A lot of churches are focusing on parents of young children right now - and they want to offer them mid-week or Sunday school classes that are pertinent specifically to them. It's hard to keep up with all the resources out there so I asked some educators if they used something that worked for them and had a good response. Here are the ones that were suggested.
PLEASE, check out each resource before you buy it. These are suggestions from all different denominations and may not work with your particular group. If you click on the link it takes you to amazon or another site that sells the book. I included a "synopsis" for each resource from that website.
Thanks to all that suggested resources! Much appreciated!!
1.
Confident Parenting by Jim Burns. And other resources from Homeward Ministries."Jim Burns, president of HomeWord, lays a positive foundation for parenting with practical strategies and illustrations, teaching how to create a warm, grace-filled home."2.
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. This was recommended by one person but then another educator said they used it and the discipline part (spanking) created a controversy. "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing."3.
Raising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler. "research shows that when young people leave home, many also leave the church. So how can we forge sons and daughters of faith and fortitude?
The vital answers are found in the story of Joseph. Drawing from this timeless narrative, author Larry Fowler offers a biblical plan for building teens who will love and serve Jesus Christ. Biblically based and up-to-the-minute relevant, Raising a Modern-Day Joseph is an essential guide to raising a generation that can pass life's tests with flying colors."
4.
Parenting Unchained by Dr. James Dempsey. The person who suggested this one said there are also questions at the end of each chapter. "In Parenting Unchained – Overcoming the Ten Deceptions that Shackle Christian Parents, Dr. James D. Dempsey reveals the ten most destructive lies about parenting. He writes from the heart about the way these lies infected his own parenting, and illuminates the Bible's powerful truths that counter each lie. Both Biblical and practical, each section ends with home activities to help parents take immediate steps to develop their kids' character--character that lasts when they leave home. The last chapters focus on the most important adjustments parents must make with teenagers to prepare them for independence. Weaving humor into strong warnings, Parenting Unchained points out the hazards that derail the parenting journey."5.
Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony - "It's hard enough to train kids to behave, but good behavior isn't what Jesus calls for in the Bible. He wants hearts and souls that are shaped in vibrant faith and love toward God and others. How can parents cultivate this in their children? In this book Dr. Michelle Anthony shares practical examples and biblical insight on the spiritual role of parenting.Spiritual Parenting introduces the simple but revolutionary concept that parents are, by the power of God's Spirit, to obey and depend on God in order to create an environment God can use to beckon their children to Him."
6. 
Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard (also Plowman?) - "Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Are you discouraged because it seems you just can t reach the heart of your child? Through personal experience and the practical application of Scripture, Ginger Hubbard encourages and equips moms to reach past the outward behavior of their children and dive deeply into the issues of the heart. Ginger s candid approach will help moms move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident, well-balanced approach to raising their children."
Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard (also Plowman?) - "Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Are you discouraged because it seems you just can t reach the heart of your child? Through personal experience and the practical application of Scripture, Ginger Hubbard encourages and equips moms to reach past the outward behavior of their children and dive deeply into the issues of the heart. Ginger s candid approach will help moms move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident, well-balanced approach to raising their children."
7. 
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Joiner and Niewhor - "When parents work in tandem with the faith community to raise their children, they increase their parenting capacity exponentially.
9.
Sticky Faith by Dr. Powell and Dr. Clark - This book also has a guide to go along with it. "Nearly every Christian parent in America would give anything to find a viable resource for developing within their kids a deep, dynamic faith that "sticks" long term. Sticky Faith delivers. Research shows that almost half of graduating high school seniors struggle deeply with their faith. Recognizing the ramifications of that statistic, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) conducted the “College Transition Project” in an effort to identify the relationships and best practices that can set young people on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service. Based on FYI findings, this easy-to-read guide presents both a compelling rationale and a powerful strategy to show parents how to actively encourage their children’s spiritual growth so that it will stick to them into adulthood and empower them to develop a living, lasting faith. Written by authors known for the integrity of their research and the intensity of their passion for young people, Sticky Faith is geared to spark a movement that empowers adults to develop robust and long-term faith in kids of all ages."
10.
Love Does by Bob Goff - "Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world's best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action. Bob believes Love Does.
You can't make a teenager not date someone.
And you can't make a kid love God.
At some point it just starts to break down.
