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Parenting with Loving Correction: Practical Help for Raising Young Children
“A gospel-infused framework for the kind of loving correction that will help all of us train up a child in the way he or she should go.” ― Bob Lepine , Cohost, FamilyLife Today Parenting can be a challenge. Sometimes it seems like all we do is give directions and all children do is disobey. How can we promote good behavior and a peaceful home without becoming harsh drill sergeants on the one hand or passive pushovers on the other? This book aims to help you better understand loving correction through clear steps and practical tips aimed at transforming not only your children’s behavior but also their hearts. Rooted in three principles― keep it God-centered, always mean what you say, and reward obedience rather than disobedience―this is a guide to consistent, faithful discipline that mirrors the grace-giving, truth-speaking God of the Bible and sets the tone for a loving, joy-filled home.
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2019
39 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Sam Crabtree
8 books13 followersSam Crabtree (MEd, South Dakota State) is a pastor at the Mounds View campus of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a former public school teacher and has served at Bethlehem Baptist Church since 1997. He serves as the board chairman for Bethlehem College & Seminary and a board officer for desiringGod.org. Sam and his wife, Vicki, live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and have two daughters and six grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 1, 2021
Parenting books are often long on theory and short on practical wisdom. "Parenting with Loving Correction" is a remarkably balanced and helpful book on parental correction. It is short, to the point, and full of wisdom and insight.
There are nine short chapters, with a brief appendix of common questions with answers. The book is repetitive, but in a way that keeps the main point in front of the reader, reminding what the goal is, and how to achieve it in light of that chapter's focus.
Crabtree is a wise father, grandfather, and pastor and puts his experience to good use in explaining many of the points he is making with helpful illustrations designed to help us see our own situation in what he is describing.
This is a book I wish that I had access to as a young father, myself, but had to learn these things either on my own or from an amalgamation of many other resources that were not nearly as brief and to the point as this. This will likely be one of my go-to parenting books in discipling other parents.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
There are nine short chapters, with a brief appendix of common questions with answers. The book is repetitive, but in a way that keeps the main point in front of the reader, reminding what the goal is, and how to achieve it in light of that chapter's focus.
Crabtree is a wise father, grandfather, and pastor and puts his experience to good use in explaining many of the points he is making with helpful illustrations designed to help us see our own situation in what he is describing.
This is a book I wish that I had access to as a young father, myself, but had to learn these things either on my own or from an amalgamation of many other resources that were not nearly as brief and to the point as this. This will likely be one of my go-to parenting books in discipling other parents.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
February 9, 2019
We must always remember that our greater and higher aim is godly heart transformation in our children, not just behavioral correction. The ultimate reason for this aim is God's own focus on our hearts. Godless, secular behaviorism obscures-even denies the gospel Our proper approach in corrective discipline means seeking our children's behavioral change with heart change always in view. Parents cannot create in a child's heart the kind of love that God can. He can create the love he commands. We can't transform the child's heart- but our own transformed hearts can shape behaviors that will benefit the child's future. Correction doesn't save the soul. But salvation of the soul corrects-that is, it ushers in true heart transformation and a lifetime of change, by God's grace and will.
I have heard that disciplining is our opportunity as parents to teach our children. However, many times we can be stressed out, burned out or fed up that we can do more damage than good when it comes to disciplining. The insight of this text was amazing and opened my eyes now as a grandmother to love my grandchildren and to be a helper to my daughters and their husbands. Discipline is not a word to be feared but to embrace as it teaches our children responsibility and most importantly love. Without discipline there is no love. However, that said, discipline is not cruel unusual punishment, it is a tool to teach. Not a tool to teach that I am powerful and controlling but compassion and responsibility with joy.
The text is done in 3 parts. What is at stake? Essentials of corrective discipline. Getting practical
It starts with what is correction A 2 part definition is what he uses. Identifying actions or attitudes of your child that are unacceptable when against clear and explicit standard, then acting promptly and decisively to move your child in the direction of compliance with those standards.
I think the most I got out of this text and resource is what discipline is not. Such as discipline doesn't destroy the child but attacks the things that would destroy him. That fearing us as parents or grandparents without delighting in them, they will find no rest in peace with us. That discipline is curbing harmful desires that lead to sinful life choices that enslave us. That discipline is a divine work of God that is given to us as parents. That affirmation is key to discipline and love.
