After a slightly dubious start (written almost in the style of Kings James) it got better and better. The principles explored were just as relevant for every other relationship in our lives as they are for parent/child relationships.

It is about ‘raising children by the Spirit rather than the law’. It covers subjects like breaking generational curses; showing children how to treat people by demonstrating it yourself (respecting everyone in every way); focusing on children’s strengths and praising them for what they do well, not drawing attention to their weaknesses; teaching them how to live as Godly people and helping them to listen to God in the decisions they make; and making parenting your ministry rather than a part time job.
One of my favourite chapters talked about the commandment, ‘honour your father and mother’. We often think that this commandment only applies to children, but it’s just as relevant to adults. Our relationship with our parents sets the standard for all our other relationships; “if a man does not honour his father and mother, he will not honour his wife. If he does not honour his wife, neither will his children”. It really gave me food for thought, and makes me determined to watch how I speak to my husband, even in jest, to make sure I set a good example for my children.

What did you like about it?

I loved the way they looked at parenting from a spiritual point of view rather than just psychological techniques.

What didn't you like?

Their family life seemed a bit idyllic and made it hard to relate to – I don’t know any families like theirs!

What will you still remember a year from now?

The encouragement to home-school and her spiritual back up for recommending it.

Who would you recommend this book to?

A valuable resource that I would recommend to all parents (and would-be parents) with much food for thought. NB Also included small group study notes.

Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?

“You will treat your children the way you want them to treat you, each other, and all men. You will do for your children whatever you would want them to do for you, being an example that they may follow as you follow Christ.”

“Maybe it is time for us all to think about the tone of voice we use with our children. Is it a voice we want to hear them using toward each other? Is it a tone we want them to take with us? Is it really the tone that God wants us to be using with anyone, especially those whom He has given us the responsibility to disciple?......If we as adults will live our faith in our most important relationships – with our spouse, our children and our parents – many of our problems and questions will fall by the wayside”

review by emmakiz