Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What's Right

by Arlene Pellicane

How to raise godly children in a godless world

Do you feel like you're fighting a losing battle? Against the culture, against the busyness, sometimes even against your spouse and kids... Often it seems like everything is against you as a parent, and your everyday life can feel far from joy-filled. But it doesn't need to be that way. Parents Rising will show you eight cultural trends that parents are up against today and what you can do to claim victory. 
This book is about growth not guilt. It's not a pep talk, or a "try harder" speech. This is real help for real problems that every parent faces. It's a way to focus your efforts so that they'll be more effective and you'll be less exhausted.  Parents, there's no time to wait.  It's time to rise.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2018

About the author

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and the coauthor of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene’s other books include 31 Days to
Becoming a Happy Wifeand 31 Days to a Happy Husband. She has been a featured guest on
the Today Show, Fox & Friends, Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, The 700 Club, and
Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah.
Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Arlene worked as the associate producer for Turning
Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Arlene earned her BA from Biola University and
her master’s in journalism from Regent University. Arlene lives in San Diego with her
husband, James, and their three children.
To learn more and for free family resources, such as a monthly Happy Home podcast, visit
ArlenePellicane.com

Reviews

[Lauren Klomparens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice. I was encouraged to rise up! my favorite quote from the book came from her parents manifesto at the very end..."I will rise to do my best to raise my children to honor God and will leave the results in His hands."

[Tessa Emelander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent needs to read this book. We’re failing our kids while we stare at our phones, let them stare at theirs and give in to their every desire. Take back our kiddos. Bring back family dinners. Rescue the next generation from themselves.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Choose This Book

I've read books by Arlene Pellicane before and really liked what she had to say, plus her writing style is easy to read. Miss Arlene talks a lot about children and technology and I find that subject fascinating. Plus, Gary Chapman wrote the forward and I really like his work. ((And, as always, here is my disclaimer: I'm not married and don't have kids, therefore I'm reviewing this book from that perspective.))

What I Thought About This Book

This book was so good and so fast and easy to read. Most of the time it takes me longer to read nonfiction than fiction, but I blew through this book in two sittings and barely wanted to put it down. Miss Arlene uses a combination of examples from her own life, situations she's seen, Bible verses, and statistics to write a compelling book that gives parents eight strategies for raising kids who love God.

As a non-parent, I always find it intriguing to see the thought process as to why parents do what they do. The psychological side of parenting is something that I've always found interesting and Miss Arlene does a really good job of explaining things in a very easy to understand way.

Her strategies are very practical and have solid reasoning behind them and statistics to back up what she has to say. The chapter titles include "Amusement Is Not the Highest Priority", "Launching Adults, Not Babying Children", and "Good Food Served on the Table." Each chapter was encouraging, entertaining, thought-provoking, and included ideas about how to incorporate the strategy into everyday life.

Conclusion

This is one of my favorite parenting books I've read yet, and one that I hope to re-read after I have children. It's short and therefore not overwhelming to pick up, plus it's so full of good information.

Rating

I'm giving Parents Rising 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it as highly as a non-parent can get away with recommending a book without being annoying. ;)

((This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for me reviewing it, all thoughts and opinions are my own.))

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't decide whether to give this one 2 or 3 stars, so I rounded it up to 3.

It wasn't a terrible book, but it also wasn't great. If you've never read a Christian parenting book, this book would have something to offer you. That being said, there are other parenting books that are far better.

It was a short and easy read with good tid bits along the way. The chapter on raising our children to be responsible adults was really good, although I thought her bit about letting them dream was unrealistic.

Honestly, I wouldn't read it again or recommend it simply because there are better books out there.

[Adrienne Servis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A must read for all parents, grandparents, and any one who takes care of children as guardians. Arlene has pointed out exactly what the kingdom of God's plan is for parents raising their children. She maps out areas of improvement for us all to examine and rejoice that it is going that direction or make the changes to get there. This is exactly what I have been looking for to show a hands on copy to someone on how to raise their children. Thank you Arlene for the opportunity to be a part of this launch!

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents Rising is the latest book by author and mom of three Arlene Pellicane. Since my daughter is only two I have just begun reading parenting books and so far, Parents Rising is one of my favorites. The book title is derived from the challenge Arlene presents to parents throughout the book which is, "Parents we must rise." Parents must rise against the low expectations set by culture regarding how children behave and whom they become.

