Book Review - Intentional Parenting by S. Goff, D. Thomas and M. Trevathan

This is about you, not just your child.

Regardless of age, parenting requires a certain amount of uncertainty. But you can be certain that your children look to you to help them discover who they are. And you can only offer that to the degree that YOU know who you are.

Over the years, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan have helped countless families through their ministry known as Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. Due to the unique setup of Daystar, each is frequently counseling not only the child but the parent as well. Having both perspectives provides an opportunity to speak into some of the most common struggles that parents face in today's fast-paced society.
Intentional Parenting is built around 12 chapters that each dispel some of the most common parenting myths and reminds all parents of truths that can empower them to be not only the parents that their children need but that God has called them to be. The book helps you discover first who you are and then takes that healthy person into a discovery of being more intentional, playful, consistent, merciful, and connected to your children.

Understanding your child. Understanding you.

*****

I absolutely loved the idea of this book. A healthy parent produces healthy children, right? I had no idea the depth this book would go in with its 229 pages. You are paying for a book to sit on your shelves, refer back to at times as well as your own mini counseling service. It was extremely insightful.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of parenting from the general sense. Most parenting books have
chapters on discipline, dealing with dishonesty and disrespect, chores etc.  However this one is different. The chapters are focused on attributes of a good parent and some background issues you might be facing if you are lacking in those areas. It takes you (the parent) on a journey to understanding why you parent the way you do and why you are facing some of the challenges you are. The chapters are on being patient, balanced, encouraging, grown-up, spiritual, hopeful and free. (Along with the topics listed in the book blurb above.)

In the chapters the writers give you opportunities to dive into your own experiences to discover where you are on the spectrum of those attributes and give insightful questions and ideas to prompt you through your own growth towards the characteristics of an intentional parent. Basically, unload your own luggage so you can focus on your child. I like that. It was a completely different style of parenting book than I have ever read.

I recommend this book to all parents or even grandparents. As a parent of teenagers I wish I had dealt with some of these areas when my kids were younger, but it is never too late to invest in your kids.

So do it! Become intentional in all that you do for your kids.

Thanks Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book. It was offered to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review.