Book recommendations

[Prisca9]

Hey there,

I'm not a parent yet, we're currently ttc, but I'm going to be a mother at some point, even if we adopt. I want to be a good mother ... does anyone have a recommendation of a Christian book on raising children.

I'd particularly like one that focuses on child development as well as discipline, so that I can have an idea of what to expect from a child of different ages - e.g. how do I know whether a one/two/five year old is being rebellious, just naughty, or acting their age.

In case it makes a difference:
I'm not too bothered by the denominational leaning of the author. I'm a bit of a hippy (try to be organic/fair trade but not religiously for example). I don't intend to homeschool.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[katelyn]

The Discipline Book by Dr. Sears is like that, discussing what annoying behaviors are developmentally appropriate and how to deal with them. I believe the Sears' are Christians although they don't specifically discuss it in their books.

 

[progressivegal]

I have heard good things about: "Playful Parenting"
http://www.amazon.com/Playful-Paren...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200421217&sr=1-1

"How Would Jesus Raise a Child?"
http://www.amazon.com/How-Would-Jesus-Raise-Child/dp/0801012503

Parenting for a Peaceful World by Robin Grille.

http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Pea...42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200421330&

I will let you know if I come across some more. I'm kind of a hippy too and when I have children I don't intend to homeschool.
A lot of books/resources that encourage more natural parenting choices also seem to focus on homechooling/unschooling, but if you're not into that it's easy to just skip over because it doesn't apply to you.
Another thing you might want to check out is "Mothering" magazine. I don't have kids but I love it (I work with kids and have taught pre-natal/post partum yoga, so child development and pregnancy are big personal interests of mine). It's a really great resource http://www.mothering.com/

 

[Andry]

"Grace-based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel.