Wonderful Ways to Love a Child

by Judy Ford

A treasury of advice and a series of success stories combine in a guide for parents that helps readers to overcome the emotional stresses of child-rearing and enjoy the benefits of parenthood.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Relationships, Childrens, Self Help

137 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

LCSW

Reviews

[Adam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to us when our son, Asher, was born, and I've just now gotten around to it. It mostly qualifies as a nice stocking-stuffer. It probably won't change your life, but it's better than most books of this sort. Ford, unlike many of her peers who write about fostering better relationships with your children, doesn't give you endless lists of things to do or ways you need to be praying over your children. Those drive me nuts because they only show me that I'm not doing enough, and I think that's detrimental to getting you to think proactively about how you love on your children. Instead, Ford speaks to the mind and heart, helping you discover right attitudes and emotions when it comes to your children. For those who get the metaphor, Ford is trying to turn you from a Martha into a Mary, to get you out of the kitchen and into the living room, just being present with your children and enjoying them. Yes, there is a bit of "here's one thing you can do" here and there, but that's to provide some examples as a hook to hang her ideas on. As I read this book, I didn't feel like I was being preached at or made to feel guilty. Instead, Ford made me desire to affirm my boys and be a quality-time father with them, whatever that may entail. It's about being available and open to them. In so doing, you are blessed just as much if not more than they are. As you discover what makes them tick, what makes them feel alive, your heart grows fonder for them. I would recommend this as an alternative to Stormy O'Martian's "Power of a Praying Parent," which unintentionally fostered a lot of guilt and stress in me. I do enjoy praying for my kids, for their security, their well-being, their self-esteem, etc., but I don't benefit from doing it according to a pattern that worked for someone else. I believe God intends wonderful things for my kids and will absolutely bring them about. Any caring parent is naturally scared for his or her child. We need more authors and books whose intent is to calm us down and experience the joy and blessings rather than to stir us up and make us feel like we're not scared enough.

[Kathrynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neat little book is no bigger than two decks of cards with a decorated cardboard cover. Inside it offers inspirational advice to nervous parents striving to build self-esteem, values, etc. in their young children.

It suggests having dinners together as a family--not in front of the television. Celebrating mistakes children make and allowing them to learn from those mistakes. How to focus on the joy children can bring into your life. Starting your own family traditions! And much more...

Very nice!

[John Leven · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. Couldn’t finish it. Only got through about 25% of the audiobook.

The content is 100% opinion/anecdotes without any supporting evidence or scientific references.

Easily the worst book on my parenting shelf.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good and straightforward advice and anecdotes. It wasn’t preachy except for the last few pages.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good advice! Some of these things I did. Some I didn't even think of. I will pass the book on to the mother of my great grandson. I think it will be truly helpful.

[Stephanie Pavlic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful collection of thoughts for parenting children, both young and not so young. :)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book before I had Dane, and now that he's here I'm enjoying reading it aloud to him. This will probably become one of my read it again and again books. Great "grounding" advice on parenting and reminders not to get too caught up in the trivial things in life!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

-just more fun ways to show, sometimes surprise your child with, how much you love them and ideas for spending unique time together... new ideas focus time back on the kids and away from work and house

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn't really have much original in it, for me, anyway. I wasn't that focused on things for older kids, though, and didn't pay so much attention for those parts.

I read it as an audiobook, and got kind of annoyed when it had like 10 minutes of cliches about kids being gifts from God.

[Linda K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas, mostly. Too preachy at the end.

[Nan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is full of generalizations that appear aimed at the author's peers. Trite.

[Traci Stoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much more than I expected. Very insightful & inspiring.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVED this little book that I found in a thrift store out of town. I keep it bedside and read 1-2 pages a night and plan to do so again and again and again and I recommend the same.