I’ve never been one to read parenting books. There’s really no reason other than I rarely find the time to read. But I just finished reading a wonderful book called, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. It was recommended to the parents of my daughter’s preschool from the director. She mentioned it as a good common sense parenting book, and I agree.
This book is written by Wendy Mogel, Phd. who uses “Jewish teachings to raise self-reliant children.” She gives guidance on how to raise self-disciplined, appreciative and resourceful children. She even spends a chapter on how to turn your children’s worst traits into their greatest attributes. But what I enjoyed most was her ability to focus on everyday parenting problems.
I found the book to be reassuring of my parenting in some ways, but it also made me rethink how I do other things. I appreciated her perspective on the importance of family. The fact that children are a part of the family unit, and not our sole focus. She reminds us that it is our job as parents to raise self-reliant children, which can be difficult because we want our children to need and depend on us as mothers. She encourages parents to let their children be responsible for their own homework, not to over-stimulate them with too many activities and find time for your family to enjoy each other.
Although I am a Christian, I learned quite a bit about Jewish practices and traditions that can be valuable for parenting. Her insights can easily apply to our household and align with our family’s lifestyle. I highly recommend this read to anyone who wants to “touch up” on their parenting skills.
Speaking of skinned knees, my eleven month old is up and walking. I can’t believe it. How did this happen so quickly? What happened to my baby that I could plop down on the floor while I picked up the house? I have to admit that she looks adorable walking around like Frankenstein and then quickly plopping on her backside!
But back to the review; please let us know if anyone has any other books that they would recommend.
8 comments
My favorite is the Love and Logic books. There is one specifically for parents kids under 5. I also get weekly e-mails with little parenting tips. It’s practical and easy advice.
I love the Love and Logic Books too. My absolute favorite. Are you talking about the purple one for under 5? Just wanted to make sure I wasnt missing one.
Blessings of a Skinned Knee was provided to our family from the headmaster of my child’s school. It is fantastic – it shares principles about teaching a child to be self reliant and responsible and part of a community. It really pokes a lot of holes in the amount of self esteem we seem to have overcompensated for in our culture.
I am halfway through Blessings of a Skinned Knee and can not put it down. I love the reassurance it gave me to actually be a parent, and to make rules and stick by them. It allowed me to not feel guilty for not over-indulging my child, and to be insistent on manners etc. I love it!!
Blessing of a Skinned Knee sounds like a great book. Thanks for the suggestion. As far as other good parenting books, I’m a big fan of Ellyn Satter’s book Child of Mine. Ellyn suggests that it is our role as parents to provide healthy meals and our children’s responsibility to control what they actually eat.
I love the book review! Could this become a regular article? Thanks again for this resource.
Yes-Love and Logic under 5 is the purple book. Has anyone read Shepharding a Child’s heart? I have it but have not read it.
I have not completed Shepherding a Childs Heart but I have a friend with 7 children under the age of 10 who has followed this book with all of them. They are absolutely amazing. I have never seen such well rounded, mannered children who actually listen the first time. The book so far is very practical regarding getting to the heart of a child not just training a child to “do right”.