Summary:
Children need love. Parents need respect.
It is as simple and complex as that!
When frustrated with an unresponsive child, a parent doesn’t declare, “You don’t love me.” Instead the parent asserts, “You are being disrespectful right now.” A parent needs to feel respected, especially during conflicts. When upset a child does not whine, “You don’t respect me.” Instead, a child pouts, “You don’t love me.” A child needs to feel loved, especially during disputes.
But here’s the rub: An unloved child (or teen) negatively reacts in a way that feels disrespectful to a parent. A disrespected parent negatively reacts in a way that feels unloving to the child. This dynamic gives birth to the FAMILY CRAZY CYCLE.
So how is one to break out of this cycle? Best-selling author Emerson Eggerichs has studied the family dynamic for more than 30 years, having his Ph.D. in Child and Family Ecology. As a senior pastor for nearly two decades, Eggerichs builds on a foundation of strong biblical principles, walking the reader through an entirely new way to approach the family dynamic. For instance, God reveals ways to defuse the craziness with our children from preschooler to teen, plus how to motivate them to obey and how to deal with them when they don’t. In the Bible, God has spoken specifically to parents on how to parent. This book is about that revelation.
Review: Another book in the Love and Respect series by Dr. Eggerichs. I enjoyed the book and the stories were great. The stories shared about the Eggerichs’ family, the differences in the kids and how they felt about how they were raised. I appreciated the honesty in the pages of this book. Although not completely earth shattering, Eggerichs’ brings to the table reassurance and hope for the Christian parent. Sometimes you don’t need complicated rules or lengthy antidotes to have an impression on someone. In particular I find that these days, simplicity is the actual key. Sometimes its whats right in front of you that ends up making the most sense. Sometimes you just don’t see it. And as the summary stated in the beginning, “it is as simple and complex as that.” I will be the first one to tell you that parenting books drive me nuts, but I’ve come to realize that in particular parenting books for babies and toddlers are really my vice. It’s the real-life parenting books, with real stories and basic principles *and most importantly honesty* that I am finding that I can’t get enough of. We are always second-guessing ourselves as parents, especially as our kids get older, rely on us less, and are out of our immediate instruction zone. I’m not sure that that will ever change really, but finding reassurance that what you believe and are trying to accomplish is one of the keys to success.
4 out of 5 stars
You can find this book on Amazon and on loveandrespect.com
**I received this book in partnership with Booksneeze. I was provided no other compensation. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
