★★★★★ 5
Please read, especially if you read the bad reviews.
Format: Paperback
I love this book... I bought it over 15 years ago... And after reading the reviews (especially the bad ones), I had to comment. Most of the comments have to do with spanking and it is obvious that if you are against it, you will have problems with it, (even though there is a TON more advice on all other aspects of parenting than just spanking). The reason for this review is because when I first read this book, I was against spanking too, but because of this book I have a new understanding of it, and have only used it once on each of my two children. If you have an open heart and mind to hear what is being taught in this book, instead of a "heels dug in" attitude, you will learn a lot about what it means to be a Christian parent and have spanking as part of your discipline, even if you never have to use it. I was invited to a parenting class at a friend's church that used this book.. I was in a place of discouragement. I felt out of control when it came to knowing what was right and wrong with raising and disciplining kids. My mother never once spanked me as a child. I spanked my son (at 2) once and that was it.. I felt horrible and abusive. I vowed never to spank again. I then became a Christian when my kids were 5 and 2.... this book put into perspective God's intention of authority. We are all under some kind of authority.. and it should be respected for various reasons... This book taught me that spanking must not be violent, done in anger or out of frustration. and the first time I used SACH practice, I explained to my then 5 year old that because he broke a rule, he would be punished and his punishment would be a spanking. To go to his room and think about what he had done and wait for me. I took about 10 minutes to settle down, prayed for God' guidance and wisdom and then went to my son's room. I told him to take down his pants and lay across my lap (he still had his underwear on) and I said, "Because you broke ....... rule, you will be spanked now." and I lightly slapped his bottom, no more than than like lightly slapping a mosquito off your hand. He cried more because he was sorry for what he had done than any "pain" from the spanking. We talked about why the rule is in place, why it is important that he follows it and that mommy and daddy make rules because we are older and wiser and only wish for his safety and happiness. I never had to spanked my child again.. he is now 20. From the moment I read this book, my husband and I started developing a relationship of respect with our kids that demonstrated our love for them out of our authority and responsibility for them. Both my kids are well adjusted and have never been in ANY kind of trouble. They know they can come to us and our relationship is deep, loving and they comment often how they recognize how special our relationship is compared to their friends. We have also acknowledged that we are human and make mistakes, and we own up to our mistakes and ask our children for forgiveness. That goes a long way with kids. but establishing respect and authority with your children will allow them to grow in a safe environment. And putting God in the center of your family showing your kids that you too are under the authority and grace of God will plant a seed of a long lasting relationship with Christ, which I believe is every parent's hope and goal... Happy, healthy, successful kids who love God.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2014
