We realize that books work for some folks and not for others. We also realize that each book will have things that really help you and things you do not like. If you read them, take them with a grain of salt and realize you can make things fit for your family.
With all that in mind, here is a great list of books we have read and loved. Check back often, the most recently added books are at the top.
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Bringing Up Boys James Dobson
Boys are different! But with pressure to be "gender neutral," many try to mold children into a one-size-fits-all model. Dr. Dobson explains why boys are the way they are, how to understand their emotional and physical development, and the best way to motivate them to become godly men.
The Wonderful World of Boys James Dobson
Mr. Yarbrough and Mr. Russell's pictures catch the very essence of boys revering their fathers, loving their mothers, honoring God and just being boys. Interspersed throughout this extraordinary photography is parenting advice and caring encouragement from Dr. James Dobson.
The Strong Willed Child James Dobson
America's most trusted parenting expert Dr. Dobson has completely rewritten and updated his classic bestseller, The Strong-Willed Child, for a new generation of parents and teachers. The New Strong-Willed Child follows on the heels of Dr. Dobson's phenomenal bestseller, Bringing Up Boys. It offers practical how-to advice on raising difficult-to-handle children and incorporates the latest research with Dr. Dobson's legendary wit and wisdom. The New Strong-Willed Child is being rushed to press for parents needing help dealing with sibling rivalry, ADHD, low self-esteem and other urgent issues. This book is a must read for parents and teachers struggling to raise up and teach children who are convinced they should be able to live by their own rules. Recommended by Camey, Dana, and Laura.
The New Dare to Discipline James Dobson
Children need love, trust, affection--and discipline. From one generation to the next, the challenge of helping children into responsible adults doesn't change. Dr. Dobson's classic Dare to Discipline, a practical, reassuring guide for caring parents, has sold over 2 million copies since its release in 1970. What gives a book that kind of staying power? The ability to meet a real, felt need in the marketplace. Today, a whole new generation of parents is turning to Dr. Dobson's wise counsel. Some things never change. Recommended by Camey, Dana and Laura.
Wild at Heart John Eldredge
Dare to be the man God created you to be---passionate, adventurous, and free! In this provocative look at Christian manhood, Eldredge challenges you to actively pursue the dreams God has given you. Encouragement for every man who wants to walk the road least taken---and important insights for the woman who loves him! 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson. Recommended by Camey.
What Little Boys Are Made Of Jim Daly
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book, which is full of sweet and humorous short paragraphs about little boys. Recommended by Camey.
Creative Correction Lisa Welchel
Drawing from her own family's experiences and from interaction with other parents, Lisa Whelchel offers creative solutions for parents who are out of ideas and desperate for new, proven approaches to discipline. In addition to advice on topics such as sibling conflict and lying, Whelchel offers a biblical perspective and down-to-earth encouragement to parents who are feeling overwhelmed. A handy reference guide that provides ideas for specific situations rounds out this resource that will be a blessing to parents and their children. Now in softcover. Recommended by Camey.
Teach Your Child to read in a 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann
Twenty minutes a day is all you need, and within 100 teaching days your child will be reading on a solid second-grade reading level. It's a sensible, easy-to-follow, and enjoyable way to help your child gain the essential skills of reading. Everything you need is here -- no paste, no scissors, no flash cards, no complicated directions -- just you and your child learning together. One hundred lessons, fully illustrated and color-coded for clarity, give your child the basic and more advanced skills needed to become a good reader. Recommended by Allyson.
The Power of Teachable Moments by Jim Weidmann and Marianne Hering
Everyday experiences present unique opportunities to teach children about God. But often parents aren't prepared to take advantage of those times--and the moment's gone. The Power of Teachable Moments shows parents how to see God's activity in their world and share it with their children. How to recognize teachable moments, what to do with them, and how to use them to make a lasting impact are just a few of the topics covered in this practical resource. Recommended by Laura.
Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes
From Drs. Cloud and Townsend, authors of Boundaries, comes this Participant's Guide to be used with groups of all sizes which will empower parents of preschoolers to become more intentional and effective in their parenting, enabling them to raise great kids starting now with their zero to five year olds. Want to give your preschooler a gift that will last a lifetime? Give him or her the foundation for godly character. Raising Great Kids for Parents of Preschoolers can help you instill attributes in your child that are vital to his or her future well-being. Recommended by Laura.
Graced Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
Kimmel, author and founder of Family Matters ministries, likens many Christian parents' attempts at rearing children to putting together a puzzle without first studying the completed picture located on the box's cover. Kimmel states that families of faith tend toward extremes, either being overly permissive or overly legalistic. This is not a particularly new concept, but Kimmel pulls it off with interesting storytelling and sound biblical parallels. He says Christians frequently believe that the battle for a child's heart and soul is fought on the outside-with rigid rules and boundaries-when in fact just the opposite is true. He underscores the importance of communicating the unconditional love that Christ offers and affirming this timeless message of grace to one's family. Recommended by Laura.
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Kevin Leman
A great book about giving children choices and letting them have natural consequences. I loved it! Kevin Leman has also written many other great books check them out! Recommended by Dana and Laura.
The Portable Pediatrician by Laura Nathanson Walther
My parents used to always look in a book to find out what our scrapes and bumps were. I wanted something like that. This book is great. It gives the age and what they should be doing at each age as well as a list of illnesses and symptoms for easy reference before or when you can't get to the doctor. Great resource for moms of kids 1 to 6. Recommended by Dana.
Babywise
I am a big person of order (Laura is too!). I like lists and steps and so the overwhelming task of raising a child freaked me out because no one was telling me what to do! Many friends, whose kids I love and respect, told me this is what they used. This whole series has been very helpful. There are parts you have to read with a grain of salt and decide what works for you and what doesn't, but for me a majority of it works great. It allowed my daughter to sleep through the night in 8 weeks. And it gave me a list of things to do when she cried so I just wasn't guessing. We realize that this is not for every parent but I would be remiss if I didn't recommend it as one of my personal favorites. Even Gwyneth Paltrow's nanny recommends putting your kids on a schedule. Check out People's special edition of stars and their babies (Spring 2007). Her baby was sleeping through the night before 8 weeks! Recommended by Dana and Laura.
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