I can go on and on with this text but it is meant to be read, applied and prayed over. I highly recommend this and in fact this will be gift to my children.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I have heard that disciplining is our opportunity as parents to teach our children. However, many times we can be stressed out, burned out or fed up that we can do more damage than good when it comes to disciplining. The insight of this text was amazing and opened my eyes now as a grandmother to love my grandchildren and to be a helper to my daughters and their husbands. Discipline is not a word to be feared but to embrace as it teaches our children responsibility and most importantly love. Without discipline there is no love. However, that said, discipline is not cruel unusual punishment, it is a tool to teach. Not a tool to teach that I am powerful and controlling but compassion and responsibility with joy.
The text is done in 3 parts. What is at stake? Essentials of corrective discipline. Getting practical
It starts with what is correction A 2 part definition is what he uses. Identifying actions or attitudes of your child that are unacceptable when against clear and explicit standard, then acting promptly and decisively to move your child in the direction of compliance with those standards.
I think the most I got out of this text and resource is what discipline is not. Such as discipline doesn't destroy the child but attacks the things that would destroy him. That fearing us as parents or grandparents without delighting in them, they will find no rest in peace with us. That discipline is curbing harmful desires that lead to sinful life choices that enslave us. That discipline is a divine work of God that is given to us as parents. That affirmation is key to discipline and love.
I can go on and on with this text but it is meant to be read, applied and prayed over. I highly recommend this and in fact this will be gift to my children.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 3, 2019
The author made reference to someone having said "stop crying, or I will give you something to cry about" in a positive light, and I just can't get behind that. This book probably would've been rated 3 or 4 stars, if it were not for this and the fact that the author advocated for cry it out (CIO) in the last chapter. CIO is devastating to an infant's brain, and honestly, their system as a whole.
May 2, 2019
OVERVIEW
Rating: 3 out of 5
Length: 4 to 4.5 hrs. To read (128 pages)
Short Summary:
In his book, Parenting with Loving Correction, Sam Crabtree equips parents to understand why correction is essential, what the goal of correction should be, and how to put loving, God-honoring correction into practice.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
Who Should Read This Book?
Expectant parents and parents of younger children will especially benefit from this book. It’s not that the principles do not apply equally to older children and teenagers, but these are ideas that are best instilled early. Pastors and churches might also find the material in this book useful for small group study within their congregations.
Analysis and Review
The book is divided into three parts. The first part poses the question “What’s at stake?” The second outlines “Essentials of Corrective Discipline.” The final part, titled “Getting Practical,” gives parents some nuts and bolts to implement the kind of corrective discipline that the author describes in the first two parts.
Crabtree lays out the purpose of his book with clarity right from the start. As Christians, he writes, “We want our children to honor God, and requiring children to honor parents honors the God who commands children to do exactly that.” (pg. 25). Parenting is not so much a list of things to do in specific situations as it is developing the proper, Biblical mindset.
Parents know that we must discipline our children, but too often it seems that we neglect to think more than superficially about why we should discipline our children. Why does it often seem to be so difficult? What happens when we fail to correct our children? What are the benefits of properly correcting our children? Crabtree supplies an excellent answer to that last question: “The wise, corrective discipline of our children glorifies the truth-speaking God of the Bible, honors parents (all parents, as well as the specific child’s parents), protects our children, strengthens the church, serves society, and gives hope to the nations.” (pg. 36).
Part of the struggle when it comes to disciplining children is the existence of wrong assumptions about parenting. Crabtree helps dispel some of those assumptions by laying out a definition of “corrective discipline.” By that term he means “Identifying actions or attitudes of your child that are unacceptable when weighed against clear and explicit standards and then acting promptly and decisively to move your child in the direction of compliance with those standards. (pg. 15). Crabtree expands on the different parts of that definition throughout the book.
Overall, I think the book will prove beneficial to Christian parents who want to ensure that they approach parenting from a biblical perspective. I do, however, find at least a couple points of disagreement with Crabtree. First, he writes:
"[P]arents may hesitate to use rewards because it seems to belong in the realm of secular behaviorism, which obscures and even denies the gospel. I don't advocate secular behaviorism. However, behavioral methods--rewards and punishments--can be means toward good spiritual ends--in particular, they can draw the child's attention to the gospel." (page 80)
I commend Crabtree for denouncing secular behaviorism, but that does not mean that the pitfalls of behavioral methods of parenting are thereby avoided altogether. On this point, I think psychologist and parenting expert John Rosemond (himself a Christian) has the more complete and better view. Writing in his December 28, 2008 column, Rosemond says, that "behavior modification does not work on human beings. . . . Consequences compel rats and dogs to do what their handlers want them to do. Consequences do not compel human beings." It would be a devastating mistake for any parent to assume that if he simply "manipulates reward and punishment properly, the correct behavior will ensue." I think, perhaps, that Crabtree and Rosemond may agree on this point, but it seems to me that Crabtree is less clear that he could have been.
