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Parenting with Grace: The Catholic Parents' Guide to Raising Almost Perfect Kids
Laced with humor, practical examples, and thought-provoking quizzes, this updated second edition helps parents discover their own God-given instructional manual for creating a highly individualized, completely Catholic parenting plan for raising children.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1979
91 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Gregory K. Popcak
35 books68 followersDr. Gregory Popcak is the Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, an organization dedicated to helping Catholics find faith-filled solutions to tough marriage, family, and personal problems. The author of over a dozen popular books integrating solid Catholic theology and counseling psychology (including; For Better…FOREVER!, Holy Sex!, Parenting with Grace, Beyond the Birds and the Bees), Dr. Popcak is an expert on the practical applications of the Theology of the Body. Through the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he directs a group pastoral tele-counseling practice that provides ongoing pastoral psychotherapy services to Catholic couples, individuals and families around the world. Since 2001, he and his wife and co-author, Lisa Popcak, have hosted several nationally-syndicated, call-in radio advice programs including Heart, Mind and Strength (Ave Maria Radio 2001-2010), Fully Alive! (Sirius/XM-The Catholic Channel 2007-2010), and most recently, More2Life (Ave Maria Radio–Airing M-F, Noon-1pm Eastern– 2010-Present). They have also hosted two for EWTN (For Better…FOREVER! & God Help Me!). Dr. Popcak’s articles appear regularly in Catholic periodicals such as Catholic Digest, Family Foundations, and others. Dr. Greg Popcak and Lisa Popcak are sought after public speakers and trainers and have been honored to address audiences across North America, Australia, and Hong Kong.
In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.
In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 27, 2012
I read this book hoping to find additional ways to parent better. There are some of those nuggets to be found in this book, but the overall impression that I get is that if you are not spending 12 hrs a day, per kid, you are not parenting correctly. I am tired of reading material made for the one or two kid family. What does one do when you cant take one kid aside and spend time to "settle" them down because the other children still need the parent? Most of the examples in this book stem from absentee parents who only see their kids from 6-8 pm and maybe on a weekend, but not for the parent who spends time with their children but still needs help in parenting. I was also turned off by the authors writing style, his making the reader feel guilty, and the fact that he refers to his other books about every other page. I would not recommend this book to others.
April 14, 2010
This book is very Catholic (and is not afraid of critiquing other religions, so don't read it if you can't see things from that perspective!). But it really pulled together a lot of parenting thoughts for me, especially how my initial inclinations fit with my religious beliefs. I always thought The Strong-Willed Child was missing something - and this book helped me figure that out.
I read a library version, but I heard they are updating this for this spring 2010. I'm planning to purchase the new version.
Basically, this book talks about the importance of the family and teaching your kids values. It favors homeschooling and "teaching" methods of discipline vs. punitive.
For me, this book was an emotional experience and helped me realize the importance of the Church in my life.
I read a library version, but I heard they are updating this for this spring 2010. I'm planning to purchase the new version.
Basically, this book talks about the importance of the family and teaching your kids values. It favors homeschooling and "teaching" methods of discipline vs. punitive.
For me, this book was an emotional experience and helped me realize the importance of the Church in my life.
November 26, 2013
This is a quality book! One I will use as a reference consistently. It is steeped in both child development research and the wisdom of the church. I felt like I knew a certain amount of the information already (expected in a comprehensive parenting book), but their were definitely also insights that I had not heard before and the permeation of the theology of the body throughout was of great value.
I especially liked the practical ideas and tools provided. The appendix on spanking at the end was very valuable as well.
Highly recommended for Catholic parents and parents-to-be!
I especially liked the practical ideas and tools provided. The appendix on spanking at the end was very valuable as well.
Highly recommended for Catholic parents and parents-to-be!
December 19, 2023
I found this book of great value because it essentially introduced me to the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life. The idea has always been there with the acceptance that every aspect of family life is my path to holiness but a coined term with the definition "...allows us to bring Jesus home and make our faith the source of the warmth in our home" puts things in a different light.
I appreciated the Discipleship Discipline Toolbox where they listed strategies to discipline, reconnect and lower your child's emotional temperature. I also liked the part specifically for 3-6 year olds because I need help with my strong willed 4 year old. But other than that, it honestly took me awhile to finish this book because I felt guilty for not wanting to do some of the things they advocate for (extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, prompt caregiving to name a few). As a melancholic mom of 3, I felt terrible for not "meeting the standard" and also felt helpless because I didn't know how to apply the discipling techniques while simultaneously taking care of all 3 souls.
