What do you think?
Rate this book
The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting: Incredible Insights from Well Known Moms & Dads
Every parent has moments with their kids, that they wish they’d been better prepared to handle. If they’d only known. This cleverly designed book published in conjunction with Focus on the Family shares heartwarming and vulnerable experiences from well-known moms and dads. Readers will love the upbeat, surprising, sometimes humorous stories of their toddlers, grade-schoolers, tweens and teens. All parents can relate.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Jim Daly
77 books15 followersJim Daly (born July 22, 1961) is the head of Focus on the Family, an international Christiancommunications ministry based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Daly is also the main host of the Focus on the Family radio program.
Daly grew up in Southern California. He was abandoned by his alcoholic father at age 5, and orphaned by his mother's death from cancer when he was 9. He was then placed in a foster home, initially in Morongo Valley California, until he moved in with his older brothers and then with his father, who eventually turned back to alcohol and died. By the time that Daly was a senior in high school, he was living on his own.
Daly experienced a Christian conversion at 15 while attending a camp run by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went on to study at California State University, San Bernardino, and eventually earned his Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
Daly worked in the paper industry until he was recruited to join Focus on the Family, at one-third of his six-figure private sector pay.
He has served at Focus for 16 years in a variety of positions before ascending to the presidency.
Daly grew up in Southern California. He was abandoned by his alcoholic father at age 5, and orphaned by his mother's death from cancer when he was 9. He was then placed in a foster home, initially in Morongo Valley California, until he moved in with his older brothers and then with his father, who eventually turned back to alcohol and died. By the time that Daly was a senior in high school, he was living on his own.
Daly experienced a Christian conversion at 15 while attending a camp run by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went on to study at California State University, San Bernardino, and eventually earned his Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
Daly worked in the paper industry until he was recruited to join Focus on the Family, at one-third of his six-figure private sector pay.
He has served at Focus for 16 years in a variety of positions before ascending to the presidency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 1, 2016
A small book with some great examples but far from its title. Not a waste of time but if you read one book about parenting, it doesn't have to be this one.
September 10, 2021
Quick read of tidbits and tips from seasoned parents. It had a lot of good practical things that I am looking forward to implementing eventually, haha. The wisdom in their experiences is obvious. Lots of practical situations explained and great insight.
April 5, 2022
Very insightful book.
I enjoyed the different points of view from so many people.
Some of the stories were funny and I felt like I wasn't alone in this journey of parenting. I have already implemented some tips and tricks.
I enjoyed the different points of view from so many people.
Some of the stories were funny and I felt like I wasn't alone in this journey of parenting. I have already implemented some tips and tricks.
November 24, 2012
MY REVIEW
I was asked to review this book by PRbytheBook and they sent me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a small hardback, what I used to call "Gift Book Size" when I worked in a book store. I like the cover it is appealing. The "byline" of "Incredible Insights from Well Known Moms and Dads" is very true of the book, there are some really useful situations covered in this neatly packages little book.
Though I do know Worthy Publishing publish Christian books and I had previously read The Best Advice I Ever Got On Marriage, I was still slightly unprepared for the amount of religious references in this book. I do say I don't read overtly religious books in my review policy but admit when asked and the book is on an interesting subject I find it hard to refuse.
I do admit I was a little irritated by so many references to different parts of the bible. I don't mind references to the bible but it seemed to be done in a pushier way in this book than the one on marriage.
Having said that I did enjoy reading the book. One particular section I enjoyed and agreed with was the part where it is said every child is unique. I know my cousin has two girls and they are as different as chalk and cheese. When I look around my family at my cousins who have siblings they are all unique people, just because they are siblings doesn't mean they will all have the same temperament, likes, and dislikes.
I could imagine the book to be a useful reference piece, especially when you are at the end of your tether,you can turn to the book for inspiration and help.
The moms and dads in this book are all religious people, doctors or pastors themselves.
I also liked the Nine Myths Of Parenting, their the "rules" we fool ourselves and yet also guilt trip ourselves into thinking should be followed.
On the whole though I think there are facts and suggestions most parents would benefit from, this book does seem more suitable/aimed at those who are quite religious.
I could imagine a church recommending this book to newly married couples and those about to embark on starting a family, and/or newly pregnant mothers. It would make a great gift book for a newly expecting couple, because the book is for fathers as well as mothers.