Second, I was disappointed with the cursory treatment that the Appendix devoted to the topic of ADHD. It's a subject that tends to evoke strong opinions and it deserves to be dealt with at greater length than Crabtree was able to devote to it here. For further reading, I highly recommend John Rosemond's book (co-written with Dr. Bose Ravenel, M.D.) The Diseasing of America's Children
Conclusion
Sam Crabtree has certainly added a useful resource to the existing library of books for Christian parents. Although I found a few points of disagreement, I would still feel comfortable recommending this book to Christian parents. The author does an outstanding job in helping parents to develop a Christian mindset toward parenting and those who endeavor to shape their parenting according to the Scriptural principles laid out in this book will not be disappointed.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Length: 4 to 4.5 hrs. To read (128 pages)
Short Summary:
In his book, Parenting with Loving Correction, Sam Crabtree equips parents to understand why correction is essential, what the goal of correction should be, and how to put loving, God-honoring correction into practice.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
Who Should Read This Book?
Expectant parents and parents of younger children will especially benefit from this book. It’s not that the principles do not apply equally to older children and teenagers, but these are ideas that are best instilled early. Pastors and churches might also find the material in this book useful for small group study within their congregations.
Analysis and Review
The book is divided into three parts. The first part poses the question “What’s at stake?” The second outlines “Essentials of Corrective Discipline.” The final part, titled “Getting Practical,” gives parents some nuts and bolts to implement the kind of corrective discipline that the author describes in the first two parts.
Crabtree lays out the purpose of his book with clarity right from the start. As Christians, he writes, “We want our children to honor God, and requiring children to honor parents honors the God who commands children to do exactly that.” (pg. 25). Parenting is not so much a list of things to do in specific situations as it is developing the proper, Biblical mindset.
Parents know that we must discipline our children, but too often it seems that we neglect to think more than superficially about why we should discipline our children. Why does it often seem to be so difficult? What happens when we fail to correct our children? What are the benefits of properly correcting our children? Crabtree supplies an excellent answer to that last question: “The wise, corrective discipline of our children glorifies the truth-speaking God of the Bible, honors parents (all parents, as well as the specific child’s parents), protects our children, strengthens the church, serves society, and gives hope to the nations.” (pg. 36).
Part of the struggle when it comes to disciplining children is the existence of wrong assumptions about parenting. Crabtree helps dispel some of those assumptions by laying out a definition of “corrective discipline.” By that term he means “Identifying actions or attitudes of your child that are unacceptable when weighed against clear and explicit standards and then acting promptly and decisively to move your child in the direction of compliance with those standards. (pg. 15). Crabtree expands on the different parts of that definition throughout the book.
Overall, I think the book will prove beneficial to Christian parents who want to ensure that they approach parenting from a biblical perspective. I do, however, find at least a couple points of disagreement with Crabtree. First, he writes:
"[P]arents may hesitate to use rewards because it seems to belong in the realm of secular behaviorism, which obscures and even denies the gospel. I don't advocate secular behaviorism. However, behavioral methods--rewards and punishments--can be means toward good spiritual ends--in particular, they can draw the child's attention to the gospel." (page 80)
I commend Crabtree for denouncing secular behaviorism, but that does not mean that the pitfalls of behavioral methods of parenting are thereby avoided altogether. On this point, I think psychologist and parenting expert John Rosemond (himself a Christian) has the more complete and better view. Writing in his December 28, 2008 column, Rosemond says, that "behavior modification does not work on human beings. . . . Consequences compel rats and dogs to do what their handlers want them to do. Consequences do not compel human beings." It would be a devastating mistake for any parent to assume that if he simply "manipulates reward and punishment properly, the correct behavior will ensue." I think, perhaps, that Crabtree and Rosemond may agree on this point, but it seems to me that Crabtree is less clear that he could have been.
