Counseling and Parenting

My oldest son is already in university (though my youngest is still in high school). But it was only recently that I read Tedd Tripp's book Shepherding a Child's Heart. If there is one book I would recommend to parents, that would be it.

Tripp also has a website, Shepherd Press (the new design is much better looking) where you can find some articles on parenting. Here's a quote from The Nurturing Parent:

Your paradigm for child-rearing will dictate your communication strategies. Harsh words, yelling, scolding will track along with parenting approaches that focus on control. If your model for parenting is nurture then your style of communication will be marked by restraint, pleasant words, and understanding your kids.

Let me separate this article as far as possible from communication techniques. Think rather of living a life of faith and joyful confidence in God that will enable you to communicate like the wisest man on earth — Solomon. Speaking with restraint, employing pleasant words and delighting in understanding your child reflects wisdom — wisdom that is found in the reverent awe of God. These qualities that facilitate speaking to your kids in helpful ways are spiritual. They flow from an awe-filled joy of reverence before our good God.