I was asked to review this book by PRbytheBook and they sent me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a small hardback, what I used to call "Gift Book Size" when I worked in a book store. I like the cover it is appealing. The "byline" of "Incredible Insights from Well Known Moms and Dads" is very true of the book, there are some really useful situations covered in this neatly packages little book.
Though I do know Worthy Publishing publish Christian books and I had previously read The Best Advice I Ever Got On Marriage, I was still slightly unprepared for the amount of religious references in this book. I do say I don't read overtly religious books in my review policy but admit when asked and the book is on an interesting subject I find it hard to refuse.
I do admit I was a little irritated by so many references to different parts of the bible. I don't mind references to the bible but it seemed to be done in a pushier way in this book than the one on marriage.
Having said that I did enjoy reading the book. One particular section I enjoyed and agreed with was the part where it is said every child is unique. I know my cousin has two girls and they are as different as chalk and cheese. When I look around my family at my cousins who have siblings they are all unique people, just because they are siblings doesn't mean they will all have the same temperament, likes, and dislikes.
I could imagine the book to be a useful reference piece, especially when you are at the end of your tether,you can turn to the book for inspiration and help.
The moms and dads in this book are all religious people, doctors or pastors themselves.
I also liked the Nine Myths Of Parenting, their the "rules" we fool ourselves and yet also guilt trip ourselves into thinking should be followed.
On the whole though I think there are facts and suggestions most parents would benefit from, this book does seem more suitable/aimed at those who are quite religious.
I could imagine a church recommending this book to newly married couples and those about to embark on starting a family, and/or newly pregnant mothers. It would make a great gift book for a newly expecting couple, because the book is for fathers as well as mothers.
April 25, 2013
Loved this! Listened to it on audio, it really opened my eyes to some new parenting ideas!
February 1, 2020
This was a really good book with a lot of great wisdom from Christian leaders who are seasoned parents. This had many things that made me think and want to change or implement new ideas in our parenting. I think one drawback is that these are all short stories and suffers from a lack of depth or detailed description at times. Sometimes I had questions that went unanswered, but could have used a longer format to elaborate.
All in all, a very good book, and worth reading and even re-reading.
All in all, a very good book, and worth reading and even re-reading.
October 22, 2018
This book was ok. It definitely had some great pieces of advice for raising kids to be good humans, but it also had some very holier than thou vibes. There was a judge mental viewpoint from some of the contributors that was really off putting. I’ll probably write down the bits I found helpful but this is not one I need on my shelves.
May 7, 2019
This was NOT for me. I'm sure some quick research before picking this up would have revealed how full of religion this would be, but I'm not opposed to some of it so figured there may be parts that could be enlightening/helpful. Nope... not one helpful thing here for me. I'm sure this speaks to other people, which is great.... but I'm out.
May 20, 2017
Good variety of ideas. Non-prescriptive and acknowledges the differences in families and children's personalities. An emphasis on spending not just quality time but quantity of time and the importance of understanding the heart of a child rather than mere behaviour compliance.
March 16, 2020
When I selected this book to be my next book I did not realize the book was published by focus on the Family. If I had known that when I selected the book I probably would not have ever chose the book.
The group is a fundamentalist Christian organization that promotes creationism, abstinence-only sex education, school prayer, and traditional gender roles.
The book is peppered with some really great advice all surrounded with so much religion it was very off putting for someone like me that is not religious.
The book is a collection of articles and stories form a bunch of different authors. All of the chapters are well written and easy to read. None of the advice given is backed up by scientific studies so I will choose to take stuff with a grain of salt.
An example of something that was off putting to me from the later part of the book. The parents found out from someone from the school that his daughter had done something they felt was wrong. They confronted her telling her that "God had revealed to them what she had done." No, god did not reveal anything to you, it was a teacher. I know that people with strong faith may be able to attribute the teacher sharing with them to god but it is not god it was another person. So they manipulated their daughter by claiming revelation from god.
A lot of the chapters have the same message: spend time with your kids be a part of their lives. I 100% agree with this message. Chapter 3 "It was Like He'd Never Existed" shared how little of an impact on a company a man dying had. How that is likely true for most companies. If you spend time with your kids that will not be true.
Chapter 2 - "A Child's Number-One Influence" implies that parents are the number one influence in a children's lives. This is simply not true. The Steven Pinker book "The blank slate" studied how much influence a parent has on a child. The conclusion past the young childhood parents influence is very small. Children are most influenced by their peers. The best thing a parent can do is try and encourage their kids to make friends with kids that seem to reflect the values they want their children to value. Its not till they are older and begin to be parents themselves they start to appreciate good parenting.
