Eye opening, like "The Secret" for parenting
350461
As a parent we know we have some control and a great deal of responsibility over our children's environment.  What we may not realize is their future success as adults depends on planting the right seeds as early as possible.  God's True Law was written to provide the practical application of "Universal Laws" to parenting, but changes a parent's life as much as their children.  Throughout the book you will discover how the mind works, how to identify limiting beliefs holding you and your children back, and practical exercises to take you step by step through the process to program success and abundance.  Our family is so grateful for the tools we have gained through this book, it is amazing to witness the power of the mind!
2643615
I can honestly say that this book has changed my outlook on my parenting.

This book starts out by clarifying what the Bible means when it commands us to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6) by explaining that the Hebrew meaning behind "the way he should go" more accurately could be described to say "according to his bent".  In other words, God has created each of us with a unique bent to our personality.  We will do best to understand our child's bent and parent them with that in mind.  Failing to do this results in children that are raised feeling that if they could change who they are (be more assertive, more calm, more creative, more like their brother, etc) we would love/accept them more.  God has created each of us with our own set of strengths, gifts, weaknesses and tendencies.  This book used the popular DISC personality assessment model to help me to not only understand the personality of my children, but to see how it is God given.  It also helped my husband and I identify our personality types and understand the natural strengths and weaknesses with those personalities.  Practically, this book also went into great detail providing ideas on how to tailor our parenting style to train our children according to their "bent" (even breaking down each specific parent/child personality combination).  It also touched on how the differing personality types of you and your spouse can affect your marriage.

After reading this book I was able to better understand our oldest son's personality  and appreciate his temperament rather than try to fight or change it.

As a few examples:

-Part of our son's personality is to have a strong desire to lead.  This can be a strength; the world needs leaders, especially good ones.  Our challenge as parents is to help him recognize this God given gift and see how he can use it to help others.  In addition, he needs to keep in mind that sometimes he may be tempted to lead others in a way that is inconsiderate of their desires.  Knowing this about him, we can affirm his strength and help him learn how this strength can also be a weaknesses, if he is not careful.  We are working to be more intentional about verbally affirming his strengths as we see them displayed.  When he asks the waitress at a restaurant if he can please have more to drink we can say "You were not worried to ask for something that you needed, that is called being assertive, good job!"

-Another aspect of our son's personality is his desire to do things in a systematic way.  Knowing how important routine is to him and how well he responds to doing things "in order" we have found ways to incorporate list making in our home.  We have a list for "what do do when you get home from school", "what to do before you watch TV" and "what to do to get ready for bed".  These list have worked AMAZINGLY well and it feels great finding things like this that help us to train him according to his "bent".

Since reading this book, I have mentioned this book to countless friends.  Two of my friends have borrowed my copy.  I asked them if they had any feedback to share on it.  Here is what they said:

"Any book that helps me understand my children better is a good read.  Once you figure out the personality type your child leans towards, it is fun to follow how their minds generally process things.  It can be very eye opening.

It definitely helped me understand some of the frustrations in our household.  Now that I understand where they are coming from (and even where I am coming from!), it makes it easier to step back and evaluate the situation correctly."  Serena H.

"As a parent, I want my kids to thrive and this enlightening book has helped me learn to encourage them according to their own God-given design. I love the added benefit that these insights have also helped strengthen my marriage at the same time." Meredith M.
4242915
How would you like to know two secrets about anger that will change your parenting forever? If I read a book, I want scripture to back up the opinions that the author is trying to relate to me. In this case, the authors FILLED the pages with scripture and the Truth about anger cannot be denied.

I encourage you to search the scriptures for yourself, (or buy the book!) but this secret has totally rocked my world. The emotion of anger (and appropriate actions resulting from it) are not only allowable, but commendable, when they are expressed against human injustice on behalf of the oppressed, or when Gods honor is mocked by the ungodly. (page 35)

I find myself reading a few pages of this book, then sitting still and digesting the truth that was laid before me.

