What can the past teach us about what it means to be a “good” Christian parent today? Today’s parenting guidance can sometimes feel timeless and inviolable—especially when it comes to the spiritual formation of children in Christian households. But even in the recent past, parenting philosophies have differed widely among Christians in ways that reflect the contexts from which they emerged. In this illuminating historical study, David Setran catalogs the varying ways American Protestants envisioned the task of childrearing in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Comparing two main historical time periods—the colonial era and the Victorian era—Setran uncovers common threads, opposing viewpoints, and the cultural and religious influences behind the dominant parenting “postures” of each era. The implications of his findings matter for today’s big questions about parenting: Should children be viewed as basically good, in need of protection from corruption, or as fundamentally sinful, in need of moral correction? How should parents address misbehavior? Should a parent’s primary role be that of teacher, disciplinarian, or nurturer? What importance should be attributed to devotions and prayer, church involvement, Sabbath-keeping, home decorating, and fun family activities? What consideration should be given to gender? Should boys and girls be raised differently? Do mothers and fathers have essentially different responsibilities? As he surveys these historical perspectives, Setran reflects on the legacy and future of Christian parenting, concluding that the Protestant heritage encourages the importance of intentional devotional practices, the development of close parent-child bonds, and the creation of godly household environments. In the end, he argues that all of these historical values are critical to the full expression of Christian parental love. This is a love that teaches because it wants to help children understand true goodness; that admonishes and restrains because it wants to protect children from whatever keeps them from true pleasure and joy; that fosters strong relationships so children might experience the lavishness of God’s love; that models Christlike sacrifice and guides children into the arms of their Creator.

This inspirational little parenting book was written across many days and nights as were the two previous books by Dr. Cox. Unlike the other two books, however, this book began during the parenting years of her and her husbands four children and represents the congealment of wisdom across the years based on Dr. Coxs day-to-day experiences as a mother of four, clinical psychologist; seminary trained ordained minister, trained spiritual director and chaplain. This book is the how-to book that places God at the Center of parenting. At the heart of her writing is Dr. Coxs view of parenting as a sacred duty that must be taken seriously and done intentionally. She hopes that the readers, regardless of faith tradition find Godly wisdoms within these pages. Most of all, she hopes that she conveys that parenting is hard work with no short-cuts. Parenting is not one thing. For example, it is not just discipline, though discipline is important. And it is not just love, though love is essential. Parenting is multifaceted. Parenting requires commitment and energy. Her greatest hope is that parents will work on getting-it-right before its too late. Dr. Cox considers this her most important work, to date.

A child’s early years lay the foundation for nurturing a child’s faith and planting the seeds of how they are valued in God’s eyes. The insights of how children think and how they process the world around them help us to meet their needs while building trust. The first five years form the basis for this trust. They are learning everything—from walking, talking, understanding, feeling, learning right from wrong, and mastering the English language. They live in a world of fantasy where anything is possible. Children tend to believe anything we tell them without question! That is why we must be especially careful what we say to them. Self-evaluation of our personalities, our journey through life, and how all this has molded our faith and affected our communication can help us raise our children. We can learn to be more sensitive to the little soul God has given us. These little ones are like a new journal, and as parents, we get the blessing to write on the first pages of a child’s life. These are the tender years. These years are the foundation of a child’s view of themself, their faith, and the world around them.

The plea being made in Parental Advocacy is for parents to seek to understand the seriousness of their roles as parents and regardless of their preferences to consider as of first importance the impact of their action on the lives of their children.

A great introduction to motivational gifts--with descriptions, real-life stories and self-tests--helping readers recognize their gifts and move into more effective service.

This little book of ABCs A Balanced Christians Guide, is a primer to help the average Catholic and Christian ally his or her life with God in their daily world in more harmonious fashion! Through illustrationsand examples, a seeker reading this book will learn strategies to regain, amidst busyness and stress, a holistic, intentional spiritual life. Balance means avoiding extremes of action with prayer; busyness with virtues; working endlessly with contemplation, and questionable moral choices with spiritual knowledge. Our goal is to balance our stressed minds and souls with Gods natural plan for us!

Simple verses, songs, prayers, and activities to help young children express worship to God.