Second, I was disappointed with the cursory treatment that the Appendix devoted to the topic of ADHD. It's a subject that tends to evoke strong opinions and it deserves to be dealt with at greater length than Crabtree was able to devote to it here. For further reading, I highly recommend John Rosemond's book (co-written with Dr. Bose Ravenel, M.D.) The Diseasing of America's Children
Conclusion
Sam Crabtree has certainly added a useful resource to the existing library of books for Christian parents. Although I found a few points of disagreement, I would still feel comfortable recommending this book to Christian parents. The author does an outstanding job in helping parents to develop a Christian mindset toward parenting and those who endeavor to shape their parenting according to the Scriptural principles laid out in this book will not be disappointed.
October 6, 2025
Very simple yet very helpful and Biblical overview of the parent’s job in “discipline.”
Highly recommend for parents.
Highly recommend for parents.
October 30, 2021
Straight talk about shepherding our children. There is no fluff to this book. He tells it like it is, simply and directly.
I feel like I need to read a book like this every once in a while just to "check my work" for where I have inevitably made mistakes or grown lazy. I therefore appreciate that this book is shorter; it can be in the rotation for that corrective reading more often.
My main *new* takeaway was that I was often not being clear enough about rules or consequences with my kids, especially my wild card middle child. I would say things like "Calm down" rather than "You may not scream right now," or "Don't be rude" rather than "You may not do flips off the couch when guests are in the house." I would express general disapproval rather than clearly state the behavior that needed to stop.
For example, middle child has always chewed on the sleeves of a particular shirt, making them nasty and wet and potentially ruining the shirt for her younger sister's use. I used to say things like, "Stop it, that's nasty!" or just give her a pained expression when I saw it. After reading this book, when she put the shirt on one morning, I said, "You may not chew on the sleeves of this shirt. If I see you doing it once, I will warn you. If I see you doing it twice, you will not wear the shirt anymore." Done! She never chewed them once the whole day. I just hadn't laid out the fences for her!
I feel like I need to read a book like this every once in a while just to "check my work" for where I have inevitably made mistakes or grown lazy. I therefore appreciate that this book is shorter; it can be in the rotation for that corrective reading more often.
My main *new* takeaway was that I was often not being clear enough about rules or consequences with my kids, especially my wild card middle child. I would say things like "Calm down" rather than "You may not scream right now," or "Don't be rude" rather than "You may not do flips off the couch when guests are in the house." I would express general disapproval rather than clearly state the behavior that needed to stop.
For example, middle child has always chewed on the sleeves of a particular shirt, making them nasty and wet and potentially ruining the shirt for her younger sister's use. I used to say things like, "Stop it, that's nasty!" or just give her a pained expression when I saw it. After reading this book, when she put the shirt on one morning, I said, "You may not chew on the sleeves of this shirt. If I see you doing it once, I will warn you. If I see you doing it twice, you will not wear the shirt anymore." Done! She never chewed them once the whole day. I just hadn't laid out the fences for her!
August 9, 2023
This was not what I expected based on the title. I feel like the theme of the book was simply “It is loving to parent with correction for bad behaviors” - to which I say, “Duh…”
It was not bad, and I did glean some wisdom and parenting practices from it, but I was initially hopeful when I received my thin little copy that this would be a quick read without a lot of fluff. However, it took me a lot longer than expected because I just wasn’t super impressed with the beginning that spent quite a chunk of time elaborating on my stated theme above. Then, the later sections seemed to lack what the subtitle of the book claims: “Practical Help for Raising Young Children.” Again, there were some good things and a few bits of example and application but not to the degree I was hoping or expecting.
In comparison, I have an old copy of a parenting book passed down from my own parents called _The Complete Book of Baby and Childcare for Christian Parents_ by Grace and Herbert Ketterman, and chapter 13 of this book (“The Importance of Loving Correction”) is a much better resource on the topic because it is both well-organized and very practical.
One final area that I took issue with was the rigidity it felt to me was applied to views of both parents and their children. Now, the author did occasionally insert small bits about being flexible with children or extending grace to parents, but I would not be surprised if a reader gave up and felt defeated before reaching these short little asides in the book. This may not have been the author’s point or goal, but it often came across this way to me as a reader.
Overall, a decent book on Christian parenting, but for how much I personally got out of it, I would say there are much better ones out there.
It was not bad, and I did glean some wisdom and parenting practices from it, but I was initially hopeful when I received my thin little copy that this would be a quick read without a lot of fluff. However, it took me a lot longer than expected because I just wasn’t super impressed with the beginning that spent quite a chunk of time elaborating on my stated theme above. Then, the later sections seemed to lack what the subtitle of the book claims: “Practical Help for Raising Young Children.” Again, there were some good things and a few bits of example and application but not to the degree I was hoping or expecting.
