Parenting by The Book: Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child [Hardcover]

John Rosemond (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 25, 2007

Picture respectful, responsible, obedient children who entertain themselves without television or video games, do their own homework, and have impeccable manners. A pie-in-the-sky fantasy? Not so, says family psychologist and bestselling author John Rosemond. Any parent who so desires can grow children who fit that description -- happy, emotionally healthy children who honor their parents and their families with good behavior and do their best in school.

In the 1960s, American parents stopped listening to their elders when it came to child rearing and began listening instead to professional experts. Since then, raising children has become fraught with anxiety, stress, and frustration. The solution, says John, lies in raising children according to biblical principles, the same principles that guided parents successfully for hundreds of years. They worked then, and they still work now!

Through his nationally syndicated newspaper column and eleven books, John has been helping families raise happy, well-behaved children for more than thirty years. In Parenting by The Book, which John describes as both a "mission and a ministry," he brings parents back to the uncomplicated basics. Herein fi nd practical, Bible-based advice that will help you be the parent you want to be, with children who will be, as the Bible promises, "a delight to your soul" (Pro. 29-17). As a bonus, John also promises to make you laugh along the way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"John Rosemond is one of the few psychologists I've ever met who always makes sense. This is the best common-sense guide to parenting I've read in a long time." (Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Making Children Mind without Losing Yours)

"If you think 'new' is always better, this is not the book for you. John does all parents a huge service by skillfully illuminating the timeless wisdom of Scripture that has served generations in raising healthy, happy, obedient human beings. I was struck, both as a parent and a professional, at how simply and practically John presents these biblical truths for mothers and fathers. Parenting by The Book could start a parenting revolution, and I pray it does for the sake of our children." (Glenn T. Stanton, director, Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family and author of Marriage on Trial and My Crazy Imperfect Christian Family)

"Truly a masterpiece. John's concepts are consistent with both biblical principles and the best parenting research. As such, they work! A must-read for parents and professionals who work with parents." (DuBose Ravenel, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and emeritus member of Focus on the Family medical advisor team)

"John Rosemond is my all-time favorite parenting authority. This book is chock-full of practical advice for raising children of character, and because it's solidly grounded in biblical principles, the guidance is fail-safe. A must read!" (Jim Burns, PhD, President, Homeword Radio, and Author of Confident Parenting and Creating an Intimate Marriage)

About the Author

John Rosemond is a family psychologist who has directed mental-health programs and been in full-time private practice working with families and children. Since 1990, he has devoted his time to speaking and writing. Rosemond’s weekly syndicated parenting column now appears in some 250 newspapers, and he has written 15 best-selling books on parenting and the family. He is one of the busiest and most popular speakers in the field, giving more than 200 talks a year to parent and professional groups nationwide. He and his wife of 39 years, Willie, have two grown children and six well-behaved grandchildren. 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; 1 edition (September 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416544844
• ISBN-13: 978-1416544845
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology & Christianity

More About the Author

John Rosemond is a family psychologist who has both directed mental health programs and been in full-time private practice working with families and children. Since 1990, he has devoted his time to speaking and writing. John's weekly syndicated parenting column now appears in some 250 newspapers. Along the way, he's also managed to write eleven bestselling books on parenting and the family. As if that wasn't enough, he is one of the busiest and most popular speakers in his field, giving over 200 talks a year to parent and professional groups nationwide. He and his wife of 39 years, Willie, have two grown children and six well-behaved grandchildren.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Parenting Book November 5, 2008