There is so much more practical truth to unpack from this book. And the scripture used throughout the pages of this book is alive and actively changing my view of myself, my husband, my children, and others.
2443229
After reading Dr. Pickhardt's "Everything Parent's Guide to Children and Divorce" I became reassured that not only is there 'life after divorce', but that my children can have a better 'quality of parenting' with happy parents instead of them navigating two parents locked in the downward death spiral of a broken relationship.

Long AFTER reading this book I learned how many OTHER great parenting self-help books Dr. Pickhardt has written.  Key sections for me in "Children and Divorce" are planning how to break the news of the divorce to the children, planning a safe, healthy second-home for the children, and realizing that I would still be seeing my ex at birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc and therefore planning to keep the relationship on a civil & friendly basis for the sake the kids.

The chapters are well laid out in covering the arc of Divorce - from 'the end of marriage is the start of divorce', the changes brought about by divorce, and the effects of divorce on children of different ages from pre-schoolers to adolescents / teens, and on an only-child.  From setting up a new household, to communicating 'daddy is dating', and dealing with new people in your life, to considering starting a new relationship once the wounds have had a chance to heal.

I freely admit - I LUCKED OUT in picking this book. [I did NOT want to read a 'divorce for dummies' book - my feelings of failure were heavy enough without being reminded of my inadequacies by the title of a book]
This book may be somewhat middle-of-the-road regarding depth of content, but it's an easy read.  And that was EXACTLY what I needed.

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children and Divorce is immensely helpful in navigating the winter of the discontent that is divorce - while keeping the needs of the lights-of-my-life at center stage.
4962464
As a parent of three 20+s, I wish I had had access to the material in this book while I was actually going through the teenage, and younger, parenting journey. Whilst reading the book I could identify our parenting deficiencies quite clearly. As I could the areas that we had done OK in. This book covers its topic in entirety, complete with action steps for parents going through the tougher parenting years. I recommend that you read this book if this is your scenario.

But thats obviously not why I read this book. I had heard that the material in the book is very relevant to the parents themselves, not just the children. And not only parents with teenage children either.  And it is. A bit like puppy school is more for the dog owners than the dogs, this book is for parents positioning and improving their relationship handling skills to be able to raise better children and be better all-round people other roles in life too.

I really found the conflict handling chapter essential material for all that ever interact with other human beings and find themselves in a conflict situation with children, family, friends, colleagues, staff or bosses. Basically everybody on the planet...
1967806
This book is a real eye-opener. A quick read, which keeps you fascinated until the end. As an aging parent, I now realize how crucial it is to "start the ball rolling" myself. I will pass this on to my children and recommend it to my other family members and friends. I especially liked the format, which is conducive to jotting down important notes while they're fresh.
2523765
Timely, practical parenting advice is at your fingertips with Dr. Eggerichs' book, "Love & Respect in the Family", and I encourage you to grab a copy and gain some valuable tools for raising your children. The book is well written, conveying important truths in a conversational manner that is easy to read. Although I've read many parenting books, I enjoyed the author's take on the "Family Crazy Cycle", where he provides clear and relevant examples about what he's referring to, such that any family will immediately be able to relate to those crazy parenting moments! However, he doesn't stop there, but offers practical ideas on how to calm things down, and discipline your children in a way that still conveys your love for them, while earning and requiring their respect for you as a parent. Dr. Eggerichs calls for parents to bring their maturity to the situation, and not to personalize every self-centered action your child will make. He provides sound advice about allowing for imperfection from your children while still guiding them, calmly, to change for the better. I greatly appreciate that the book is built on Biblical principals with many examples drawn from the Bible. Parents will be able to read this book without feeling guilty, while still recognizing that, like any parent, they can change their parenting for the better, all based on timeless wisdom from God's Word.

I strongly recommend this book for parents or even grandparents. 4 out of 5 stars.

