Customer Reviews

Effective Parenting in a Defective World

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Chip Ingram --- prolific author, pastor and father of four grown children --- tells befuddled parents that it's possible to raise exceptional children in a world gone wild. He opens his text by backtracking some years ago when the television sitcom "Roseanne" was all the rage. Ingram explains that while the American public laughed at this family's obvious dysfunction, somehow they also resonated with their struggles as well. As Ingram notes, "Here was a family in crisis who could laugh about it."

Ingram then poignantly points out that what is laughable at a distance is frequently devastating up close. Perhaps most disconcerting is that the majority of parents seems to live in crisis mode, only reacting to one problem after another rather than proactively planning and leading their children to and through God's life-giving principles. Ingram shares that moms and dads first need to develop clear-cut objectives whereby they are aiming for God's best and highest purpose to be fulfilled in each child's life. Holiness, not happiness, is God's goal. However, parents often get sidetracked by the world's definition of life success that is in large part exactly the opposite of what God's written word commands. Another "must" for parents is to practice what they preach. As the old adage goes, "Character is always more caught than taught. Always."

The author spends a good amount of space describing, through personal retelling of his family's events and that of others, how to learn God's plan for effective discipline, punishment versus discipline, and words that discipline. Each chapter also includes practical steps for moms and dads to incorporate into their daily routine that will strengthen the bonds between parents and children.

Readers will find especially helpful Ingram's section on "Five Smooth Stones," in which he dismantles five life myths and offers the biblical alternative to each. Included are these valuable life lessons:

* First Stone: Teach them to suffer well by instructing children that suffering is a normal component of this life.

* Second Stone: Teach them to work "unto the Lord" by explaining how every person is created to work.

* Third Stone: Teach them to manage their wealth wisely by underscoring that everything is a sacred stewardship and ultimately owned by God.

* Fourth Stone: Teach them to make wise decisions by reaping God's best through the habit of daily holy living.

* Fifth Stone: Teach them to live grace-filled lives by embracing the principle that everyone is created to receive and give grace.

Ingram's text is full of instruction, but as is his custom, his voice of encouragement consistently takes readers by the hand and walks them to a more hope-filled place. As he notes, "Even God's parenting is messy," so we humans should take heart and not give up.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

This book is refreshingly honest and insightful. It gives clear direction no matter what age your child is, whether you have young children or teenagers, Chip will help you through many situations you are likely to encounter. It really is a must have.

I'm part of a parenting group at church and we're currently doing the DVD series of this book. I had never heard of Chip Ingram before this and every Sunday we are all amazed by Ingram and can't wait til the next Sunday and hear more!

Chip Ingram, president of Walk Thru the Bible, is a master communicator and teacher. In this series he turns his focus to the important topic of parenting. He speaks from a Christian perspective, bringing out perspectives from the Bible, and also from experience and common sense. Chip comes across as earnest and well informed, but not authoritarian. He is very transparent about his own stuggles, and mistakes as a parent. The DVD sessions are well done and the workbook studies are very practical and helpful. Our group of 30 parents eagerly attended each session throughout the 9 week study. Many of his insights reinforce common sense most parents have, we often slide from in moments of...how shall we say...parental lapse.

I have read 100's of parenting books over the years. Wish I had had this one years ago! This is the book I am recommending to all my friends and buying as gifts for everyone I know with kids. This book is detailed, but not too much information. It is real, honest and "user-friendly". I love Dobson and have valued his 'Bringing up Boys', but this book is another MUST READ for every parent!

Just finished this book and appreciated the authors eye to eye instructional perspective on parenting. The book offers hope, encouragement, and numerous Biblically based parenting strategies to use throughout your child's life; from toddler through teen years. This book did not, however, touch much on dealing with real tough kids, or give much of the 'tough love' perspective that some kids need.

If the folks are right that say we as parents have about the first 12-13 years of a child's life to instruct, mold, and teach before they start making their own decisions, etc based on what we've taught them, I would not recommend this book to parents of kids over the age of 9-10. Reason being, if you haven't started earlier with the strategies and philosophies in this book, you're too late and you'll only be frustrated reading the book that you hadn't started implementing them earlier.

Great read though, will recommend to friends.

This is a great Christian resource for parents. It is straight forward, easy to read and it doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed. It sets simple guidelines for you to follow in raising your kids so that they reflect the love of God. I highly recommend this book to parents who want to raise kids that stand out from the crowd.

This book is going to be the first book I use in our Christian Mommies book club I am starting in my neighborhood, I love it and can't wait to share it! It also has a free Book Discussion Guide you can obtain online.

Wheather you like this book or not, depends on you world view. If you believe that there is a God, and that he sent his only begotten son to pay for our sins, and that he rose from the dead, then I you will be openminded about this book. The book aims to give a biblical view on how one should treat children.
If, on the other hand you don`t believe there is a God, then I do not think this book will help you in your aim to raise children.