Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Character

by David Lavender, Julie Lavender

The essential gospel-led parenting book for raising good sons

In a world filled with countless parenting books and ever-changing advice, Christian parents often seek a single, unwavering source of God’s Word. In Raising Good Sons, readers will learn how to lean on God while raising boys who are not only resilient and morally grounded but also deeply rooted in their faith. With heartfelt encouragement and scriptural wisdom, this book will become your trusted companion, reminding you that with God you are never lost or alone in your parenting journey.

Raising Good Sons
Essential Christian parenting principles that keep you grounded and anchored as you raise your son no matter what stage you’re in.Relevant topics and issues that all parents of sons are navigating, such as building a personal relationship with Jesus, modeling godly behavior, learning respect, showing love, and much more.Biblical lessons in action that can be applied right away.Inspiring and supportive prayers that remind parents to keep God at the center.

Genres: Parenting

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

David Sievert Lavender was a well-known historian of the Western United States, nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, who is best remembered by many for his River Runners of the Grand Canyon.

Lavender spent most of his life in Ojai, California. An articulate and deeply knowledgeable speaker on the political and social history of the American West, he often spoke at the annual Telluride Film Festival.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd say this was an "OK" self-help/parenting book, but has the wrong title.

I really like how the book is organized and broken up into easily digestible chunks of information. There's a focus area, bible verse, example from their life, and then thoughtful questions at the end of each section's focus area.

I think this was a great book if you're specifically looking for help incorporating faith and prayers into your daily life with your children and need help doing so.

However, with the title "Raising Good Sons" - I assumed there would be more practical advice on strengthening the bond of you and your sons with more practical life examples and incorporating faith-based learnings throughout. If that's what you're looking for, you may be disappointed.

There is nothing specific about raising sons vs. daughters within this book. The examples given in each section are really high level and don't give much info or practical advice on conflict resolution to help your children with modern issues they face. While prayers and bible lessons help lay a foundation, I didn't really see here how they were specifically bonding with their sons and helping them navigate through some of the conflicts and decisions they faced.

I have 3 young sons of my own, so I was little disappointed given my expectations based on the title, but I think there are some good thoughts and takeaways in this book that can be applied in many situations in the future. It's great food for thought.

Thank you for the free / gifted book, @zeitgeistpublishing @penguinrandomhouse. I appreciated the opportunity to read a printed copy of this - all of these opinions are entirely my own.

[Debra Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mother of four sons, now grown men, I would have given any amount of money to have had Raising Good Sons as we were rearing them. My husband and I did our best, but this book, this VERY book, in addition to our Bibles, would have made such a huge difference in how we approached things. Practical steps, prayers, and Biblical Lessons in Action leave no doubt about how one can raise their own boys to be kind, loving, godly men. With two sons and two daughters of their own, the authors share from their own experiences. Wisdom and love flow through every page. If you are the parent of boys, this book needs to be the first one you grab in addition to your Bible. Not filled with today’s psycho-babble, Raising Good Sons imparts practical Biblical principles that will guide you as you pray for the most precious gifts you will have on this earth, your children. I cried as I read this and realized how many things we could have done that we didn’t do. Simply put, you don’t have to do this parenting thing alone. There is help from Julie and David. What a jewel of a book. Highly recommended.
Thank you @ZeitgeistPublishing, @penguinrandomhouse for the free/gifted book. The opinions and words here are my own.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for the gifted book, Zeitgeist & Penguin Random House! #Partner

First of all, I have to say thank you to Zeitgeist Publishing (Penguin Random House) for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review.

The authors present various scenarios and suggestions for strengthening both the parent’s and child’s character through biblical guidance. Most, if not all, of these tips could be applied to sons and daughters, and the authors share two daughters as well, so I’m not sure why this book is targeted specifically towards raising sons.

While I do wish the authors expanded upon their personal anecdotes, the chapters are short and easily digestible. Each chapter covers topics derived straight from scripture, and ends with “Biblical Lessons in Action” – opportunities to consider ways of strengthening our morals and values.

An easy read that packs a self-help punch!

Read more on my blog:
https://www.fromhearttobyline.com/blo...

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical parenting book rooted in the unchanging wisdom of the Bible!

With its relatable, real-life stories and practical applications, Raising Good Sons is a fabulous addition to any parenting library. Each chapter is divided into quick, easy-to-consume chapters with action steps, prayers, and thoughtful questions that challenge parents to dive deeper into their own “faith,” urging them to lead by example. This is a much a book about “raising” good parents as it is raising good sons. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Zeitgeist Publishing for the free, gifted book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’re a diehard Southern Baptist like my mother, you will love this book. It’s organized in short, easily digestible sections for the busy parent.

