After encouraging parents to continue reading as they seek to honor God, love Jesus, and lead their children, I wanted to give a few book recommendations for parents.
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp – In my opinion, best all around book for parents who need to understand what it looks like to raise kids who love Jesus.
Dare to Discipline by James Dobson – A must, especially for new parents. Dobson’s stuff shaped a generation of Christian parents, and all his books are very good. I would also recommend his books Bringing Up Boys, Bringing up Girls, The Strong-Willed Child (also a classic especially if you have a child that is difficult), and Preparing for Adolescence.
Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham Jr. – Some great ideas about building spirituality into kids lives.
Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel – Referenced by Eric Burnley yesterday, deals with being a recipient of grace who passes it on to kids.
Parenting Today’s Adolescent By Dennis Rainey – Good book on helping kids keep faith amidst traps and pitfalls of adolescent years.
Building Strong Families edited by Dennis Rainey – With chapters from Rainey, as well as several other notable authors including John Piper and C. J. Mahaney.
The Five Love Languages of Children & The Five Love Languages of Teens by Gary Chapman – adapted from Chapman’s original book, great stuff to give ideas for how we can pour love into our kids lives even though they give and receive love differently from us.
Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware – Great book with instruction on spiritual training in families.
Pastor Dad by Mark Driscoll – This book is only available online as a free e-book. A call to dads to be the primary pastor for their families, with practical advice how to do that.
There are lots more. Feel free to post a response with a book you have read that has been helpful for you as a parent in pursuing the desire to disciple your children and raise kids who love Jesus.