I enjoyed this book so much that I could hardly put it down. In fact, I finished the book in 3 days. Rather than being divided into chapters, Parents Rising is divided into 8 strategies parents are encouraged to begin practicing. As a follower of Christ, I was excited about Arlene writing from a Biblical perspective. One of the opening statements she begins with is, "The number of parents who raise kids who love God, respect authority, and value what's right must increase for the sake of your children, and the generations that follow. There's too much at stake in eternity to get sidetracked on a smartphone," (pg. 19) - she is absolutely right! In this day and age with so much opportunity for distraction, I really appreciated this much-needed reminder.

I am also thankful that Arlene encourages parents to teach their children self-control and uses Proverbs 25:28 as the basis to do so. I've heard many other Godly parents encourage this as well so it was helpful that Arlene mentioned it and gave some examples of how teaching our children self-control will pay off in the long run. Arlene is also faithful to emphasize the importance of parents training their children to honor and obey their parents in alignment with Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3.

One practical tool included in Parents Rising is the ABC Test on page 74. This test encourages parents to train their children to think through the following when it comes to media (tv/movies/music/video game) choices: Attitude (What attitudes does the media encourage?), Behavior (What type of behavior will it encourage in your child?) and Character (What kind of character traits are devalued and praised?). I really like this simple test and plan to implement with my children.

While I greatly enjoyed Parents Rising and highly recommend that all parents read it, I do have a few cautions I'd like to highlight:

On page 61 there is a reference from a psychologist who encourages parents to help their children cultivate flexible thoughts. An example provided is, "Let's say it's bedtime for your son but he's not really tired. He can either think, 'I'm going to flex with it,' or 'I'm going to fight against it and throw a fit.' Those are two basic options. Will he think flexible thoughts, or will he think mad thoughts?" I was confused by the inclusion of this idea in the book because it seems to imply that we ought to train outward behavior. While this is, indeed, a part of the parenting equation, it fails to emphasize the need for parents to help their children address what is going on at the heart level. I'd rather have a conversation with my children that involves me seeking to understand (Proverbs 20:5) and asks questions that help them see their need for a Savior. I would also encourage teaching children to memorize Philippians 4:8 and use that as a filter for their thoughts. Flexible thoughts can change outward behavior but may not necessarily direct the child's heart back to the living and active word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Mad thoughts are synonymous with angry thoughts and unrighteous anger is both foolish and sinful - it must be addressed and repented of (Proverbs 29:11, Ecclesiastes 7:9, James 1:19).
My second caution involves the reference on page 89 from the book Love and Respect. The one quote used in Parents Rising isn't wrong or sinful but I highly encourage readers to exercise wisdom and caution should they choose to read Love and Respect. I'm not sure why this book has gained so much traction in Christian circles because in listening to others rave about it, I've realized that it presents love in the marriage relationship as very conditional which is a stark contrast to how marriage is depicted in the Bible (see Ephesians 5:25-33). I haven't read Love and Respect but what I know of it from others and this review (http://www.hopeforlifeonline.com/wp-c...) is enough to keep me away.
These concerns aside, I really enjoyed Parents Rising and encourage you to pick up a copy so you too can enjoy learning from Arlene's wise words.