Now also as a melancholic, after much needed reflection and pause to regain my footing in Christ, I do find great value in this book. This book felt like a well-meaning friend who wants nothing but excellence and holiness for me yet I was the friend who was not ready to receive tough love haha. But I do know that I will refer to this book in times of need especially for reminders to parent for the eternal.
I appreciated the Discipleship Discipline Toolbox where they listed strategies to discipline, reconnect and lower your child's emotional temperature. I also liked the part specifically for 3-6 year olds because I need help with my strong willed 4 year old. But other than that, it honestly took me awhile to finish this book because I felt guilty for not wanting to do some of the things they advocate for (extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, prompt caregiving to name a few). As a melancholic mom of 3, I felt terrible for not "meeting the standard" and also felt helpless because I didn't know how to apply the discipling techniques while simultaneously taking care of all 3 souls.
Now also as a melancholic, after much needed reflection and pause to regain my footing in Christ, I do find great value in this book. This book felt like a well-meaning friend who wants nothing but excellence and holiness for me yet I was the friend who was not ready to receive tough love haha. But I do know that I will refer to this book in times of need especially for reminders to parent for the eternal.
January 18, 2024
This book is honestly one of the best books I’ve read on parenting (not that I can really tell what’s good and bad since I don’t yet have kids), but it aggregates some of the best practices and presents them in a non too prescriptive way. The only issue I have with the book is, like many Catholic books of its time, the impression the authors seem to have that only the most recent Popes have ever said anything about the matter and so seem to totally ignore the past 2000 years of teaching.
December 31, 2013
Imagine Michael Pearl's very Catholic and very non-abusive opposite. Where one turns to beating babies with plumbing tubes the other teaches loving and patient parenting. Dr. Popcak very logically lays out some great parenting techniques in this book. He even calls the Pearls out in a few places without saying their names.
I picked up this book after hearing a few friends discuss it. We have no major discipline issues in this house, but really this is more a parenting book than a discipline book. Popcak mentions a number of times that it is not the job of the parent to break a child's will. I appreciated his advice on how to help children understand actions have consequences - both good and bad. He spends a significant amount of the book explaining how parents can set expectations and help children understand them at the level appropriate to their age.
He does a great job making the connections between the parent and child relationship and how that transfers to adult relationships later in life. It was interesting to read how something as simple as giving time to cool down during an argument can improve relationships with spouses down the road. It helps that Popcak also wrote a book on marriage (before this one), and he is a family therapist. I borrowed this from the library, but I wanted to take a highlighter to it and write in the margins. There is just lots of good advice here.
While Popcak is very much a devout Catholic and he mentions Catholicism a lot in the book, I don't really feel like it excludes other Christians. There is a lot of great content here, and I think it would benefit any Christian parent. You could always skip the parts that are "too Catholic" and move on to something else.
I enjoyed reading it, and that is something I don't usually say about parenting books. Most come across as preachy or asserting that there is only one right way to do something. I felt Popcak did an excellent job presenting lots of different communication methods, and I enjoyed reading how the way a child responds to his or her parents is tied to the way they learn in school.
It's a must read if you have young kids. There is a lot of great content, and I appreciate the new communication methods I learned from reading it. It is a little dry, but that is pretty par for the course when it comes to parenting books.
I picked up this book after hearing a few friends discuss it. We have no major discipline issues in this house, but really this is more a parenting book than a discipline book. Popcak mentions a number of times that it is not the job of the parent to break a child's will. I appreciated his advice on how to help children understand actions have consequences - both good and bad. He spends a significant amount of the book explaining how parents can set expectations and help children understand them at the level appropriate to their age.
He does a great job making the connections between the parent and child relationship and how that transfers to adult relationships later in life. It was interesting to read how something as simple as giving time to cool down during an argument can improve relationships with spouses down the road. It helps that Popcak also wrote a book on marriage (before this one), and he is a family therapist. I borrowed this from the library, but I wanted to take a highlighter to it and write in the margins. There is just lots of good advice here.
