Grace-Based Parenting

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Category: Parenting
ISBN: 0849905486
UPC: 9780849905483
Pages: 240
2005 ECPA Bibles Winner

Book Type: Paperback
Size: 8.50 X 5.19
Released Date: May 2005

Description:
Many moms and dads today are diligently committed to their child-rearing responsibilities---but are still anxious about how best to fulfill them. Advocating Grace-Based Parenting that reflects how God "raises" us, Dr. Tim Kimmel offers a refreshing alternative to rigid, fear-based approaches. Discover how to create a nurturing home environment that produces spiritually strong children with calm, confident, purpose-filled hearts.

Reviews:

Publishers Weekly
Kimmel, author and founder of Family Matters ministries, likens many Christian parents' attempts at rearing children to putting together a puzzle without first studying the completed picture located on the box's cover. Kimmel states that families of faith tend toward extremes, either being overly permissive or overly legalistic. This is not a particularly new concept, but Kimmel pulls it off with interesting storytelling and sound biblical parallels. He says Christians frequently believe that the battle for a child's heart and soul is fought on the outside with rigid rules and boundaries when in fact just the opposite is true. He underscores the importance of communicating the unconditional love that Christ offers and affirming this timeless message of grace to one's family. Despite the numerous examples the author cites where parents fail, this text is overwhelmingly upbeat with hope and possibility: Parents who strive to live a life of faith characterized by daily trust in God will pass on this message of possibility and potential to their offspring. Kimmel asserts that this "radical" mode of parenting will meet the three essential needs in kids' lives: for security, significance and strength. He assures parents that these needs can be met with grace-laced love, purpose and hope. Kimmel's gentle heart is evident in every chapter, and his obvious passion will spur frustrated parents to keep at the task with new resolve and optimism.

Foreword xi
Acknowledgments xiii
1. Why Well-Meaning Parenting Falls Short 1
2. The Truth Behind Grace 27
3. A Secure Love 43
4. A Significant Purpose 67
5. A Strong Hope 93
6. A Delivery System for Grace 127
7. The Freedom to Be Different 137
8. The Freedom to Be Vulnerable 163
9. The Freedom to Be Candid 183
10. The Freedom to Make Mistakes 211
11. Evening Grace 227
Notes 231