Suggested Book Resources - Parenting

Here is a list of book resources that will be helpful for dealing with parenting and teen issues. Most will be just for parents to read, but some will be good for your youth to read, and some for you and your youth to read together. Most are available in the church library, at the Christian Bookstore, or I own a copy you can borrow. Although I myself and LPC as a community may not agree with absolutely everything written within these books, I believe they are valuable to read and think about as we try to raise the best children and youth we can. I hope you find them useful and beneficial as well. A Fine Young Man: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do to Shape Adolescent Boys Into Exceptional Men by Michael Gurian (Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam; 1998). -- Filled with stories and practical advice for parents and teachers of adolescent boys. The author takes a thoughtful look at nature and nurture and the role of culture and testosterone in the lives of boys. This book picks up where 'The Wonder of Boys' left off and is a book our families and society urgently need to understand if we are going to shape our young males into the men we need them to be. Divorced Kids by Laurene Johnson and Georglyn Rosenfeld (Thomas Nelson, 1990). -- If your kids have been impacted by divorce, this book may be helpful to you. Deals with practical topics like visitation, discipline, extended family issues, etc. Enjoy Your Middle Schooler by Wayne Rice (Zondervan, 1994). -- Wayne Rice has been doing youth ministry for over 30 years, and parenting for 25. He has great wisdom that he shares here as to truly enjoy the pre-teen and early adolescent years of your child. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell, M.D. (Moody Publishers, 1997). -- Two Christian parenting educators describe five ways we can connect with our children: physical touch, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and acts of service. These initiatives, when geared to the preferences of each child, make them feel loved and, thus, more receptive to guidance and redirection when needed. Following Chapman's highly successful and helpful guide to the five love languagees of adults, this book brings the topic to our next love concern: our children. Also recommended is The Five Love Languages of Teenagers. How to Live With Your Kids (When You've Already Lost Your Mind) by Ken Davis (Zondervan, 1992). -- Practical help from one of America's funniest Christian communicators. Parenting Your Teenager by David Elkind, Ph.D. (Ballantine Books, 1993). -- A collection of articles written by Dr. Elkind for Parents Magazine on a wide variety of topics, including friends and the peers group, teen sexuality, drugs and alcohol, curbing rudeness, etc. Positive Discipline for Teenagers by Jane Nelson and Lynn Lott (Prima Publishing, 1994). -- Topics: Resolving conflict with teenage children, using natural and logical consequences. Raising Responsible Kids by Jay Kesler (Wolgemuth & Hyatt, 1991). -- Ten strategies for helping kids grow into adulthood as capable, self-reliant adults.