My Blessed Home’s Family Blog

Hebrews 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Blog posts related to parenting:

Why this Blog Exists

Parenting: What No Expert Can Tell You

The No Yelling Zone

Direction in Discipline

An Action Plan for Discipline

Encouraging Good Character

A Fine China Plate

Movie Content Reviews

Kid of the Day

Dad Dollars (Reward System)

Rescources that help us with the task of parenting:

• Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp: This is the most recent addition to my favorite parenting resources, but I moved it to the top of the list because I feel that it truly deserves to occupy the number one spot. As I am moving into a new age-range of parenting, I have been seeking wisdom from others who have been there, and this book did not disappoint. I’m skeptical of a lot of child-rearing advice which is based solely upon the opinions of people. Rather than asking, “What do you think?” I feel it’s more important to ask  “What does the Bible say?” Everything Mr. Tripp advises is always brought back to Scripture. So what is in this book? Well, Mr. Tripp speaks a lot about our authority as parents and our responsibility to correct and train them, but he puts an equal emphasis on communication. He encourages us to look beyond behavior, to search for what is going on inside the child’s heart, so we can help them work through the internal issues that are causing the external behavior. He teaches how to gently communicate with (not lecture at) our children in a way that will draw out the motivating thoughts and factors beneath the surface. This book really gets to the root, or shall I say “heart” of the matter, and it shapes our perspective in raising children: that our goal is not just to change the behavior, but to influence the heart in a Godly direction.
• Raising Godly Tomatoes by Elizabeth Krueger: A treasury of ideas from a woman with a wealth of experience! Elizabeth Krueger is a mother of ten who shares many practical ideas on handling specific discipline issues. Why “Tomatoes”? Well, to quote Elizabeth, “A tomato plant grows fast, big, and wild. If left untended, it soon sprawls out into an unwieldy heap. As the fruit grows, it weighs the plant down to the ground. Propping by this time is too late. Any attempt to retrain and redirect the growth of the branches will result in breakage and substantial loss of the fruit due to rot, disease, and pests.” She goes on to explain her philosophy beautifully on her website, but I think you can see where this can relate to raising children!
• Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell: This is one of the most dog-eared books on my shelf. Mrs. Maxwell has such wonderful insights that have shaped my attitudes toward discipline,parenting, and simply being content. Whether you homeschool or not, you can glean much wisdom from this book.
• The If-Then Chart by Doorposts: One of the most practical, helpful, often-used resources I own! A chart with three columns: 1) a list of ten common misbehaviors with an accompanying picture; 2) biblical references explaining why each of those actions is wrong; 3) a blank column where parents write down a planned consequence for each offense. A few notes on the chart:
  • I edited most of the verses on my own chart, partly because I wanted to use an easier translation for my children (Doorposts uses KJV) but also because I personally felt that there were other verses that would be more appropriate for some of the behaviors. If you would like a copy of my edits, contact me and I can send you my changes via email, all ready to cut and tape/paste onto your chart.
  • As I mentioned, we use this often, and as such, we’ve gone through a few copies. Last time, we had our chart laminated (speaking from experience, clear contac paper does *not* do as good a job ) The laminating job has kept it looking new for a few years now.Laminating has an added benefit! We wrote/drew the consequences with a Sharpie marker after it was laminated. This allows us to make changes as needed.
• Ergo Baby Carrier: In my opinion, this is the very best baby carrier out there! I have a history of lower back problems, which required surgery shortly after my fourth child was born. The Ergo is so easy on my back because it puts the weight on my hips. It is comfortable even after hours of carrying a baby. The Ergo can be used through multiple stages of development, allowing you to have free hands while carrying your baby on your front, back or hip.I have used it with my toddler too, and it was remarkably comfortable even then. I didn’t have an Ergo until my sixth pregnancy, but I wish I discovered it with my first.
• Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend: Very good practical suggestions. This book caused me to think about how often I am tempted to rescue my children from the natural consequences of their actions. My intervention could ruin the valuable life lessons that my children could learn from these natural consequences. Cloud and Townsend relate that although consequences to mistakes may be painful in childhood, the stakes are much higher if the lessons are delayed until adulthood!
• Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel: Excellent biblical references that we can share with our children in moments needing correction. Also includes many practical suggestions on specific consequences that could be applied when correction is needed.