I received Parents Rising compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian book on parenting. The author is Arlene Pellicane who is a public speaker on Christian parenting and she is a frequent guest on various radio show interviews such as Fox & Friends, Focus on the Family, and The 700 Club. I admit I’m frequently on guard with “pop Christian” self-help sort of books and resources and my guard was up reading this book. Nevertheless I did find this book useful.
The book lays out eight strategies for parenting. Some of these strategies include “Amusement is Not the Highest Priorities,” “The Bible and Prayer Everyday” and “Launching Adults, Not Babying Children.” The end of the book also include a Parenting Manifesto and questions for discussion groups.
I felt the biggest take away from this book is the call for parents to be in charge and to not let the children run the family and the parents. I felt at first it was rather redundant and a given for me personally but thinking about it further I realize I can’t fault the author here since this is a real problem among parents today both Christian and non-Christian parents. While the author talked about parents being in charge the book also balances this point by talking about how controlling does not always equal being caring especially when it becomes babying of the children in a way that enables problems or undermine responsibilities.
The book does a good job laying out parents responsibilities that is consistent with a Christian worldview. For instance the author talks about the need of parents to model godly marriages to their children. I loved how Arlene talked about holiness is measure not by how much Bible one hold but how much the Bible has a hold on our lives. Witty. I cheered when the book talked about discipleship being a primary responsibility of parents and not pastors and teachers.
I also appreciated the statistics provided in this work. For instance in the discussion about parents putting away their device in order to properly parent I was blown away that a study found fifty six percent of children surveyed felt they want to confiscate their parents’ cell phone; normally we think of parents having the need to confiscate their children’s electronic devices but the reverse for parents is sadly also true! This was convicting and made me think more intentionally of putting phones away to give my children the time and attention they need. I also found the book stating that the highest probability of promiscuity of young girls is when they start dressing and appearing older than they really are. That hit me hard and I hope to remember this when my daughters grow up. I appreciated the author talked about how what happen if the parents have already messed up and allowed their daughters to dress rather immodestly and how parents should confess to their kids their sins and mistakes first before going shopping for new and appropriate clothes.
I also enjoyed the book mentioning that parents shouldn’t depend on their child for their emotional support; this was mentioned several time in the book both in the first half and towards the end. I know growing up as a kid my mom was this way towards myself and my siblings so this stood out to me and I agree with her.
One thing I wished the book could have been different is more discussion of how doctrinal truths of Christianity as found in the Bible would have an impact on the motivation for Christian obedience in parenting. As I grow older as a Christian I found works on God-ward motivation or Christ-centered motivation for holiness is what I need more to obey God in the hard things.

[Syncopated Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where parenting can sometimes seem like a losing battle, this book provides 8 essential strategies for leading kids through the murk and mire of our ever-changing culture.

So many parents ask questions about navigating the parenting journey in today's society as well as how to raise happy, obedient kids without turning them into colorless automatons. This book can be just the resource you've been looking for.

Whether you're parenting toddlers or teenagers, are single or married and contemplating kids one day, or even just work with kids and are bothered by all of the child-is-the-center-of-the-world behavior you encounter so often, this book will provide you with simple, practical strategies to help set proper boundaries while still allowing the unique personalities to fully blossom.

Author Arlene Pellicane (who has written numerous parenting books already, including this one she co-authored with Gary Chapman) enables parents to return to the intended leadership role in their homes by focusing on strategies for dealing with 8 cultural trends families are facing today:

*Social media and other addictive technology that provides kids with endless amusement, which erodes character
*The obedience reversal, where kids are in charge and parental obedience a thing of the past
*The absence of boundaries for kids today -- even the most free-range children need some routine and consistency in their lives
*The lack of discipleship in today's home -- in a world where everything gets farmed out to an "expert," this is one area where parents need to take more responsibility
*Marriages placed on the back burner when children arrive
*The disappearance of shared mealtimes, causing the health of the family to suffer
*The focus on "quality time" over quantity, when what children really need is to just have you present
*Babying children and aiming to be their friend, instead of parenting in a way to help launch them into autonomous adulthood
*Each strategy has its own chapter and at 164 pages, this book is a quick, easy read that won't take up too much time -- a feature that probably every parent will appreciate!

In addition to the discussion group questions presented at the end of the book, each chapter concludes with three helpful ways to put what was read into practice: a reflective question for parents, a related prayer, and a practical action step to follow.

I received a free copy of this product in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.

[Shonda Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents Rising is Arlene Pellicane's newest release. This book breaks down eight strategies for raising kids who love God, respect authority and value what's right. Arlene's honest and sometimes amusing family stories give a glimpse of how to apply these strategies to everyday life. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and a short story. From there Arlene uses her research to share some startling statistics for the breakdown of the strategies in modern day culture. She weaves other author quotes and solid suggestions for implementing these ideas into the family. At the end of each chapter there is a question, a prayer and an action point. And interwoven in her writing she continually encourages parents to rise up. She also gives tips for single moms and blended families. There are also discussion questions at the end of the book for group meetings. Some of the topics covered are entertainment, boundaries, the role of the parent, daily Bible time and prayer, the priority of marriage, spending time with kids and getting them ready for life beyond the family home.

Arlene's latest book is another one to read and devour. She directly addresses the needs of today's family with love, encouragement and plenty of Biblical wisdom. Arlene is candid and witty with a generous dose of common sense and a purposeful edict for parents to subscribe to God's values for raising kids today. The best part is the Parents Rising Manifesto at the end of the book which challenges parents to read it weekly and includes all the strategies from the book to keep in mind through daily life. I plan to read through each chapter again and evaluate where I need to rise up and read the manifesto in my morning devotions. I love this book and I hope you will too.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I needed. Part of the introduction reminded me of what I sometimes forget when the kids are saying, “But mom…!”

“You are the leader of your home simply by being who you are. You don’t have to take a course, pass a test, attain perfection, or be born with a certain pedigree. You are the parent of your child, which makes you, by virtue, automatically one deserving of honor and respect.” – pg 15, emphasis mine

Parents Rising is about rising up to take our place back as parents. The world has swung from a place where kids were seen and not heard (too far left) to a place where parents are seen and not heard (too far right). We are being walked on by our children and we are letting the take the lead in their lives, when they don’t know better.

The How Healthy is Your Home? quiz showed me I have let things slide for too long and it’s time to rise and take control of the situation. (The quiz is not about things like how many vegetables the kids eat or if you have HEPA filters but about things like whether your children can handle screen-free days, if they show your honor and if your children are learning life skills.
The Parents Rising Strategies

The eight strategies Arlene covers are as follows: Amusement is Not the Highest Priority, Parents Call the Shots, Routine and Boundaries Provide Security, The Bible and Prayer Every Day, Marriage Takes a Front Seat, Good Food Served on the Table, Love is spelled T-I-M-E and Launching Adults, Not Babying Children.

read the rest of the review: http://smsnonfictionbookreviews.com/2...

[Megan Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents Rising helps parents stay (or get back in) the driver's seat of their home by reminding them of the authority and responsibility they've been given by God and providing strategies to help their children become respectful, responsible, and compassionate adults.

The information in the book was familiar to me but I appreciated the reminder of the things I should be doing for and with my children and the statistics that emphasize the importance of being an active parent to my children. Some of the information was a little convicting as I have been slack in some areas (like actively encouraging my youngest to learn how to tie his own shoes).

This book will remind parents of their role in their child's growth, education, and preparation for life after high school. It encourages us to step up to the plate and do what we were called to as parents for the benefit of our children and ourselves. If someone is feeling discouraged as a parent, this is a helpful book with good strategies and encouragement to help get back on track.

[Bp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book! Parents need to read this message AND apply it. There are tons of parenting books out there but this one is worth your time.

Each chapter of the book is about a different strategy. The 8 strategies are not hard to implement, and they are all very practical. As I read I thought that they all seem to be parenting strategies that were once popular and you saw used by many parents. Now they are rare it seems.

I like that the author shares some facts but doesn't overshare facts and statistics like I've found in some books. One thing that made me sad (and I read aloud to my family) is how much reading books aloud to children has decreased since the introduction of screens. We read a lot of books at our house so this made me sad to read these statistics.

I recommend this book to all parents. I have a teenager and a toddler, and the information in this book is helpful to me as a parent of both of these ages.

I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Moody Publishers. Thank you.

[Jessie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good practical relevant advice fills this book. Doesn’t tell parents to baby kids but exhorts parents to use their God given authority to teach kids how to behave so they can be great adults. Touches on all the topics that are affecting parenting and child raising in today’s society of “it’s all about me” instant gratification device driven world. Author is genuine and easy to read. She gives personal examples and talks about her struggles. She doesn’t give off Aires of having everything together. She’s open about struggling with these issues too. She gives practical ways to handles these issues, lists things you can do with your kids instead of having them sit on devices, and finishes sections with questions for more personal reflection. Great book. I would highly recommend it.

I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

[Enid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlene Pellicane shares eight practical strategies in raising kids in this godless world. Most of the strategies are things to us, the parents, to modify in order to raise children successfully.

The book provides advice and real life stories from Arlene's family and what she has done, in conjunction with her husband in raise their children.

The book also makes references to other books and the quotes are so perfectly balanced with her main topic.

I would recommend this book to everyone that is a new parent or season parent. This book is also backed up with scriptures. At the end of each chapter, Arlene asks a question about the theme she is talking about followed by a prayer and then action plan.

This book is highly recommended!!!!

DISCLAIMER: I was given an advance reader copy in lieu of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dawnielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are not alone. You can raise godly kids in a godless culture.


