Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right: Building Character for Life

by Tim Kimmel

Every parent hopes their kids will turn out right. They pray that when their children leave the nest, they will be ready to face the world. And they hope that their kids will be equipped to stand strong in life's battles. There are no shortcuts to successful parenting . . . no secret formulas to raising kids of strength and character. However, there are steps you can take to prepare your children for the challenges ahead. But you'll need an effective game plan. With warmth and conviction, Dr. Tim Kimmel outlines a strategy for positive parenting--a plan that gives you reachable goals, while allowing for your personal parenting style. You have only a few short years with your child...make the most of the time you have. (This book was formerly titled Legacy of Love)

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Family

299 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1989

About the author

Dr. Tim Kimmel is one of America's top advocates speaking for the family. He is the Executive Director of Family Matters, whose goal is to build great relationships by educating, equipping and encouraging families for every age and stage of life. Tim conducts conferences across the country on the unique pressures that confront today's families. His conferences include: Home Improvement: Building a Great Marriage, Basic Training For A Few Good Men, Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right, and Parenting 101. In addition to conducting Family Matters' conferences and keynote speaking, Tim and his wife, Darcy, are speakers for FamilyLife Ministry's Weekend To Remember conference.

Not only is Tim a well-known speaker, he has authored many books including: Little House on the Freeway (featured in the Billy Graham crusades), Gold Medallion Winner Grace Based Parenting, Raising Kids for True Greatness, 50 Ways to Really Love Your Kids, Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right, Why Christian Kids Rebel, The High Cost of High Control, and Basic Training For A Few Good Men. He has also developed several video studies including The Hurried Family, Basic Training For A Few Good Men, Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right, and Grandparenthood: More Than Rocking Chairs.

Tim has been a featured guest on radio and television programs such as Dayside on FOX News channel, Dr. James Dobson's 'Focus on the Family', 'The 700 Club', Moody Broadcasting's 'Midday Connection', and 'Family Life Today.' Tim also hosted his own nationally syndicated talk show for five years called 'Tim Kimmel Live'.

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It helped me to think about how teaching our kids values needs to be a well thought out and planned process rather than hoping it happens along the way. I feel like I have really tried to work on this with my kids, but I am definitely not as well organized about it as I would like to be. This helps to point out areas to work on and how to have a plan of action to be carried out throughout the year. Definitely, well worth reading!!

[Victoria Bobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read for parents with littles! He gives practical tools to raising well adjusted kids. What I got from it is what I need to change in MY life.

[Eunice L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me a better overlook of life and parenting. In a world where we live in, where it’s so easy to get caught over our daily lives with the things that we see or hear, this book is a great reminder to let us know that the legacy that we leave behind to our children are so much more valuable than any other.

[Tracy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Tim Kimmel's parenting books. The reason I like them though can also be a reason to dislike them: he gives no step-by-step instructions or equations in parenting. Just very good food for thought. What does my theology say about how I parent my kids? Do I have a blueprint and have I intentionally thought about who I want them to be? (Note: Not WHAT I want them to be--but the sort of people I want them to be.) This book was great at honing in on some of the most important character qualities I want my children to have: poise, discipline, integrity, etc. But the thing that I like best is the truth that I cannot pass on these qualities to my children if I do not have them myself. Kimmel start first at helping YOU--the parent--develop these important character traits (as well as examining why you may not have them or understand their value.) Awesome, as always.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give half stars to a book, because I'd give this one 3.5 if I could. It was a good book that I intend to read again when Bridget's older, and I suspect that when/if I do, I will give it more stars because it will be more applicable at that time in our lives. It's packed full of good information and advice for Christian parenting, and the information/advice is applicable to parents of all ages, but probably more applicable to parents of children who are a little older (my child is 22 months right now). This book provides more practical advice—things to do—and the reasons behind it than the previous book of Kimmel's I read, Grace-Based Parenting (which I highly recommend). Good if you're needing a how-to, what to do book!

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the six character traits that are the main focal point of this book. Dr. Kimmel went through an exhaustive concordance of the Bible and listed every character word used and then grouped them into six categories. It has been very beneficial to focus on these in my own heart as well as with the other parents in our class. We can't expect our childrens' character to grow if we are not willing to work on our own.

The book did get a bit long and repetitious near the end, but still reinforces the critical nature of the content.

Now on to book 3!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished this... not because it was a 'bad' book. On the contrary. It was another excellent informational guide/ reminder on how to raise great kids. I read it slowly in hopes that it would absorb and stick with me. Small pieces to ensure I could act upon what I learned.

I'll still need to go back for refreshers, but I do LOVE Mr. Kimmel's parenting and teaching style. I pray I can raise Joe to be a fantastic Christian man.

[Bryanne Heald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book really makes a parent reevaluate good and bad parenting techniques. I don't think I am a bad parent, but like many we know there are areas were we know we could improve in. Not only does this book talk about ways to raise your children, but it has parents think about how we're doing in the moment.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will get you thinking about what kind of legacy you are leaving for your children. The overall message was good to consider but there are better parenting books out there than this one.

[Tricia Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Felt inspired to for my kids, excited for the next few years in my kids life.

[Kara Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book on how to focus your parenting. Practical steps to teaching your kids character.

[Legacy Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blueprint for raising biblical, healthy children.