Jun. 23, 2009 - Review of "Shepherding a Child's Heart"
This is the book I've been hung up on since March. I keep going back over it and re-reading portions. There is so much wisdom to be gained and I keep forgetting it. This book is basically how to speak to the heart of your child. "From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
Tedd Tripp asserts that "a change in behavior that doesn't stem from a change in heart is condemnable". As parents we're to require proper behavior and to do that we have to understand our child's heart. Then we can help them understand their heart and how a straying heart results in wrong behavior. Instead of punishing the action, correct the heart issue. When 2 kids are fighting over a toy - correct the selfishness, the pride, and lack of self-control.
I read the book all the way through, then found a parent's handbook that digs deeper into Scripture to help me understand better how to address heart issues and understand WHAT the heart issue is. It's easier to spank for disobedience than to dig into WHY the child disobeyed. I'm up to chapter 7 in the book (going through the Parent's Handbook along with it). I only have 10 more chapters to go!! I've decided though that training my children needs to be my priority over other things, including my blog and Facebook. Next week we start back homeschooling so there will be less time for outside influences and more time for Mommy to focus on training!
Comments
Jun. 26, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mommykellogg
That is a great book, I agree. Something I will probably read numerous times throughout my parenting. Another great book about heart training is The Well-Trained Heart by the Reishes. You can find it at www.tfths.com/wth.php. Also, Grace-Based Parenting is a great one. =)
