Two Must-Read Books for Purposeful Parenting

Do you ever wish parenting came with a manual?? I sure do! There’s a reason I was always drawn to math in school — I love the predictability and security of formulas. Do this, get this. Boom. You’re good to go.

Unfortunately, children don’t work that way. There is no secret formula or magic trick when it comes to raising kids, especially raising ones who love and follow the Lord.

(I wrote about this very subject last year, and I shared the valuable lessons in faith I’ve learned from the uncertainty.)

But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn and grow from other parents’ wisdom and experience. And every once in a while, a great book comes along that, if not a manual, becomes the next best thing — an invaluable tool in my parenting arsenal.

And in April, I hit the jackpot. In the last month, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to read and review not just one fantastic parenting book, but TWO books that have rocked my world. I know parenting books are a dime a dozen, but these are two books that you really don’t want to dismiss. And I can’t wait to share them with you.

**Links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click that link and purchase the product, I may receive a small compensation. I am, however, committed to honestly assessing the products mentioned. Please read my disclosure policy for more details. **

TWO MUST-READ BOOKS FOR PURPOSEFUL PARENTING

BOOK #1: THE LIFE-GIVING PARENT

First up is The Lifegiving Parent, by Clay & Sally Clarkson

Summary

From the back cover:

“From the family that brought you The Lifegiving Home and The Lifegiving Table, discover how you can become a parent who gives your child a life worth living for Christ.

In today’s world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and even paralyzed by the constant flow of parenting advice. We’re flooded with so much practical information that we wonder if we’re choosing the right way. And we may be missing the one thing God really wants us to give to our children: His life. God doesn’t include a divine methodology for parenting in the Bible, but He does provide principles that can enable any faithful parent to bring His life into the life of their home.

In The Lifegiving Parent, respected authors and parents Clay and Sally Clarkson explore eight key principles―heartbeats of lifegiving parenting―to shed light on what it means to create a home where your children will experience the living God in your family. Now parents of four grown children―each with their own unique personality and gifts―Sally and Clay have learned (sometimes the hard way!) that the key to shaping a heart begins at home as you foster a deep and thoughtful God-infused relationship with each child.

Filled with biblical insight and classic Clarkson stories, The Lifegiving Parent will equip you with the tools and wisdom you need to give your children much more than just a good Christian life. You’ll give them the life of Christ.”

My Thoughts

This book was one of the most inspiring books on parenting I’ve ever read (and I’ve read quite a few!) I read Sally’s book she wrote with her daughter Sarah, The Lifegiving Home, two years ago and loved it, so I had high expectations for this one. Plus, the fact that they raised four children who kept their faith and are now thriving, successful adults made me eager to glean from their wisdom. And let me tell you, this book was packed full of it!

The eight “heartbeats” in this book were both inspirational AND instructional — my favorite combination! I was blown away by their intentionality and creativity in their parenting, and I took notes like a madwoman so I could use some of their ideas.

But more than anything — even if I don’t use their exact systems and strategies — I was deeply motivated to be more intentional about creating a home that points my children to the living God. I like to think that I’m a good mom to my kids, but this book definitely revealed some areas where I had become a bit tired or lazy. And giving my children a life worth living for Christ is too important to me to let fall through the cracks. Reading The Lifegiving Parent was just what I needed to put it front and center in my priorities again.

My only complaint about the book is that some of it felt too overwhelming at times. There were a few moments when I thought, “Who actually does all this??” The answer, of course, is the Clarksons — this is their story, and everything they present in the book they actually did. But it was just a bit too much for me at times.

Overall, however, I thought the book was phenomenal and one I would recommend to every Christian parent in a heartbeat. (See what I did there?) I guarantee you will feel inspired, energized, and equipped to give your children the life of Christ.

Get your copy of The Lifegiving Parent

** I received a copy of the book from the publisher to review. All opinions are honest and heartfelt. **

BOOK #2: PARENTS RISING

Next is Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right, by Arlene Pellicane

Summary

From the back cover:

“Do you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle? Against the culture, against the busyness, sometimes even against your spouse and kids… Often it seems like everything is against you as a parent, and your everyday life can feel far from joy-filled. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Parents Rising will show you eight cultural trends that parents are up against today and what you can do to claim victory.

This book is about growth, not guilt. It’s not a pep talk, or a “try harder” speech. This is real help for real problems that every parent faces. It’s a way to focus your efforts so that they’ll be more effective and you’ll be less exhausted.”

My Thoughts

Like The Lifegiving Parent, this book inspired me to reach for new heights in my parenting. Not in a guilt-inducing, condemning way, but in a tough love kind of way. Arlene speaks in a no-holds-barred manner and isn’t afraid to speak some hard truths, but she does it with the attitude of a friend who wants the best for you and your kids.

I won’t lie — this wasn’t a light-hearted, feel-good read. It opened my eyes, stepped on my toes, and pierced my heart. But it was full of powerful, important truths that we all need to hear and be aware of. And when it comes to raising my kids, I’ll take some tough love with an open heart of humility if it’s going to help me do it with excellence. And that is exactly what this book will do. And I believe it will do it for you, too.

Get your copy of Parents Rising

** I received a copy of the book from the publisher to review. All opinions are honest and heartfelt. **

One of my favorite things to do on The Merry Momma is share the good books I’m reading. And today’s two books were a couple of the best I’ve read so far this year. Or ever on the subject of parenting.

I love that neither one tried to be a parenting manual, but rather set out to equip parents to rise up and parent with a Christ-centered, eternal perspective. And in that objective, both books were a resounding success for me.