I'm not one to underline in books. I read them, enjoy them, and apply them without the need to go back and reread. Rarely have I come across a book that is filled with so much tidbit wisdom that I long to share with my spouse and I am itching to implement. I found myself oozing with ideas, wisdom, and courage after reading
Intentional Parenting. It has been marked up, highlighted, a to do list written in the back, and ideas sketched in the margins.
Intentional Parenting is perhaps one of the best parenting books I have ever read. Written by three counselors from
Daystar Counseling (Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan), the book is segmented beautifully into different areas where parents can be intentional when raising their kids (patience, consistency, spiritual, merciful, and more). The book has the perfect balance of psychology pedagogy, child development, and scripture verses all from the perspective of a Biblical worldview. This book not about how to fix kids, it is about being transformed as a parent and growing spiritually as a man or woman of God through the raising of our children. I appreciated the examples from their own lives and counseling experiences that mixed with practical applications that I can implement in my home. This book touches on all stages and phases of raising children so you know what it can look like to be an encouraging or playful parent to your 3 year old, 8 year old, and 15 year old. As a mom to 3 girls ages 6, 3, and 3 months I found myself armed with great ideas for now, and methods to keep in mind for the future. The only downside of this book is that I longed for more! I cannot wait to get my hands on some of the other resources they suggested and referred to in their book. I plan on getting this book for any new mom or dad in my sphere of influence. While new parents may not appreciate it at first, it will not take long for them to realize how powerful it can be. This must be on your reading list!
"Whether he is a mystery or more familiar, our job is to become a student- to seek to understand the work that God began and is faithfully completing in the lives of our children. Our job is to steward that, not change it." p. 18
Thank you Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.