In comparison, I have an old copy of a parenting book passed down from my own parents called _The Complete Book of Baby and Childcare for Christian Parents_ by Grace and Herbert Ketterman, and chapter 13 of this book (“The Importance of Loving Correction”) is a much better resource on the topic because it is both well-organized and very practical.
One final area that I took issue with was the rigidity it felt to me was applied to views of both parents and their children. Now, the author did occasionally insert small bits about being flexible with children or extending grace to parents, but I would not be surprised if a reader gave up and felt defeated before reaching these short little asides in the book. This may not have been the author’s point or goal, but it often came across this way to me as a reader.
Overall, a decent book on Christian parenting, but for how much I personally got out of it, I would say there are much better ones out there.
December 27, 2021
Only took a couple hours to read this. I find it a very useful companion to Tripp’s “Shepherding a Child’s Heart.”
April 26, 2019
"Children are self-centered little monsters who will either bend you to their will or, failing that, scream their heads off in revenge for their failure to make you their slaves. Or so says Augustine in his Confessions. Sam Crabtree would agree, and to help parents who are ready to pull their hair out he has written his short book Parenting with Loving Correction."
Read the rest here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeff...
Read the rest here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeff...
February 8, 2019
“Parenting with Loving Correction” is my latest book from Crossway and I devoured it. The title is spot on. This isn’t a general parenting book- it zooms in tight on correction and discipline. I don’t think there was any new information for me (after reading “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” and “Instructing a Child’s Heart”) but I loved the simplicity and directness of the writing. He issues a lot of appropriately heavy warnings to parents and I feel very stirred up and helped after reading it. Five stars.
“When we worry that our child will perceive our corrective discipline as unloving, we forget God’s higher wisdom about genuine love. He tells us, ‘Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him’ (Proverbs 13:24). When we refrain from correction, do we subconsciously think we’re wiser than God?”
“Correction exists because errors and omissions exist, and because sin exists. Corrections are undertaken because of love. Love implements correction in order to protect the loved one from heaping ip negative consequences to his or her regret.”
“I received a free copy of this book from @crosswaybooks in exchange for an honest review.”
“When we worry that our child will perceive our corrective discipline as unloving, we forget God’s higher wisdom about genuine love. He tells us, ‘Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him’ (Proverbs 13:24). When we refrain from correction, do we subconsciously think we’re wiser than God?”
“Correction exists because errors and omissions exist, and because sin exists. Corrections are undertaken because of love. Love implements correction in order to protect the loved one from heaping ip negative consequences to his or her regret.”
“I received a free copy of this book from @crosswaybooks in exchange for an honest review.”
November 19, 2018
I found this to be a very helpful book. Sam Crabtree did a great job of first identifying the root cause of children’s disobedience: the fact that they (like we) are sinners. He emphasized the importance of heart change over behavioural change. We as parents are some of the means God has ordained to work in the hearts of our children, to guide them into obedience to us in preparation for obedience to Him. The author’s insights into children’s behaviour and motivations were useful to me in understanding my own children better. On the practical side of things, I also appreciated the tips and guidelines presented in this book, which I’ve used to communicate more clearly with my kids and become more effective as a parent.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 11, 2023
Concise. Practical. Biblical.
January 18, 2026
I would say this book is mainly aimed for Christian parents and is helpful in understanding the importance of discipline and boundaries rooted in biblical truths. It is a great starting point as it is a short and easy to read book.
The aspects I have personally found helpful have been how the book is structured into three parts:
1. what's at stake
2. essentials of corrective discipline
3. getting practical
The second section I have found the most useful.
However there are certainly some points which I do not agree with or that it may be quite simplified. Such as discipline being applied to babies and leaving them to cry it out, which I question. The book doesn't really address nuances for age ranges for discipline and also the section at the end answering some questions parents may have on ADHD was not properly address or understood.
Overall, still a solid, bible-based book.
The aspects I have personally found helpful have been how the book is structured into three parts:
1. what's at stake
2. essentials of corrective discipline
3. getting practical
The second section I have found the most useful.
However there are certainly some points which I do not agree with or that it may be quite simplified. Such as discipline being applied to babies and leaving them to cry it out, which I question. The book doesn't really address nuances for age ranges for discipline and also the section at the end answering some questions parents may have on ADHD was not properly address or understood.
Overall, still a solid, bible-based book.
January 31, 2023
Concise and effective. This was an easy to read and straight to the point book. It presented a different approach to discipline to many of the mainstream ideas out there, all of which I tried many times over but never seemed to get lasting results. However once I began using the ideas in this book I saw an immediate difference and it is transforming our family life. When discipling our kids it should be straightforward and to the point without repeated warnings. When this is done there is a positive change in behaviour. It does require work to begin with, and a lot of effort, but once the momentum has started there is less chaos and more harmony. Would recommend to any parents searching for a better way.
April 11, 2019
I thought that this book was good and convicting on how to be consistent in correcting our children. Sam Crabtree's example for parents is God. As we lovingly correct our children we are modeling how God lovingly disciplines and corrects his children. And God is ALWAYS consistent! He also shows how our loving correction should lead our children to Christ. I don't think I learned anything new, but reading this book was a good reminder of my need to reflect on how I lovingly correct my children. The one thing I might note is that you can tell he's a Baptist as he referred several times to your children "becoming born again."
January 9, 2025
My summary: Discipline good. Permissiveness bad. Show the small sinner who's boss. Hint- it's you. But also God. But... you, too (Random scripture thrown in to support statement.)
I finished the book only because it was a very quick read. It didn't have statements I necessarily disagreed with, but the author quickly came across as stale and stuffy and remained that way through the end. There's a few good crumbs, but if you're looking for a more scholarly and well sourced read on parenting, kids, life, anything at all, this is not it.
I finished the book only because it was a very quick read. It didn't have statements I necessarily disagreed with, but the author quickly came across as stale and stuffy and remained that way through the end. There's a few good crumbs, but if you're looking for a more scholarly and well sourced read on parenting, kids, life, anything at all, this is not it.
August 28, 2020
This book is short, but it’s better that way. Crabtree gets to the point. He gives a clear bulleted definition early in the book that he progressively breaks down part by part in subsequent chapters.
I agree with everything inside this book, and it sparked a lot of situations that I could improve in. If you’re looking for something short and easy that will refine your parenting through a Christian lenses, I recommend.
I agree with everything inside this book, and it sparked a lot of situations that I could improve in. If you’re looking for something short and easy that will refine your parenting through a Christian lenses, I recommend.
October 28, 2024
This was a phenomenal book. I was very nervous going into it because I didn't know how influenced this would be by the current culture. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of thought that was put into the writing of this and the biblical way the author approached this subject. I was challenged and encouraged while reading this book. This has now joined the keeper shelf as well as the list of books we recommend in our mentoring with other parents.
February 10, 2025
This book has some good points but subscribes to the “Sit down and shut up” style of parenting. It actually has recommendations on how to correct defiant behaviors in infants such as fussiness or arching of the back. He also states that he feels “deep sorrow for his friends who have children with disabilities” in direct correlation with ADHD!
December 16, 2019
All great reminders, but not much new here for experienced Christian parents. I could see this as most helpful for new parents whose first born is still young. Perhaps a good baby shower or 1st birthday gift. :-)
December 14, 2020
Crabtree's book hits its mark in providing practical help to me as a parent. His book is filled with helpful anecdotes that solidify his message.
I moved through this short book quickly -- Crabtree kept me engaged with his winsome, direct writing style.
I moved through this short book quickly -- Crabtree kept me engaged with his winsome, direct writing style.
April 7, 2021
At 100 pages, this little book is mercifully short. And, each chapter is short as well. So for all the parents out there who only have so much time to learn about correction, this is the book to read (and gift to others).
January 17, 2022
Parenting with Loving Correction is a concise, thoughtful approach to parenting and discipline from a decidedly Reformed tradition. While I didn't agree with every conclusion, I appreciated the gospel application and practical instruction.
March 10, 2019
Fantastic read. Well framed and a short book. I highly recommend this book.
March 23, 2019
Straightforward and superb. Much wisdom. Highly recommended.
June 16, 2021
Good, quick read full of practical insight.
December 5, 2021
Great, practical little book. One to reread.
May 8, 2022
Good parenting book. Different than other. Contains helpful points.
November 17, 2025
Great book about discipline. Loved how it was concise, practical, and in a biblical context
January 8, 2026
I kept getting side tracked with other books while reading this one.
Love Crabtree and so thankful for his wisdom in this book.
Love Crabtree and so thankful for his wisdom in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews