Win+Win Parenting: Happy Parents Raising Thriving Children

by Seth Dahl, Lauren Dahl

166 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2017

Reviews

[Andrea Engfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book will be a gift to my kids because of what I have learned from it. I took many notes as I read, as the authors passed along skills and mindsets to create a thriving family with Biblical-based values.

These are just a few of the standout takeaways I learned from the book:
- Don’t ask your child to be what you are not; if you value a peaceful family, be peaceful yourself
- The way children experience their parents influences how they experience God
- Be the kind of spouse we want our kids to marry
- Our role as a parent is like an archer shaping an arrow, shaping each one for the kingdom of God
- Be present in the midst of chaos; one day our kids won’t ask us to play with them or read to them; our presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give to them
- Learn your child’s love language
- Teach responsibility and non-entitlement
- Our role as a parent drastically impacts the lives of our children; the choices we make as we raise them will echo into eternity

I loved this book!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is a children's pastor at Bethel Church. He gave some tips about things he and his wife did to parent their children. The book is written in a laid-back, encouraging voice. It gives you a cheerful mindset about parenting in a manner that provides a win-win situation for both the parent and the child. I agree with a lot of their thinking. For example, keeping track of the personality and personal growth of each child routinely. And this quote: "Showing them you are a real person who experiences good and bad parts of life opens their eyes to what real life is like." Amen! That is why I am very transparent with my children about what's going on in my life. And this: "Intentional parenting is centered on change. The ability to adjust, make changes, and try different ways until you find what works for you and your child at that particular moment in their lives is crucial to everyone's happiness." Yes, yes, yes. And this: "One of our favorite lines when it comes to reading books is, 'Eat the meat, spit out the bones.' In other words, it is okay to not agree with everything an author writes. Keep the good stuff and let the rest go....They made you think about the situation and start evaluating why you believe what you believe." Yes. That is exactly how I feel about reading books I don't agree with!
An interesting detail that shows the author is of a charismatic background: He and his wife really value praying for healing in front of their children. And because of their making it a part of their life, their children voluntarily offers to pray for healing for strangers they meet. And that often moves the strangers deeply, seeing the children as witnesses of the love of Christ.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many, many parenting books in the 30 years we've been raising a family. I have a few stellar favorites, but this one by Seth and Lauren Dahl distills most of the wisdom we've read and learned into a very readably-sized book that will now be our go-to gift for new parents. GREAT stuff in here!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simply written; super easy to read. Practical tips. You can finish this in a couple of days and be very encouraged!