Lifeline: The Religious Upbringing of Your Children

by James B. Stenson

This extraordinary book is full of practical wisdom that you can use right away to become a better parent! Experienced educator James Stenson here summarizes the proven methods and techniques of effective Christian parents today. He shows you simple ways that you can raise honorable, conscientious children. He helps you clarify your mission as a parent, exercise confident leadership, set appropriate rules and standards for your children, and much more. Above all, he shows you how you can instill in your children an abiding love for Jesus Christ.

Genres: Parenting

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on parenting! This is my favorite book by Jim Stenson (and I’ve read several). It is really a book-long exhortation on how to be a good Christian, especially in the context of being a good parent. I highly recommend this to any parent or anyone who deals with parents to help them be better. You’ll love it!

[Joseph R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a life raising his own children, teaching at schools, and talking to friends with families, James Stenson wrote this short book full of practical advice on parenting your children. He describes the attitude parents need to have going into parenting. Clear rules and direct communications with children are key. Religious life naturally dovetails with this, given that God wants us to live in joy with Him in the afterlife. Living a spiritually fruitful life translates into a virtuous present life. Stenson gives a lot of practical advice on how to handle discipline, friends, television, and many other aspects of raising children.

The writing style is all over the place. At times it tries to be very modern sounding; at other times it sounds like an advice volume stereotypical of the 1950s. Both can be good but the mixture is weird. He starts off discussing virtues using the classical names of the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) but for the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) he gives them dumbed-down names (judgment, responsibility, courageous perseverance, and self-mastery). I can understand that philosophical terminology needs clarification for a lot of modern readers but making those clarifications are very easy to do. Maybe a good editor could have smoothed out these rough gearshifts.

The book has lots of advice, some better than others. The reader can take what they know is best and put it into action. Also, it's reassuring to hear some advice that you already use in raising your children. The advice is a mixed bag but mostly very good advice.

Slightly recommended.

[Marcelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

O livro traz muitas dicas do que fazer para criar bons hábitos em relação á formação moral, responsável e religiosa nos filhos.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on raising/disciplining children. He refers to it more as raising future adults. He focuses a lot on the final outcome—how our children will be as adults and how it is our responsibility to get them there. He definitely has a no-nonsense approach, which is very challenging, but I really liked it. I highly recommend this book! It will be one I return to again and again.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very matter of fact. And it is matter of fact. Treat your children well, expect the most of them, act good (as in be a good person) and your child will thrive. Sounds easy. But we HAVE to do it, for them!