Confident Parenting

by Jim Burns

"Through a fictional story, the host of the HomeWord radio broadcast presents information and practical strategies on various aspects of good parenting, teaching how to create a warm, grace-filled home. Includes advice on proper discipline"--Provided by publisher.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Jim Burns, Ph.D., President of HomeWord is the host of the HomeWord with Jim Burns daily half-hour, daily one-minute, and weekly half-hour radio programs. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives.

Jim is the author of many resources including his latest books The Purity Code: God’s Plan for Sex and Your Body, Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality and Accept Nothing Less: God’s Best for Your Body, Mind and Heart. In recent years, he has also written Confident Parenting and Creating an Intimate Marriage which are available in audio CDs, books, and small group curriculum kits; The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family; Devotions on the Run; and Parenting Teenagers for Positive Results kit. Since 1985, HomeWord has been assisting parents and churches worldwide through radio, resources, seminars, and the web at www.homeword.com. Jim writes monthly columns for Ignite Your Faith magazine and Simply Youth Ministry newsletter and website.

Reviews

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

An OK Christian parenting book. The 'Judith' moments were a little odd, but the material was relevant. I haven't had to raise my own children yet but I felt I already knew the majority of the material, so I'm not sure if it is outdated or if I'm overly prepared haha

[Anna Ganey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that any of the advice was wrong, just didn't seem super helpful and I didn't care for the peculiar "parable". Was cool that he mentioned my pastor in Honolulu in the book!

[Terra Widmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I had a lost of practical ways I wanted to live more intentionally by the end. I highly recommend it.

[Katherine Salinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parenting books are tough. Either they talk straight philosophy without any practical and useable practices or they are all "tips" with no big picture focus. This was a good mix.
My favorite tips:
1. Carving out time to celebrate the Sabbath as a family. No TV, phones, work or chores. Other than having a meal together, it should simply be a time of rest and fun connecting as a family. Games, naps, outdoor activities, and the like were listed.
2. Create a family vision, mission and goal. Particularly for the mission, it needs to be short and easy enough to remember so even little ones know what the mission of your family is.
3. Celebrations and traditions: Burns encouraged to celebrate even more than just Christmas and birthdays. I liked that in his family they say three favorite things about the birthday person. Also, he suggested celebrating simple things (learning to ride a bike, first time they showed significant responsibility, etc) and significant spiritual growth as well (baptism, accepting Christ, first time taking communion).
4. Burns talked about leaving a legacy. How does he do it practically? He and his wife meet every six months to talk about each of their kids. How they are doing, what they need to learn, experiences they want their child to have and how they plan to implement these things. By far, I thought this one things was probably the best tip. Also, his wife took each of their 3 daughters individually on a weekend away to discuss sexuality the way God intended and then Burns took them out a few years later to show each of his girls how they should be treated on a date.

Burns had lots of great advice. I also liked the encouragement he gave to those who didn't have great role models for parents and "breaking the cycle." The one thing I didn't like about the book was an on-going story at the beginning of each chapter. I understand why he used it but his chapters were filled with enough other "real" stories that I felt he didn't need it to carry his book. I'm thankful I read this book and would absolutely recommend it to other parents.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just re-read this book for the third time since I have owned it. It is my very favorite parenting book! I am at a different place in my parenting walk now and it has really made me crave more meaningful time with my family.

[Gordon Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that helped me as a father of ten years improve in the relationship with my children. Lots of great ideas to draw closer together as a family and adjust any troubled spots. Highly recommended for parents!

[Raimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I found myself relating to a lot of the situations presented and it gave a lot of great suggestions and advice.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Burns once again gives practical advice and encouragment on parenting. A very good book.

[Carol Wunderlich]

A very practical guide to intentional christian parenting. Highly recommend it!

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward. Practical principles and especially loved "creating your plan" reflections.

[Liz (Flanagan) Grennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian parents - this is a must-read, in my opinion. I finished the book intent on honoring my God and my kids, and the lessons have really stayed with me. Planning on rereading often.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is an important read for parents. Burns provides some practical steps in the journey of parenting.

[Jt]

book on parenting and making sure we love God and we love those who God has given us.

[Francie Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very practical, easy to read and full of inspiration.

[Susan Anderson]

I took lots of notes. I'm sure I'll be rereading this one.