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I tend to collect parenting books.
Rearing Godly children is something I’m passionate about, so it’s difficult for me to pass up a book that might present a principle in a unique way or encourage me in my role as a mother.
Here I’m sharing thirteen of my favorite parenting books from the many that line one shelf of my bookcase.

1. On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, MD
2. Raising a Happy, Unspoiled Child by Burton L. White
3. Making Home Work in a Broken Society by Paul Chappell
4. John Rosemond’s Six Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children
5. Different Children, Different Needs by Dr. Charles F. Boyd with Robert A. Rohm, PHD
6. On Becoming Childwise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D.
7. Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman
8. Passionate Parenting by Cary Schmidt
9. If I Had a Parenting Do-Over by Jonathan McKee
10. The Pursuit of Godly Seed by Danny Kenaston
11. The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
12. Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna
13. Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
A book that almost made the list: Making the “Terrible” Two’s Terrific by John Rosemond.
As I reviewed these titles, I noticed that I’m drawn to books that help parents teach their children personal responsibility.
Have you read any of these books? What other parenting books would you recommend?
Several months ago I picked up The Birth Order Book by Kevin Lemam at the thrift store. I haven't read it yet, but look forward to ….once things settle down and I can focus again.
What a great list of resources ~ thank you!!
A few years back, our pastor gave the following book to each family in our church: "A Gift from God: Foundational Principles of Biblical Parenting". It's wonderful!!
I hope you are having a great week!
Yes, yes! I agree with you about enjoying parenting books. Babywise was a lifesaver when my kids were born. The Power of a Praying Parent is a beautifully wise book too. Thank you for the excellent list.
I really like "Relational Parenting" by Ross Campbell, "Heartfelt Discipline" by Clay Clarkson, and "Families Where Grace is in Place," by Jeff Von Vonderan. Of course, the same disclaimer you gave applies. . . *grin*
I've liked both "The Intentional Family" and "Putting Family First" by William Doherty. (There is some overlap in the contents of these books.)
I have Babywise, the 6 point plan, and a different Kevin Leman book…thanks for sharing your list…title #8 interests me!
I've never read any of those books…
There is one book that I would recommend though – "The Olive Plants: Raising Spiritual Children" by Warren Henderson. It is *fantastic*. Here's the blurb from the back, to whet your appetite for it: "Most of the Christian children's ministry today is aimed at raising "moral" children. The teaching of right and wrong is necessary, but this agenda will fall pitifully short of producing "spiritual" children. Children must develop morally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and academically, to really thrive and reach God's full potential for their lives. When children have a balanced development they lay hold on self-acceptance and self-awareness of their calling in God's master plan. In so doing, they gain a sense of importance and security – God is in control and has a plan for my life…. The Lord has plainly shown my wife and I that He develops parents as He raises up spiritual children for Himself – to this end, we praise God that children survive despite their parents."
great list!! babywise and power of a praying parent are on my shelf – but there are a few that i need to go and google 🙂 thanks for sharing!!
I admit that I don't have any or have read any of these. I have heard of a few of them though. 🙂