Playing for Keeps is a book for parents and leaders (and anyone else who influences the lives of kids and teenagers). In Playing for Keeps, you will discover six things every kid needs over time, and 18 practical ideas so you can make what really matters matter more."
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Joiner and Niewhor - "When parents work in tandem with the faith community to raise their children, they increase their parenting capacity exponentially.
Most parents have so many demands on their time that they can't be the kind of parent they desire to be. They need to know the Orange Factor: Two combined influences will make a greater impact on kids than just two influences. And it's true. Parents who partner with the faith community are the best way to bring the next generation into the family of God-and keep them there.
8. 
99 Ways to Raise Spiritually Healthy Children by Bostrom - "Bostrom, author of the popular books 99 Things to Do Between Here and Heaven and Making Space for the Spirit, offers fun, practical, and thought provoking ideas for nurturing the spiritual lives of children, parents, and families. Each of the 99 entries includes a Scripture passage, a theoretical or practical suggestion for weaving together faith and daily life, and a provocative challenge that encourages readers to spend some time contemplating the lessons learned."
99 Ways to Raise Spiritually Healthy Children by Bostrom - "Bostrom, author of the popular books 99 Things to Do Between Here and Heaven and Making Space for the Spirit, offers fun, practical, and thought provoking ideas for nurturing the spiritual lives of children, parents, and families. Each of the 99 entries includes a Scripture passage, a theoretical or practical suggestion for weaving together faith and daily life, and a provocative challenge that encourages readers to spend some time contemplating the lessons learned."9.
Sticky Faith by Dr. Powell and Dr. Clark - This book also has a guide to go along with it. "Nearly every Christian parent in America would give anything to find a viable resource for developing within their kids a deep, dynamic faith that "sticks" long term. Sticky Faith delivers. Research shows that almost half of graduating high school seniors struggle deeply with their faith. Recognizing the ramifications of that statistic, the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) conducted the “College Transition Project” in an effort to identify the relationships and best practices that can set young people on a trajectory of lifelong faith and service. Based on FYI findings, this easy-to-read guide presents both a compelling rationale and a powerful strategy to show parents how to actively encourage their children’s spiritual growth so that it will stick to them into adulthood and empower them to develop a living, lasting faith. Written by authors known for the integrity of their research and the intensity of their passion for young people, Sticky Faith is geared to spark a movement that empowers adults to develop robust and long-term faith in kids of all ages."10.
Love Does by Bob Goff - "Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world's best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action. Bob believes Love Does.
When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don't want to miss."
11. 
Boundaries with Kids by Cloud and Townsend - This book also has a DVD to go with it - just go here. "What the award-winning Boundaries has done for adult relationships, Boundaries with Kids will do for you and your children Here is the help you need for raising your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend take you through the ins and outs of instilling the kind of character in your children that will help them lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. Learn how to • set limits and still be a loving parent • bring control to an out-of-control family life • apply the ten laws of boundaries to parenting • define appropriate boundaries and consequences for your kids … and much more. “Boundaries with Kids helps us give our kids the skills they need to live realistic and full lives in meaningful relationships. Not perfect—but healthy!” —Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International, Inc."
Boundaries with Kids by Cloud and Townsend - This book also has a DVD to go with it - just go here. "What the award-winning Boundaries has done for adult relationships, Boundaries with Kids will do for you and your children Here is the help you need for raising your kids to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend take you through the ins and outs of instilling the kind of character in your children that will help them lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. Learn how to • set limits and still be a loving parent • bring control to an out-of-control family life • apply the ten laws of boundaries to parenting • define appropriate boundaries and consequences for your kids … and much more. “Boundaries with Kids helps us give our kids the skills they need to live realistic and full lives in meaningful relationships. Not perfect—but healthy!” —Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International, Inc."
12. Dr. Leman has many different parenting studies/kits/workbooks. Here is his website.
13. 
Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Turansky and JoAnne Miller - "If you're like most parents, you have developed your own parenting strategy—sometimes it seems to work, and other times—based on the way your child behaves—you wonder if it's working at all. There are countless ways to try to get a child's attention and to effect change—but here's the truth—unless you deal with a child through his or her heart, you are not likely to see lasting change.
Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Turansky and JoAnne Miller - "If you're like most parents, you have developed your own parenting strategy—sometimes it seems to work, and other times—based on the way your child behaves—you wonder if it's working at all. There are countless ways to try to get a child's attention and to effect change—but here's the truth—unless you deal with a child through his or her heart, you are not likely to see lasting change.