A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
1716674
Useful book, definitely an eye opener, recommended for all parents. It talks more about the examples and cases rather than give tips on how to resolve it. However, it definitely makes you feel less alone with your problems and gives you insight on how not only parents view those problems but how the children perceive our world from their angle so we can better understand them.
1945513
Whether you are a parent or caring relative, you must read this book cover to cover.  The book teaches parenting from the heart and soul in a way that our culture typically doesnt recognize.  I'm thankful to have read this book.  It's particularly helpful to parents of younger children.  The book gave me a perspective that is hard to find in our society.  I'm a better person after having read UNDER THE CHINABERRY TREE.  Corny, perhaps, but true.
478052
This book is definitively an eye opener to me.  I was having trouble with one child earlier this year.  After speaking with a counselor at Focus on the Family, she mentioned that it sounded like I had an extreme strong willed child.  What?  Seriously.  One of the resources she suggested that I read, was The Birth Order Book (along with The Strong-Willed Child).  I have heard about it but had not read it yet.  Through my connections, I was able to receive a copy of the book to review.

This book is a life changer.  Not only do I understand my child better - well make that all of my four kids - but I also understand my husband and myself better.  Let me tell you that it is a life saver in discovering how to deal with your children.

There is a specific chapter on only children - which I am by the way - and  I agree with what he wrote about only kids.  Let me show you what I mean.

The only child has a unique advantage/disadvantage:  he or she has never to compete with siblings for parental attention, favor, or resources.  In this distinction there is good news and bad news.  The good news is that it helps make the only child more confident, articulate, and seemingly on top of things.  The bad news is that he or she has never learned to deal with brothers and sisters.  The only child doesn't have to share with siblings or to go second sometimes.  It leaves the only child self-centered by default, and depending on how he or she was parented, the confident outer shell may hide someone who feels inferior, is rebellious, and is always trying to prove he or she is good enough.

That's me.  Literally.  I'm the one who never had siblings and when my kids argue with each other, it drives me nuts.  I am also trying to prove that I am good enough.  I feel lacking self-confidence at times and worry if a review was appropriately written or not.

I will re-read this book regularly just simply because it is packed with fabulous insights and teaching from Dr. Leman.  It is definitively a book that EVERYONE should have in their personal library whether you are a parent or not.  It will help you discover more about yourself, your co-workers, your friends, your husband, and your children.
533212
I have been reading all I can about parenting strategies for kids with ADHD and/or autism for years. And Ive been writing about it myself for a while now too. Just when I thought Id learned it all, Dr. Mark Bertin comes out with the book "Mindful Parenting for ADHD." Its a bit of a game changer.

Please don't judge this book by its title. This is so much more than a book about mindfulness. Dr. Bertin shares many nuggets of wisdom not commonly found in books on ADHD. He understands human nature on a deeper level  for parents and children alike, especially those with ADHD in their lives (the book is 100 percent applicable for parents of kids with high functioning autism/Aspergers too). He gets it like few do.

As I read, engrossed, I found myself dog-earing dozens of pages, underlining and starring passage after passage. Theres so much good stuff in "Mindful Parenting for ADHD!" Not only is it about listening, but about how to talk with your child in a manner that will produce the best possible outcome.

Its also very much a book about remaining calm. In that regard, I found the book validating. By the time I reached the end, I was thinking, "Good job, Penny; in working hard to remain calm with Ricochet  especially when hes not  you're practicing mindfulness, and laying the groundwork for him to use it as well."

Dr. Bertin also offers strategies to keep your compass pointed toward the positive. That isn't always easy when parenting kids with ADHD and/or autism, but completely crucial.

I promise this book won't disappoint.