If you’re me, raised by Southern Baptists following all of the principles in this book, yet I want to raise my own son differently, this is not the book for you. Why did I read this book then? I was curious if any of the religious advice translated to a family that isn’t at church every Sunday. Of course it does! Set a good example for your kiddo. Be kind to your neighbors. All solid advice.

One last thing: this book didn’t need to be gendered.

Thank you to Zeitgeist and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[J.D. Wininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Bible-based guide, useful for both parents and older children. This book is filled with wonderful ways to help parents grow their sons to be morally straight, emotionally strong, and well-grounded in all areas of their lives. I love how the authors ask questions in their "Biblical Lessons in Action" section that accompanies each principle that gives them an opportunity to not only grow themselves but discuss with their son(s) to engage in much-needed family discussions about the values and morals their family holds dear. I highly recommend this book for every Christian parent faced with raising sons in today's chaotic world.

[Evelyn Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book to someone, I’d say it is a very practical guide to raising a child in a Christian mindset. Each section is a quick read, and the book itself is pretty short. They have good advice, paired with anecdotes from their own parenting on teaching your child to live like Jesus, with prayers about that specific topic. My only criticism about this book is that I think that it could apply to both boys and girls. There wasn’t really any gender specific advice in there, and it’s absolutely important to teach your girls how to live a Christian life as well. Overall, a practical, enjoyable read. 8/10

[Katherine Pasour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our children don’t come with an instruction manual at birth, but Raising Good Sons is the next best thing to assist parents. David and Julie Lavender share real life, heartwarming stories of their own parenting journey. With both the father’s and mother’s perspectives, the authors provide parenting principles and strategies that work, Biblical lessons that will bring parents and children closer to God on their journey, and inspiring and supportive prayers. My children are grown, but this book is going to be a gift for my son-in-law on Father’s Day.

[Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Penguin Random House and Zeitgeist for the free/gifted copy.

I usually steer clear of parenting books because they often just echo common sense advice. While this one covers similar ground, I appreciated that it delivered its insights in shorter, more digestible segments.

The strategies are practical and easy to implement. Although the title focuses on sons, I found the guidance to be just as relevant and effective for raising daughters as well.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

[Deanna Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Raising Good Sons is like conversing with Julie and David Lavender. They intertwine Biblical truths with personal examples of raising sons. Their 15 Principles will encourage and guide Christian parents raising boys in everyday situations. Thought-provoking questions and sincere prayers will enable parents to reflect and equip themselves with truths as they petition God’s guidance on raising sons.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter shares a principle of moral character that needs to be instilled in our children as they grow. The chapters are broken down into smaller pieces of that principle with smaller teaching sections that are Biblically based and also include a practical idea in action. The lesson ends with a list of ways to put the Biblical idea into action as well as a prayer to help you and your children make it a part of your lives.

[Holly Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually leery of parenting books, yet I thought this was a helpful and informative read for Christian based parenting. Helpful insights and ways to follow through suggestions. Definitely recommend for those raising boys in a Christian home. #raisinggoodsons #davidlavender #julielavender #netgalley #goodreads

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is well organized with bite-sized anecdotes and thoughts. Each chapter includes very practical ways to talk to your sons about God with questions that help you to deepen the conversations. Bible verses are included with the chapters as the foundation for the concept that is being discussed.

[Bookish.Rwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book , wrong timing 🥹

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet book. I appreciate that each section is a quick read (great for busy parents) and supported by a Bible verse. The best parts of the book are the reflection questions after each section.

The book has good reminders, even though there wasn’t really anything unique in the book (other than anecdotes about the authors’ family, some of which were deeper and more relevant than others) and it is sometimes a bit repetitive.

Despite the title, nothing in this book is specific to sons, so this book could provide encouragement and reminders to any Christian parent! (I would also add that perhaps “God-honoring” is a more apt description of the book’s goals than “good” :) )

Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.

[April Graney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom of 3 now grown boys, this is a book that I wish I had when they were growing up. I appreciate how the book is full of practical, applicational advice based on Scriptural principles. The biblical lessons in action sections with each chapter provide bulleted points for easy reference later on. This would be a great book for parents to read together as they raise their boys. In today’s culture, we need good men more than ever, and this valuable resource will help parents raise boys who are full of faith, character, and resilience.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, great for new parents. I appreciate the simplicity however I did not find extra information I had not read before in other Christian parenting books on boys. Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book.