In this breakthrough book, Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, reveal how you can learn to truly reach your child's heart to teach, train, and build a tremendous relationship.
Parenting is Heart Work gives you the practical tools an easy-to-follow steps that will revolutionize how you:
- Turn Correction times into learning experiences.
- Equip your children to accept responsibility for their mistakes and meditate on the right things.
- Influence and adjust the values and beliefs your children hold.
- Maintain relationship with your children through love and emotional connectedness.
14. 
Playing for Keeps/Losing your Marbles by Joiner, Ivy and Hansen - "There are some things adults just can't do for kids.
You can't force a toddler to love broccoli. Playing for Keeps/Losing your Marbles by Joiner, Ivy and Hansen - "There are some things adults just can't do for kids. You can't make a teenager not date someone.
And you can't make a kid love God.
At some point it just starts to break down.
Playing for Keeps is a book for parents and leaders (and anyone else who influences the lives of kids and teenagers). In Playing for Keeps, you will discover six things every kid needs over time, and 18 practical ideas so you can make what really matters matter more."
15. 
Parenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Fay - "This parenting book shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while teaching your children responsibility and growing their character.
Parenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Fay - "This parenting book shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while teaching your children responsibility and growing their character.
Establish healthy control through easy-to-implement steps without anger, threats, nagging, or power struggles."
16.
1-2-3 Magic Parenting by Phelan - "The simplest, most effective program for raising disciplined, happy children...
18.
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas - "Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever. Sacred Parenting is unlike any other parenting book you have ever read. This is not a “how-to” book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us. You’ve read all the method books. Now take a step back and receive some much-needed inspiration. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of being a parent—and how their children transformed their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing you the holy potential of the parent-child relationship."
19.
Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel - "Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They've tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.
16.
1-2-3 Magic Parenting by Phelan - "The simplest, most effective program for raising disciplined, happy children...
This revised edition of the award-winning 1-2-3 Magic program addresses the difficult task of child discipline with humor, keen insight, and proven experience. The technique offers a foolproof method of disciplining children ages two through 12 without arguing, yelling, or spanking. By means of three easy-to-follow steps, parents learn to manage troublesome behavior, encourage good behavior, and strengthen the parent-child relationship—avoiding the “Talk-Persuade-Argue-Yell-Hit” syndrome that frustrates so many parents. Ten strategies for building a child’s self-esteem and the six types of testing and manipulation a parent can expect from the child are discussed, as well as tips on how to prevent homework arguments, make mealtimes more enjoyable, conduct effective family meetings, and encourage children to start doing their household chores. New advice about kids and technology and new illustrations bring this essential parenting companion completely up to date."
17. 
Home Grown by Karen DeBoer - "For a Christian parent, some battles aren't worth fighting—like whether your three-year-old can wear her plastic tiara to church. But other questions might keep you up at night:
Home Grown by Karen DeBoer - "For a Christian parent, some battles aren't worth fighting—like whether your three-year-old can wear her plastic tiara to church. But other questions might keep you up at night:- How can I help my kids trust God when they're worried or bad things happen?
- How do I explain tough things like death and divorce?
- Is it OK that we don't have family devotions?
- How can I make our home a place where my kids' faith will grow?
This handbook gives you practical, real-world advice about how to help your kids know and love God—and how to build a home where you can grow in faith together."
18.
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas - "Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever. Sacred Parenting is unlike any other parenting book you have ever read. This is not a “how-to” book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us. You’ve read all the method books. Now take a step back and receive some much-needed inspiration. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of being a parent—and how their children transformed their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing you the holy potential of the parent-child relationship."19.
Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel - "Parents in our post-modern world tend to be committed to but anxious about their child-rearing responsibilities. They've tried the countless parenting books on the market, but many of these are strident, fear-based books that loving parents instinctively reject, while still searching for direction.
Now Dr. Tim Kimmel, founder of Family Matters ministries, offers a refreshing new look at parenting. Rejecting rigid rules and checklists that don't work, Dr. Kimmel recommends a parenting style that mirrors God's love, reflects His forgiveness, and displaces fear as a motivator for behavior. As we embrace the grace God offers, we begin to give it-creating a solid foundation for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children.
Releasing in an affordable trade paper edition, this revolutionary book presents a whole new way to nurture a healthy family"