While Popcak is very much a devout Catholic and he mentions Catholicism a lot in the book, I don't really feel like it excludes other Christians. There is a lot of great content here, and I think it would benefit any Christian parent. You could always skip the parts that are "too Catholic" and move on to something else.
I enjoyed reading it, and that is something I don't usually say about parenting books. Most come across as preachy or asserting that there is only one right way to do something. I felt Popcak did an excellent job presenting lots of different communication methods, and I enjoyed reading how the way a child responds to his or her parents is tied to the way they learn in school.
It's a must read if you have young kids. There is a lot of great content, and I appreciate the new communication methods I learned from reading it. It is a little dry, but that is pretty par for the course when it comes to parenting books.
August 1, 2014
My wife thought this book was a little rigid in the teachings even though Dr. Greg Popcak did point out that you are not a bad parent if you don't follow everything in this book.
I did appreciate the part at the end of the book that addressed growing a family and the different conversations/topics that need to be addressed when discussing whether or not another blessing in our family is something we can handle.
I think Dr. Popcak does a great job of focusing on teachings in the family in regards to what the Holy Church believes.
I wish his book was more focused on believable examples, less introductions and convincing and a deep understanding of what the church believes and why in certain circumstances (there was a brief section that covered toilet training). I was waiting for the book to have an entire chapter on different challenges that all parents face and what the churches teachings are on it. I appreciated the part of the book that focused on handling sibling rivalry but that is where it stopped short. If there were scenarios set up or those events in a young person's life focused on in Dr. Popcak's book, I think Catholic families could really benefit from a person who knows our churches teachings in a family setting.
This book has such potential and was a God send in many cases due to the fact that there are little Catholic teachings on raising kids the right way that is spelled out like this. I wish that Greg could read my mind and understand what I was hoping this book could have been. I'm having a hard time articulating what I am looking for. I do know that this book was close but fell short of my mark. That being said, if all books were written with a focus on what I want them to be about, our literature options would be bleak and boring.
Thank you Popcak family for your ministry in the faith and your help with raising a young, growing family.
I did appreciate the part at the end of the book that addressed growing a family and the different conversations/topics that need to be addressed when discussing whether or not another blessing in our family is something we can handle.
I think Dr. Popcak does a great job of focusing on teachings in the family in regards to what the Holy Church believes.
I wish his book was more focused on believable examples, less introductions and convincing and a deep understanding of what the church believes and why in certain circumstances (there was a brief section that covered toilet training). I was waiting for the book to have an entire chapter on different challenges that all parents face and what the churches teachings are on it. I appreciated the part of the book that focused on handling sibling rivalry but that is where it stopped short. If there were scenarios set up or those events in a young person's life focused on in Dr. Popcak's book, I think Catholic families could really benefit from a person who knows our churches teachings in a family setting.
This book has such potential and was a God send in many cases due to the fact that there are little Catholic teachings on raising kids the right way that is spelled out like this. I wish that Greg could read my mind and understand what I was hoping this book could have been. I'm having a hard time articulating what I am looking for. I do know that this book was close but fell short of my mark. That being said, if all books were written with a focus on what I want them to be about, our literature options would be bleak and boring.
Thank you Popcak family for your ministry in the faith and your help with raising a young, growing family.
January 31, 2022
Sorry, but this book is evil. I couldn’t even finish it.
It presents a certain style of parenting as the only moral option, basically telling parents who are unable to be attachment parents (due to work, personality, physical/emotional issues, etc.) that they are less moral than parents who co-sleep, carry their baby all day, and always respond to baby’s cries within seconds. Telling parents that they must raise their children a certain way or else they risk screwing up their kids for life is evil because it is not true. It is even more evil because the style of parenting they insist you must follow is very difficult if it is not something you are called to do. Hence, they are trying to guilt parents into a style that can cause intense stress, physical issues (due mostly to lack of sleep and/or improper nutrition from always prioritizing the baby’s wants over the parent’s needs), and resentment toward their children for being so demanding. I have also personally witnessed multiple families who have tried to follow this style because they believed it was the most moral, and who have been disaster areas in terms of family cohesion and happiness precisely because the parents weren’t wired for it.
Parents who are not already cut out to be attachment parents, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It will only add to the stress you are already under.