I truly wish I had this book when my children were younger. Arlene lays out 8 strategies for raising kids who love God, respect authority, and value what’s right. As she walks you through these 8 strategies, Arlene comes along side of you and lets you know you aren’t alone in struggling against all the destructive forces that are arrayed against our children and raising them to become godly men and women. Practical steps are laid out to help you as you parent your children, in this struggle. To raise godly children in a society that frequently dismisses following and serving God is a monumental task that takes perseverance and fortitude, Parent’s Rising is a welcome tool that can help Parents rise to what God has called them to do!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to reach for new heights in my parenting. Not in a guilt-inducing, condemning way, but in a tough love kind of way. Arlene speaks in a no-holds-barred manner and isn’t afraid to speak some hard truths, but she does it with the attitude of a friend who wants the best for you and your kids.

I won’t lie — this wasn’t a light-hearted, feel-good read. It opened my eyes, stepped on my toes, and pierced my heart. But it was full of powerful, important truths that we all need to hear and be aware of. And when it comes to raising my kids, I’ll take some tough love with an open heart of humility if it’s going to help me do it with excellence. And that is exactly what this book will do. And I believe it will do it for you, too.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a new parent, so there is still a lot I have to learn about what it is like to be the parent of a toddler, elementary age, youth, young adult, or adult. But, wherever you are in that spectrum, this book can be relevant. It is geared toward younger/newer parents, but the message can be applied to all. This is one of the most impactful books I've ever read on parenting and raising up children who aren't just well-behaved, but who love Jesus and live with purpose and drive. Seriously, get a copy of this book and read it. But, if you pick up a copy, be ready to act on it. It won't be easy, but I think it will be worth!

[Danica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for Christian parents. Arlene writes as someone in the trenches with you and clearly presents eight strategies to utilize in your parenting. She presents the research behind her recommendations along with action steps. This is a practical book that will challenge you and encourage you. It truly will help you to strengthen the foundation of your family. It is a quick read but one that I'm sure that I will be coming back to again and again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Gina Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents Rising is wonderful book! The topics Arlene writes about are what all parents face, and the practical tips and advice are extremely helpful. I especially enjoyed the scripture references as well. I could relate to the entire books on things I've gone through, things I'm experiencing now, and things I'll face in the future on this wild ride called parenting. When I find a book with similar values as mine as well as being able to take away valuable knowledge to apply to my everyday life; the book becomes something I cherish. This book is a must read!

[Kim Laraine Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good guide to raising children in a Christ centered home. It is the ideal family life but with encouragement and practical ways to achieve success. It does not however address parenting alongside an unbeliever and has very little to offer the single parent. Nonetheless it offers a question a prayer and an action step at the end of each chapter which are all helpful in putting into practice what the book teaches.

[Rachael Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parenting can be hard. It is possibly the most important task we are entrusted to in our lifetimes and we want to do it well. In Parents Rising, Arlene shares practical insight on how to parent with intention. She challenged me to rise to the challenge and believe I have what it takes to care for these incredible gifts I have in my children.

[Rachael Trovillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy for me to review. This book has a lot of insight. The questions really got me to dig deeper into my parenting. I have more awareness of things that need to change in my parenting. Great read!

[Emily Domitrovic hamburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. No time wasted on silly stories or barely relevant examples. Just straight to the point, tips based on what her family has found successful, and a fairly simple list of things to focus on and an action plan to get there.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book! 8 great strategies for Christian families!!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information in easy to read chapters. Provides for a lot of thought and applications! Thank you for a great tool!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spot on with how parents should be parenting in today’s world. Teaches many valuable lessons for children to learn to respect authority, love the Lord and value what’s right.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about the challenges parents face. It is filled with encouragements and tips on how to raise your children in a godly way.

[Yanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, practical, easy to read, just the right length.

[Sarah Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlene Pellicane did again! Another hit out of the park. In a mix of personal stories and shared insights from other voices of complete knowledge and understanding, the author gives parents a roadmap. This isn’t just advice put everyday practical steps parents can take to rise to the roles they were made for. This book will definitely not on my shelf but rather will remain a nearby, handy reference for me to come back to again and again!

[Kim Stoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for some new strategies to strengthen your parenting skills? Do you feel like you are raising your child(ren) to be able to function as adults? This book is an amazing book for all parents! It provides hands on practical ways to connect with your child(ren). Arlene Pellicane encourages us to actively parent, not just watch our kids grow up. It's time to Rise Up!