Like I said the book is full of great stories. Good information but it is saturated in religious dogma. I avoid dogma and was hopping for more from a book labeled "The Best Advice".
The group is a fundamentalist Christian organization that promotes creationism, abstinence-only sex education, school prayer, and traditional gender roles.
The book is peppered with some really great advice all surrounded with so much religion it was very off putting for someone like me that is not religious.
The book is a collection of articles and stories form a bunch of different authors. All of the chapters are well written and easy to read. None of the advice given is backed up by scientific studies so I will choose to take stuff with a grain of salt.
An example of something that was off putting to me from the later part of the book. The parents found out from someone from the school that his daughter had done something they felt was wrong. They confronted her telling her that "God had revealed to them what she had done." No, god did not reveal anything to you, it was a teacher. I know that people with strong faith may be able to attribute the teacher sharing with them to god but it is not god it was another person. So they manipulated their daughter by claiming revelation from god.
A lot of the chapters have the same message: spend time with your kids be a part of their lives. I 100% agree with this message. Chapter 3 "It was Like He'd Never Existed" shared how little of an impact on a company a man dying had. How that is likely true for most companies. If you spend time with your kids that will not be true.
Chapter 2 - "A Child's Number-One Influence" implies that parents are the number one influence in a children's lives. This is simply not true. The Steven Pinker book "The blank slate" studied how much influence a parent has on a child. The conclusion past the young childhood parents influence is very small. Children are most influenced by their peers. The best thing a parent can do is try and encourage their kids to make friends with kids that seem to reflect the values they want their children to value. Its not till they are older and begin to be parents themselves they start to appreciate good parenting.
Like I said the book is full of great stories. Good information but it is saturated in religious dogma. I avoid dogma and was hopping for more from a book labeled "The Best Advice".
November 11, 2017
I enjoyed the quick and to the point summaries of these leaders' best advice. A variety of perspectives and aspects of parenting were addressed. I'd read it again and probably even glean more.
December 19, 2017
I listened to the audio book and needed a lot of the advice I heard. I will probably listen to it again.
March 12, 2020
Some great parenting advice. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book but it’s not a bad book.
January 1, 2021
loved this book, I like that it was quick short sections that covered all sorts of issues.
January 15, 2021
Good reminders and good snippets of advice!
November 20, 2021
Gold mine of advice for parenting from very good authors. Very helpful.
December 15, 2023
This was a perfect, quick read as a new parent. I have enjoyed reading lot of new parenting books for advice and ideas!
January 3, 2024
It was fun to hear different stories from different parents, but none of the advice felt revolutionary.
August 12, 2014
This book had some pretty good advice. The advice was presented with a Christian slant from a biblical perspective. Readers of different faiths may not enjoy the read or be able to relate to it; however, some readers, Christian or not, will view the advice as common sense and be able to apply it to their own lives as parents based on their own religious beliefs. Readers looking for a non-denominational read that does not incorporate Jesus or the Bible, though, may be better served with a different parenting advice resource. Overall, good, simple advice for parents looking for a bit of guidance and encouragement.
August 8, 2013
I try to read at least one parenting book a year. This book has tidbits from various parenting experts. While there is nothing new (as far as advice) in this book, a lot of the material is presented in a refreshing and humorous way. I am familiar with most of the authors and John Rosemond continues to be my favorite. All of the advice is Christian based -I prefer it that way!
February 23, 2013
I absolutely adored this collection of sweet stories, parental lessons and teachable moments. We are currently expecting our first child and I know this book will stay around as a reference for how to handle those crazy moments with our precious boy!
February 4, 2013
Some terrific insights and pearls of wisdom in this book - even for parents who think they've seen it all!
July 24, 2015
I really enjoyed each of the short vignettes, each one with a slice of wisdom that I want to hold on to and keep for when I need it in the raising of my family. Very enjoyable.
August 10, 2016
Excellent book that any parent should read! Many perspectives on many types of children. There's good advice in this book for all types of parents and kids.
August 31, 2016
I always enjoy "Focus on the Family" advice.
January 8, 2017
I thought this book was a great compilation of parenting advice. I could have written down nuggets of information from every page.
February 1, 2016
Was Ok, no amazing revelation, mostly common sense :-)
April 16, 2018
I was actually a bit skeptical about this book, but it was rather helpful. Each person or couple brings a unique perspective and offers solid, biblical insight and tactics for parenting.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews