Parenting from the Heart by Marilyn Boyer, the mother of 14 children, has been such a helpful book for me.  I have collected the Boyer’s books for years and admire their family so much.  I have always wanted a chance to sit down and talk with Marilyn about “how she does it all!”  This book gave me that chance.

 

 Marilyn has such a humble God seeking heart that you will find helpful encouragement on each page.   She writes, “ Anyone can be a successful parent.  The only ingredient required is a heart wholly devoted to Jesus Christ in whom we place our trust for eternal salvation.”  You will find tips in each chapter covering vast issues from babies, to toddlers, to teens.

 

She encourages us to enjoy those nighttime feedings with an infant, and to not be afraid to respond to their cries.  After all, doesn’t God respond to our cries?  Toddler years pass quickly and Marilyn gives many tips for keeping them happy and busy during home school (without plopping them in front of the TV.)  Her tips on keeping home education simple gave rest to my soul.

 

We may not share the minute or magnificent details of Marilyn’s life, such as 14 children, and she assures the reader that God has a unique plan for each family.  If He gives you one child, this is part of His marvelous plan for you and that child.  In this you will have challenges not known to Marilyn, but the over arching plan of seeking God’s direction for your child/family will hold fast.

 

  Her Beware of Bitterness chapter was a big help to me, and I can still hear her kind admonitions ringing in my ear.  Marilyn writes:

 

  “I think there is a strong tendency to become bitter when we feel like we’ve invested so much and our kids don’t appreciate it, or haven’t done what we expected them to do.  In some ways, we have added pressure from others to see that our kids ‘conform’ to expectations of excellence, etc.  We are tempted to put pressure on our kids to conform to what others think they should be doing.  We must guard against this and let God lead each child as He sees fit, not what others pressure us to do.”

 

 

 I have read a vast number of parenting books through the years and place this one at the very top because Marilyn stays so close to the heart of God.  I always feel encouraged by her writing and never “put down.”   And I have come away from some parenting books feeling “put down.”  That’s not where God wants us!

 

Some parenting books I have read give the appearance that the author’s family is perfect in every way.  Or that to be successful as a parent, you must follow the author’s formula 100% of the time, or you will fail.  I am a sensitive person and my failings are always before me.  This type of book makes me feel even lower and I barely have the energy to dig myself out after reading it. 

 

Parenting From The Heart by Marilyn Boyer, on the other hand, takes the complete opposite approach.  Marilyn points out that each child is a unique creation before God.  What works for one child, may not work for another.  There is no set formula for raising children other than a heart seeking God for each child, for each case.

 

Rather than despairing because of our faults or our children’s faults Marilyn offers us encouragement.  She writes:

 

“Remember that a negative character trait in our lives is just a positive character quality misused.  God will often take our biggest weaknesses and make them our biggest strengths.  So don’t despair when you see character deficiencies in yourself or your children.  God is at work.  Get busy teaching your kids what character is and God will use that to do the changing.”

 

Thanks so much, Marilyn!  In my low moments these words come back to me and are a great encouragement.  Your book has helped me to enjoy my children more and to grow WITH them step-by-step using God’s Word and the Holy Spirit as our guide.

 

Truly,

 

Britta McColl R

Morning Star Learning

www.morningstarlearning.com

 

Character Qualities Flash Cards by Marilyn Boyer

 

These cards have been so helpful in our homeschool.  They are the exact same size as the phonogram flash cards I use to teach with SWR, so I keep them at our school table at all times in the same file box with my SWR phonogram cards.  This way if there is a lull in activity we can pull out one or two cards and take turns reading them.   My little girl and I have had so much fun coloring the picture on the front with colored pencils.

 

This is how the cards work:  There is a question and a picture to color on the front, and verse on the back.  For example, the front of the card asks:  Why should we choose godly friends?   You turn over the card and find the answer on the back;  He who walks with wise men shall be wise.  But the companion of fools suffers harm.  Proverbs 13: 20

 

To purchase Parenting From The Heart or Character Quality Flashcards and other Boyer products go to www.morningstarlearning.com

 

 

Additional products from the Boyers can be found on their web site at:

http://www.thelearningparent.com/

 

Look for Yes, They’re All Ours  and The Runt by Rick Boyer.  My boys listened to The Runt  read by Rick Boyer on audio tape every night as they were falling asleep for two straight months one summer. 

 

 

A reader writes:

 

I have opened up the book Parenting From The Heart.  I flipped through and was drawn to the chapter about Josh.  This is some book, unlike any other parenting books I have "tried" to read.

 

I have been in the "whining and complaining" mood.  Fretting over this and that.  Worrying often about what "others" may think.  WOW...when I read about Josh I cried.  What on earth do I have to complain about?  Yet I still do.

 

I have only read 2 chapters, not in order, and am taken by this book.  She describes me in so many places, not in a positive way, and yet I do not feel defeated.  I feel inspired, blessed. 

 

She OBVIOUSLY speaks from her heart, you can feel it when you read.  She is not polished and painted on, she is very real.

 

Thank you for recommending this book.  I am not a "reader", unfortunately, BUT..I have reached for this book when I sit down to nurse my son. 

 

Kim in KS