It presents a certain style of parenting as the only moral option, basically telling parents who are unable to be attachment parents (due to work, personality, physical/emotional issues, etc.) that they are less moral than parents who co-sleep, carry their baby all day, and always respond to baby’s cries within seconds. Telling parents that they must raise their children a certain way or else they risk screwing up their kids for life is evil because it is not true. It is even more evil because the style of parenting they insist you must follow is very difficult if it is not something you are called to do. Hence, they are trying to guilt parents into a style that can cause intense stress, physical issues (due mostly to lack of sleep and/or improper nutrition from always prioritizing the baby’s wants over the parent’s needs), and resentment toward their children for being so demanding. I have also personally witnessed multiple families who have tried to follow this style because they believed it was the most moral, and who have been disaster areas in terms of family cohesion and happiness precisely because the parents weren’t wired for it.
Parents who are not already cut out to be attachment parents, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It will only add to the stress you are already under.
February 19, 2008
This book was heavily based in the Catholic Tradition. There is alot of scripture quoting going on, but the advice is sound for any parent who chooses to follow attachment parenting. I am a Catholic and the book was recommended to me by a friend who is Jewish. We both felt that even non-Christians could learn quite a bit from this book. I've only read through the infant and toddler portions but what the authors have to say is very appealing to what I feel as a mother.
February 24, 2016
I really liked this book and the concept of parenting as self-donative love. As with any parenting book, you have to pick and choose the things you know will work for your family, and I found a lot of really good nuggets here. Only 4 stars because I lost count of how many times they refer you to buy one of their other books which I found super annoying.
August 10, 2016
Great work, from an intelligent and spiritual author. I love the practicality of the work, with techniques and ideas with examples taken from his experience practicing as a professional family counselor. I'd recommend it to any catholic, parent or not. The prose is not as inspiring as the knowledge, trust, and substantiality of his ideas. Both motivating and inspirational. Great work!
April 19, 2023
My summary:
What makes catholic parents different?
1. Close encounter w Jesus
2. Get by w a little help from mom (sacraments)
3. Love 2 holy books
4. Learn what the theology of the body teaches us
5. We know what you get when you mix god an human beings
6. Obey isn’t another 4-letter word
7. We aren’t too proud to listen to brothers & sisters in the lord
12 ways to raise perfect kids
1. Say the love words
2. Show them you love them
3. Keep your promise
4. Play together
5. Work together
6. Pray together
7. Be there
8. By welcoming
9. Respect their space
10. Make rapport a 2-way street
11. Have regular family meetings
12. Know their relating styles
Discipline
F - focus on a vision/family mission statement
A - Act proactively, not reactively
M - Make relationship not manipulation the agent of change
I - imitate Christ’s way to command obedience
L - look for ways to train the will, not break it
Y - yes to methods that increase internal control
C - consistency is key
A - acquire a firm but gentle style
R - remember not to lead your children into temptation
E - expect the best from yourself and hour children
Everyday discipline - build rapport, write it doesn’t, re-direction, restating, do-overs, choices, reviewing/rehearsing, manage transitions, use your emotions, labeling, rituals and routines, storytelling, cool down, time outs, logical consequences, positive intentions, solution-focused questioning, grounding, restricting privileges, token economies, practicing, physical redirection
-the more everyday, the less corrective discipline you need
-Kids with detached parents turned into nazis
-The church doesn’t actually say anything about parenting
5 stages of childhood - devote your entire self to your children, wear them all the time, sleep with them, show them lots of love, breastfeed as long as you can, go on dates maybe once a month
My review: interesting that the church does not say anything about parenting, yet the whole book was written on this. Too many acronyms and suggestions, I think simpler wold have been better, a long book is not necessary
What makes catholic parents different?
1. Close encounter w Jesus
2. Get by w a little help from mom (sacraments)
3. Love 2 holy books
4. Learn what the theology of the body teaches us
5. We know what you get when you mix god an human beings
6. Obey isn’t another 4-letter word
7. We aren’t too proud to listen to brothers & sisters in the lord
12 ways to raise perfect kids
1. Say the love words
2. Show them you love them
3. Keep your promise
4. Play together
5. Work together
6. Pray together
7. Be there
8. By welcoming
9. Respect their space
10. Make rapport a 2-way street
11. Have regular family meetings
12. Know their relating styles
Discipline
F - focus on a vision/family mission statement
A - Act proactively, not reactively
M - Make relationship not manipulation the agent of change
I - imitate Christ’s way to command obedience
L - look for ways to train the will, not break it
Y - yes to methods that increase internal control
C - consistency is key
A - acquire a firm but gentle style
R - remember not to lead your children into temptation
E - expect the best from yourself and hour children
Everyday discipline - build rapport, write it doesn’t, re-direction, restating, do-overs, choices, reviewing/rehearsing, manage transitions, use your emotions, labeling, rituals and routines, storytelling, cool down, time outs, logical consequences, positive intentions, solution-focused questioning, grounding, restricting privileges, token economies, practicing, physical redirection
-the more everyday, the less corrective discipline you need
-Kids with detached parents turned into nazis
-The church doesn’t actually say anything about parenting
5 stages of childhood - devote your entire self to your children, wear them all the time, sleep with them, show them lots of love, breastfeed as long as you can, go on dates maybe once a month
My review: interesting that the church does not say anything about parenting, yet the whole book was written on this. Too many acronyms and suggestions, I think simpler wold have been better, a long book is not necessary
October 11, 2021
I read Other Words for Home with #middlegradereadersbuddyread this month. This group of readers really knows how to pick some fantastic books. This is a middle grade fiction book about a young girl, Jude, who has to leave her father and brother in Syria. She travels with her mother to live with her uncle and his American wife and daughter in Cincinnati.
Jude struggles with her feelings of being in America because she misses and is worried about her father and brother. She is excited to be in America to see things she only saw in American movies. However, her life in America is not like the movies. First of all school is very different, she has to go to a special class for kids who do not know English very well. Second, she is labeled “Middle Eastern” and strangers are not always kind to her.
The last thing her brother said to her was be brave, and Jude must be brave each day as she tries to navigate her way through her new life in a new country in her new home.
This is a beautiful story told in verse about how a young girl needs to find herself and her strength in a new place. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
Jude struggles with her feelings of being in America because she misses and is worried about her father and brother. She is excited to be in America to see things she only saw in American movies. However, her life in America is not like the movies. First of all school is very different, she has to go to a special class for kids who do not know English very well. Second, she is labeled “Middle Eastern” and strangers are not always kind to her.
The last thing her brother said to her was be brave, and Jude must be brave each day as she tries to navigate her way through her new life in a new country in her new home.
This is a beautiful story told in verse about how a young girl needs to find herself and her strength in a new place. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
January 28, 2025
Overall I liked the messages presented in this book. There were some instances that felt “preachy” and a smidgen “holier than thou,” and I just “bristle a little” when reading about how the “BEST thing you can do is be home for the first 3 years of your child’s life,” when for many, that’s just not possible financially. It certainly wasn’t for me until recently. “Don’t overlap seasons” sounds great, but in this economy?? It’s tough! I had to battle back some major mom guilt when reading what I “shoulda, coulda, woulda” done better for my children in certain sections of this book (particularly in the end chapter written by Lisa Popcak).
Despite that, I do feel like the message and meaning behind self donative parenting is wholesome and in line with my ideology as a mom.
Despite that, I do feel like the message and meaning behind self donative parenting is wholesome and in line with my ideology as a mom.
May 30, 2021
Wow! This book has so much wisdom. My husband and I had many thought provoking conversations from this book. It’s a book we could read multiple times. We highly recommend this to other catholic parents and parents using the philosophy of attachment parenting.
December 17, 2025
I enjoyed this Catholic perspective on attachment parenting! Definitely a “take what you need from it” book for me. Not every single method or concept would work with our family but I absolutely enjoyed the perspective shift.
April 11, 2019
Like a less rigid love and logic but also kind of preachy.
July 31, 2020
I did not enjoy this one as much as I have enjoyed some of Popcak's other books.
July 27, 2012
I imagine if I were to write a parenting book, it would be a lot like this one. For this reason alone I have given it 5 stars, but there are a few things I disliked about the book.
Dislikes
1) There is no bibliography. He references many, many books by himself and others throughout this book. Many of them I have already read (and liked, see my family bookshelf) but some I had not heard of. It would have been nice to have a bibliography section.
2) Missing love languages. He does talk about learning styles in relation to communicating love, but I would have included information about Love Languages. I don't know if it was a copyright issue or what. The reason being that the style of parenting described in this book is heavily dependant on attachment parenting, which is usually translated as lots of physical touch. But not every parent or every child has physical touch as a primary love language. I would have added information about using love languages to encourage attachment and that may look different in a family that is not a physical love language family. My family is a physical family, so bonus for me.