By MayOK

Format:Hardcover

First of all, it is very clear that most, if not all, of the 1 star reviewers either did not read this book or are just John Rosemond haters who assume his books do nothing but condone spanking. This could not be farther from the truth. If you are considering buying this book and don't know anything about John Rosemond, then visit his website: www.rosemond.com. If you look under the "About John" section, there is a position statement on spanking. READ IT if that is of concern to you. Then you will see how full of baloney these people are who are spitting venom at him because he respects the right of parents to discipline as they see fit.
I thought this was a well-written book that brought to light many of the problems with the post-modern psychological parenting model. One need not look too far to see frustrated parents running ragged because of out-of-control children. Is it that difficult to admit that children are generally ill-mannered these days with little to no respect for authority? That being said, isn't it a good thing to find someone who offers an alternative if a family feels they need one?
If you don't like John Rosemond, then parent your children as you see fit and don't read his books. But why should you try to persuade someone to not check something out that might really help their family just because you have an agenda? I am raising two children, and I find that when I apply Rosemond's advice, I discipline calmly and I stay in control. I'm guessing that most child-abusers do the exact opposite: They LOSE control. That is something Rosemond tries to help parents keep from doing.
So I personally recommend this book to those who are frustrated with their current parenting philosophy and want to make a change.... But if you are an attachment parent, then don't read it. You won't find what you're looking for here. It's as simple as that. Read more ›

54 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read for ALL parents! No spanking encouraged! July 24, 2008

By CB - La Quinta

Format:Hardcover

This is an absolutely wonderful book that produced results in my home within 2 days! The other reviewers expressed that Dr. Rosemond is advocating spanking and child abuse! He clearly states that "I am not advocating spanking" so I do not know what book these folks read but it wasnt this one. I find that I constantly refer to the term "Post Modern Psychobabble" on a weekly basis. I actually starting reading this book a few weeks before my 6 year old sons teacher expressed her in "professional" opinion that my son was ADHD! My husband and I were blown away by this because she had only known him for 2 months and only had 14 students in her class. 5 of the students were "diagnosed" by her as ADHD. When we told her that she was wrong and that she needed to get a hold of her classroom and show authority when dealing with my child she agreed to try. By the end of the school year, she came to me and apologized and said that after we pointed out to her that he was trying to push her buttons and only needed her to act in an authoritave way with him that she saw nothing but wonderful behavior from him. You see, he has never been a behaviorial problem for any other teacher nor for us at home because we apply the principles of respect for God, Family and community. The funny thing is that one of the reasons she based her "diagnosis" was the fact the at Art time he became disruptive because he does not like art (none of us in the family are artistic), however, I told her that with his love of reading she should give him a book on Van Gogh or something of the sort. She followed suit and realized that he has a great ammount of art appreciation.... You see, we as a society have decided that the over stressed teachers must be right and a majority of us tend to run out and put our children on some sort of medication for fear of what people will think of us and our children. I write this review specifically for those parents who question those who suggest your child has ADD or ADHD. I am not saying there are children who dont need meds, but if you are in the slightest of doubt, please purchase and read this book and give it a few months of its applications, you may see a difference in your child/or teacher. Make sure that you stand up for your children, teachers and administrators are not the authority, God is! Read more ›

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Biblically correct July 7, 2008

By B. Collins

Format:Hardcover

Sorry that so many other reviewers didn't take time to actually read this book. Or perhaps it's that they are offended by what God says. The Bible says many will turn away from wisdom and listen to others say just what they want to hear. Read the book - and the Bible. Get the facts. (Lost one star because he tends to go on long about some issues I thought he could have taken less time on.)
BTW, I, too, was lovingly disciplined as a child (in the 60s no less!) by kind, caring parents who spanked me when needed (not too often), then followed up with hugs and a good discussion about what I'd done wrong and what I could do to avoid same in the future. I love them and appreciate them for it today. Abuse is not discipline, and discipline is not abuse. Love protects, sometimes by discipline. Fear or rejection leads many parents to abuse their children by letting them run wild. Those children learn only that mom and dad are weak and afraid of them. Children want guidelines and proof that their parents care enough to follow through with discipline if rules are broken. Too-soft parents can often lead to false "ADHD" diagnoses and children with behavioral problems. While I recognize that some children (and adults) can have real ADHD problems, even the "experts" are admitting now that far too many doctors have fallen back on the easy diagnosis of ADHD. If your children are showing typical signs of this disorder, get two or more opinions before you start feeding pills to them for a quick fix. I've seen far too many "messed up" kids who were helped through THE PARENTS learning how to parent instead of just giving the kids pills.