Effective Parenting in a Defective World: How to Raise Kids Who Stand Out from the Crowd

by Chip Ingram

Book Overview

A parent's greatest desire is to raise a child who can face anything with wisdom and confidence. But in a world of over-extended schedules, amoral messages, and incessant peer-pressure, how can you... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1414303831
• ISBN13: 9781414303833
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Ingram offers guidance through the turbulent waters of parenting

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

MUST HAVE for parents!!!!

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!

Love it!

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.

Wonderful

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.

Great parenting resource!

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.