I actually borrowed this book from a friend, but I think I am going to buy it to keep as a reference book. It neatly condenses ideas I have liked in several other books that I've read.
Dislikes
1) There is no bibliography. He references many, many books by himself and others throughout this book. Many of them I have already read (and liked, see my family bookshelf) but some I had not heard of. It would have been nice to have a bibliography section.
2) Missing love languages. He does talk about learning styles in relation to communicating love, but I would have included information about Love Languages. I don't know if it was a copyright issue or what. The reason being that the style of parenting described in this book is heavily dependant on attachment parenting, which is usually translated as lots of physical touch. But not every parent or every child has physical touch as a primary love language. I would have added information about using love languages to encourage attachment and that may look different in a family that is not a physical love language family. My family is a physical family, so bonus for me.
I actually borrowed this book from a friend, but I think I am going to buy it to keep as a reference book. It neatly condenses ideas I have liked in several other books that I've read.
December 17, 2013
Excellent book. A great take on attachment/nonviolent parenting. There are some methods the Popcak's use in parenting that I don't agree with (mainly how to speak with children about sexual matters as well as their methods of prayer etc.), but most of their philosophies are just great and having already adopted many of them (including not spanking), I have already seen a drastic improvement not only in my child's behavior but in my own as well. As the Popcaks say frequently throughout this book, children truly are here to help us more than we are them. This book helps the reader learn all the ways this is true and to really learn to love and appreciate life with kids to the fullest. I would recommend this to anyone involved with children.
August 22, 2017
This was my third read of this book, and probably not my last. I highly recommend it as the gold standard in parenting philosophies. Popcak differentiates external control of behavior from the more desirable development of intrinsic motivation, through the development of personal and family mission statements, based on virtues. His theory is that a strong parent-child attachment is the primary motivator of good behavior. This book might not be your thing if you are uncomfortable with attachment parenting or theology of the body, but I recommend anyone, especially Catholics, who want to love generously and raise virtuous children, at least give it a chance.
did-not-finish
June 6, 2012I had to return this to the library before I could finish it. I love their overall parenting philosophy that self-donation is key. It was hard to read and didn't always keep my interest, though. A lot of their examples and stuff in the first section were for parenting older children, and my daughter is only 2, so it just didn't really "fit." I know there are chapters for each age group, I just didn't get to them. I may end up buying this book for myself so I can mark it up. It was overall a good book (what I read of it), I just am going to have to come back to it another time.
June 13, 2015
I read most of this book a while back (I just skimmed the section on teenagers). I can't personally speak to the efficacy of the Popcaks' parenting method, but I loved the book. Their focus on generosity and self-giving is beautiful. This book inspired me to be a better human being, regardless of whether I have children.
June 10, 2013
This was a very thought provoking book on an alternative way to parent. I felt like so much of his philosophy was being very intentional with your kids and your relationship with them. I'm not entirely sure I agree with everything but it was helpful to me that he backed up so much of it with Catholic teaching. I think it is a great starting point for us as we embark as new parents.
April 5, 2013
I didn't agree with everything in this book, and some recommendations just are not in line with how I choose to express faith. But it had great tips on building a healthy family based on virtues, and it served as a good reminder of what's more important than some of the child-raising fads out there -- that you raise your kids to be good people.
August 2, 2011
Good, but their parenting methods and goals seem unrealistic for families with more than one or two children. It was a good inspirational read and motivated me to support attachment parenting. I'll read their marriage book soon, "For Better.. Forever".
May 10, 2012
This book is full of practical advice and tips for parents of kids of all ages. However despite the authors' best intentions, it is clear that they think attachment parenting is the best and parents who've chosen other paths may feel judged.
July 6, 2013
Read 24% and did not find anything very helpful. This may be a great book for someone else but not our family. This was written for a "normal" child, so if you have any special needs children or delays this is not the book for you.
November 18, 2014
I am concerned that Popcak believes that the Catholic Church supports positive parenting as the only legitimate means of 'disciplining' children. The Catholic Church has never endorsed this, either in hagiography, canon law or tradition.
August 8, 2008
Attachment parenting is a very wonderful thing and seems to be commonsense.
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