I am always excited to read books with practical parenting tips and this one, by Sami Cone, didn’t disappoint.  While her style of writing came across as preachy at times, the actual content in this book is pure gold.  The book is split up into three sections: Your Heart at Home, Your Attitude Toward Others, and Your Influence in the World.  Each section covers four biblical traits such as love, compassion, wisdom, forgiveness, and kindness.  There are a lot of personal stories throughout and each chapter has a “mentor moment”.  I actually didn’t believe either of these were necessary since the practical tips are, by far, the most valuable part of the book.  I honestly would have preferred that all of those were omitted in order to make the book shorter and therefore a quicker read.

Now for the good stuff.  The practical tips included in each chapter are fantastic.  Not every tip would work for every family but this book has so many ideas that there is no way you won’t find at least a few that your family could get excited about.  The majority of the book is aimed at helping parents think through their own feelings, actions and words that might be setting the wrong example for their kids.  Although I walked away from this read thinking about things I need to change in myself, the tone of the book, however, is very positive.  The author clearly wants to help parents to feel empowered and equipped to raise world-changing kids.  She says, “Your influence will impact your kids far more than your instruction.”

I especially loved the chapter called Bearing With: The Secret to Sibling Love.  Here’s my favorite tidbit:

“As parents, it’s hard to remember that our kids aren’t intentionally trying to drive us nuts. I think it’s safe to say that no matter how old we are, all of us strive to please our parents; the problem arises when we lack the tools to do so.  Sometimes it is a literal lack of understanding; other times it is a lack of patience.  Whatever the case, it is our responsibility to help our children understand and to equip them with the proper tools.” (p65)

If you are looking for a very practical book on how to help your kids develop Christ-like characteristics that will equip them for real life, this is a wonderful resource!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Baker Books Bloggers.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.