Penny Williams
Author of "What to Expect When Parenting Children with ADHD," "Boy Without Instructions" and "The Insider's Guide to ADHD" (Dec 2015)
Parent of 2e teen with ADHD, autism, and LDs
ParentingADHDandAutism.com
3093928
Wow!  What a fabulous book!  When I first received If I Had a Parenting Do Over: 7 Vital Changes I'd Make, I thought it would be just another parenting book.  And I've read countless of those!  Was I surprised!  First, the author Jonathan McKee comes to us from a place of "been there, done that."  His tone is down-to-earth, real and understanding of how enormous and important the task of parenting is.  He doesn't talk at us, but to us and with us as he humbly shares mistakes he made looking back, and then provides easy and doable corrections for those mistakes.  For the average parent, this book won't have you completely deconstruct your parenting, but rather it will remind you of those things that are so very important but yet so easy to push to the side that effect our relationships with our children.  The ending chapter, 25 Ways to Apply What You've Just Read, is a wonderful summary of 25 easy to implement ideas to change the tone of your home and parenting.  It's easy to read a parenting book and get so flooded with ideas that you just don't know where to begin, therefore, not much gets implemented and nothing changes (ask me how I know!).  This book will change that.  It's an easy read, and will provide much encouragement and motivation to fine-tune our parenting, both for married parents and those flying solo.  Happy parenting!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
847679
Amy Tiemman has compiled a truly remarkable book for ALL parents. She's gathered some of the top experts who share their insights on how to loosen up and enjoy parenthood. As she says, "Parenting will teach us to make peace with chaos and unpredictability like no other experience, and it takes courage to face the truth that we can't control everything."  I love the honesty in this book and the challenge we are given to release some of the control we force on our children. "To shed our overprotective parenting ways, we have to become conscious of what truly serves our kids' needs and develop the courage to put aside some of the things that may feel good to us as parents but don't serve our children well in the long run". Well said. I think many of us agree theoretically, but how do we do it? That's where the experts come in and they share loads of insightful information. Enjoy the book and "enjoy the journey" of parenting!
1794673
This book was insightful and eye opening. At times it would bring me to tears and have me thinking very hard about the way I'm living, especially the sections regarding parenting.
453040
I experienced it with my sister, when I was younger. She would not go to sleep, and was crying all the time. Now as an adult, the future definitely is a bit alarming, with the conversation shifting to children and the memories I have of seeing my parents dealing with many sleepless nights. Reading this book was a revelation. Not only is it matter of fact, its easy to read and after talking to a few parents, real.

This guide not only details what you can do to establish good sleeping habits for a baby, but how to train them to sleep through the night. The focus is on learning the patterns, and implementing subtle changes and not just getting desperate. I found it to be very interesting, talking about the uniqueness of every child. While this is a blueprint for better sleep, it also doesnt pretend to assume every baby has the same issues. It looks at the issue with candor, honesty, and humility at times.

Thats not to say it doesnt have authority, because it most certainly has it. I found it to be a breath of fresh air, and something that is going to find a fitting home with any new parent. If you just take this to task, youll get more sleep. You have nothing to lose on this one, its a good read.
1388803
If you only read one parenting book this year this is the one!  It is filled with statistics that astonished me!  There is practical advice that will help you make real decisions for your family.  The chapter on Iniquity patterns was eye opening and life changing.  In fact as I've just finished this book I plan on re-reading again to really make sure I've processed all there was.  These are tough times for our kids.  Media is everywhere.  They can be on the internet in seconds from phones and ipods.  Peers most likely don't have the same values that Christian kids do.  They are being bombarded everyday with images and ideas and we need to give them the tools to navigate.  Coming up with a real plan for dating and your family values is important.  This is something my husband and I will be committing to paper soon so our boys know exactly what options are available.  My goal is raising God-pleasing children now worldly-wise children.

*I received a copy for review but all opinions are my own - the full review is available at astheygrowup.com
3279622
I was blessed to receive an advanced copy of this book as a part of its launch team, and happier still that the book was, indeed, as helpful as it was purported to be.  In fact, I ended up wearing out a highlighter as I did, highlighting nuggets of wisdom and practical ideas.

Truly, the book inspired me in my parenting journey, plus it was DIFFERENT than many other parenting books.

What I mean is that if you go to the parenting section of any library or book store, you'll find armloads of books that pretty much say the same thing in different ways, almost seeming to treat the "symptoms" of challenges with children instead of the "prevention" and "cure".  However, when you open Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told, you discover a different angle.  In reading the book, you'll recognize a truth:  You're a parent for the long haul and true change can take time, and, if you change the way you parent now, you can change the way your children live.

Through applying the Bible to current issues in your parenting journey which involve your children's moral and spiritual development, you can see profound short- and long-term effects.  Motivate Your Child offers you both theology and practical strategies and solutions for doing so.

Written by Dr. Scott Turanksy and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, Motivate Your Child aims to get to the heart of parenting:  the heart of your child.  In doing so, it discusses how just because something comes from the heart that something is not necessarily good.  Rather, a strong conscience and the working of the Holy Spirit can keep the heart going in the right direction.

It is a most helpful read.