will be an encouragement to those who grew up in non-Christian homes and want a to craft a different type of story for their families.
Her book addresses practical concerns ranging from the process (it's not a one-time thing) of forgiving your parents to ways to increase gratitude and laughter (important ingredients of a Christian family) in your home.
I highly recommend this book to all parents, not just "pioneer" parents. Even those who grew up in good Christian homes know that no home is perfect. Mary's insights into the spiritual growth that comes from examining the story of our lives, inviting Jesus into the process of parenting and learning to do things better as a result, is helpful for anyone.
I also recommend it for anyone who ministers to children, as a Sunday School teacher or youth leader.

Wow! This is the book I wish I'd had many years ago, before I wore myself out with "formulas" for parenting. Mary DeMuth writes with authenticity and sensitivity. Whether you came from a family of origin of abuse and neglect, or simply don't want to repeat some of the milder dsyfunctions of your past, this book is a valuable resource on issues of faith, forgiveness, mentors, boundaries,and overcoming fears. Every parent who wants to blaze a new trail needs this book.

I've read several Christian parenting books, and I could not seem to find one that I could relate to. Many of the books I read previously were written by people who grew up in loving, Christian homes. The author of this book is genuine. She has been through a lot in her childhood, and managed to turn to God to heal her and her parenting journey. She never claims to be perfect or have perfect children. This is a good book to study again and again on your parenting journey. If you were not raised in a Christian home, it can be difficult to know how to raise your children in your faith. In my Christian faith I can relate more to Anne Lamont than I can to James Dobson, I found this book to be quite helpful.

This is so much more than a Christian parenting book...you will have to read this book more than once! It is definitely one you will want to read more carefully with a highlighter in hand. DeMuth offers truly practical advice to 'Pioneer Parents' who may not have had the best model for raising Godly children and fostering faith in their home. She walks each pioneer through her own journey and offers guidance based on Biblical teaching for, as the title says, givng your children the spiritual heritage you wish you'd had. The discussion questions are invaluable!

If you are reading this review, you have been sucked in by the title, probably because you somehow relate. If so, then the topic is of huge significance to you. The book is solid, and the content reflects the title.

Regardless of your background, if you have a Christian faith and desire to live out that faith with your children, then bring your highlighter and keep notes as you read.

Not everyone comes into parenting with great childhood experiences to draw from. Even if you did have a safe upbringing, ALL parents are forging a new way for their children. We are all "pioneers". This book is a wealth of information, and challenges you to re-evaluate how and why you do what you do and believe what you believe. Mary DeMuth shares her personal journey of overcoming her painful past. She offers great hope & encouragement to all parents. You will glean from her writing, no matter what your story is.

Building The Christian Family You Never Had is a must read for every couple contemplating having children, every parent who has children, and every adult who found life with their parents difficult or confusing. Not have the right role model can be frustrating--even confusing. But thanks to DeMuth's great advice we can learn to let go of the past, foster positive parenting skills, and shield our children from the negative influences others have left on our lives and continue to drill into our psyche.

Mary's book is a MUST READ; not only for every parent, but also for everyone who has ever had a parent. Her insights into family dynamics are revealing and instructive. Her words bring healing and resolution. Mary's skill as a writer makes her Guide for Pioneer Parents an enjoyable, fast-moving read. But watch out - one time through will NOT be enough! You will want to keep this Guide around to read over and over.

Of the three excellent books of Mary's I have been priviledged to read, this is the one that has had me most riveted to each nugget of truth. I am a quick reader, and usually don't read a book twice in a year but this one has me dipping into it almost daily. I have read and re-read the chapters, blinking in the freshness as I absorbed and processed each life altering concept. It has revolutionised my way of life, the sense of who I am, how fragile we are and how Great is Our God. It has given me a glimpse of the Father heart of God and my husband and I have turned our mistaken foundation of parenting back to the example in the Word, thanks to reading this book. I am also peeling away the 'onion layers' of my own childhood.

Mary is a highly proficient messenger of the truth. Her words fly directly from the heart of the healer in my belief and I am honoured to have walked through the pages of her journey and find my own healing in that experience.

Get this book. Even if you have the most Christian upbringing possible. Especially then.

This book played a huge role in helping me make peace with my past. I'd pick it up and God never failed to use it to shed new light on something. Sometimes it was one sentence and others a whole new perspective that helped things click, like considering how our parents were parented as we struggle with forgiveness. I did just that and it led to a huge breakthrough. Mary writes with warmth and authenticity as a fellow struggler, offering wisom and insight along the way.