Children Resources

24 Sep Children Resources

Join The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn
This is a free 30 day daily challenge you can receive by email about how to improve your relationship with your son or daughter by small acts of intentional kindness. Filled with practical ideas, researched information, inspiring videos and assessments to help you. Absolutely fantastic and free. I am so impressed by it and it has helped me so much.  Her book The Kindness Challenge is worth reading to help you go even deeper.

Tips For Talking To Your Kids About Sex by CanaVox
Parents, equip yourselves with word-for-word explanations and conversation starters that are age appropriate. A superb resource for parents of kids through all developmental stages.

EXCELLENT BOOKS ON PARENTING

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
Our family really benefited from this book. Chapman examines his 5 Love Languages to help parents really understand the unique needs of their children and be able to speak their love language. Concrete, practical, very constructive. Watch your relationships and attitudes improve simply and quickly. Chapman also addresses the topics of discipline, anger, single-parenting. Also, includes a personal assessment survey for your children so you can clearly discover what makes them feel loved.

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman
Another excellent book similar to his other ones where Chapman applies his 5 Love Languages to teenagers. According to Chapman, parents must learn to express their love in a language that makes sense to their teen. My husband and I found this very insightful. His advice took much of the tension out of our relationships with our teens. He also addresses Independence, Responsibility, Failure, Single Parent Families and Blended Families. A very enlightening book that is constructive, simple and powerful.

The Temperament God Gave You by Art and Laraine Bennett
The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse and also The Temperament God Gave Your Kids 
This amazingly practical book takes an in-depth look at the four classic temperaments (choleric, sanguine, melancholic and phlegmatic). It provides an assessment tool and lots of advice on how to get along with similar and different temperaments. A great help in understanding why may clash with our children and what we can do to lessen tension and build a relationship. Very insightful. Definitely worth ordering. Mine is highlighted, underlined, dog-eared and constantly referred to. Get the first book and then the one on kids.

Bringing Up GEEKS: Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids Mary Beth Hicks
This is an amazing book to equip parents of school age kids with strategies and insights to avoid a lot of problems down the road, as well as create a firm foundation of principles and virtue. A fantastic read to raise strong children who can live in the world, but not be worldly. I wish I had it when my kids were small. Highly recommended.

Don’t Give Me That Attitude and No More Misbehavin’ by Dr. Michele Borba
Choose one of these, because I recommend either as a Must Have parenting bible. Borba lists all children’s bad behaviors and what parents can do to nurture virtues to counteract them. She also gives so much practical advice, further reading and even books/videos that your children can enjoy to attract them to the good. Super excellent.  Like a manual on moving from vice to virtue! Fabulous read, especially when you have a few kids and need some clear direction!

Parents Do Make A Difference; Building Moral Intelligence; and others by Dr. Michele Borba. Super practical, excellent reads on teaching virtues and breaking down moral intelligence into strategies you can easily incorporate into family life. Very worthwhile.

Discipline That Lasts A Lifetime by Ray Guarendi
Written by a child psychologist and father of 10 adopted children, this book is jam-packed with humor, practical approaches and solid principles about discipline. Many great insights, strategies, and clear advice to help parents get a handle on their kids and learn to steer them in a better direction. My husband and I found this book funny, helpful and thought-provoking. Great when your kids are getting out of hand and need clear, predictable consequences. We developed a lot of family rules and consequences based on this book.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen so Kids Will Talk  and How to Talk so Teens will Listen and How to Listen so Teens will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
An easy and highly informative read for parents wanting better relationships with their kids. I love the “comics” that quickly show the poor way and the better way parents navigate conversation. Their book for Teenagers is super excellent and worth reading for sure!

Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
A good book to read when you feel your kids are constantly at each other’s throats. Simple, timeless tips on minimizing rivalry and building relationships.

Father, The Family Protector by James Stenson
A great read for husbands and wives. Encouraging, empowering, uplifting and absolutely chock full of great wisdom. James Stenson explores how fathers exercise their powerful and particularly masculine contribution to family life. My husband could not put this book down and has benefited incredibly from the read. So have I. Great info on pre-teen and teen years as well for those seeking good advice.

Compass: A Handbook on Parent Leadership by James Stenson
Practical, and powerfully insightful, it summarizes the lessons and experiences of successful parents on topics like forming character, countering the consumer culture, understanding discipline and dealing with the influence of mass media. A must read for all parents who take their role seriously.

Strong Father, Strong Daughters and Strong Mothers, Strong Sons as well as Boys Should Be Boys: Seven Secrets to Raising Healthy Boys all by Dr. Meg Meeker
Extremely practical, constructive and well-researched by a doctor wanting to affirm parents in raising kids with solid character. I have learned so much from reading her books. Excellent reading.

It’s Your Kid Not A Gerbil by Dr. Kevin Leman
Written by an internationally renowned psychologist, this practical book focusses on creating happier and less-stressed homes by getting off the activity wheel and discovering the power of family. Absolutely excellent. I highly recommend it.

Raising Good Children by Dr. Thomas Lickona
This book skillfully translates moral development of children into an easy to read the book for parents wanting practical insights, tips, and strategies to raise children of solid character. A must read.

How to Raise Kind Kids by Dr. Thomas Lickona
This book helps you give and get respect, hold family meetings to tackle persistent problems, discipline in a way that builds character, and improve the dynamic of your relationship with your children.

I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One
by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair
An excellent resource for anyone who has experienced the sudden death of a loved one. Filled with much help to get through the different stages of healing. Practical, hopeful, timely and consoling. Great for anyone.

Preparing for Peer Pressure and Preparing for Adolescence by James Stenson
Two excellent booklets that are inexpensive yet so clear and encouraging on both topics. A must read for parents of young children. They empower you with wisdom that will help minimize difficulties as kids get older. Quick, easy to read, and very insightful.

Successful Fathers by James Stenson
A great small booklet to give to your husband as a gift. Examines the role of the father in the family and the ways he can strengthen his positive impact on his children.

Lifeline: On the Religious Upbringing of your Children by James Stenson (unfortunately now out of print)
About nurturing the minds and souls of their children. Practical advice on parenting, character education and passing on your faith. Worthwhile in every respect.

Anchor by James Stenson
An uplifting and encouraging book that reminds parents that God is always providing his support in raising your children. Great for parents when they feel drained, lacking in hope and weathered by family affairs.

Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate
This book is a loud wake-up call for parents. A psychologist and physician join forces to tackle one of the most disturbing and misunderstood trends of our time–peers replacing parents in the lives of our children. The book empowers parents to be the true source of contact, security, warmth and values that children need. An excellent read. Available in bookstores.

Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Sex by CanaVox

A short practical read to help parents and grandparents give solid advice to children based on natural law reasoning and research from the social sciences. Breaks down information for ages 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-12, 12-15 and 15-18.  Excellent resource for parents!

Secrets of Discipline by Ron Moorish
A worthwhile read on the importance and method of instilling good habits and attitudes into our children. Positive, practical and insightful, parents will find this book refreshing.

Character Building by David Isaacs
David Isaacs is a father and professor in family studies. This is more of an academic read for parents wanting to learn how to build character in their children. It examines the principle characteristics of numerous virtues and indicates what ages are most timely to develop which strengths of character.

Children: Their Training, Formation, and Education by Javier Abad and Eugenio Fenoy
An invaluable guide to laying a solid foundation in your child’s life. Deals with issues like communication, training the will, forming good criteria, social virtues, and education in sexuality, faith, and virtues.

Back to the Family by Ray Guarendi
An incredible book that takes you into the lives of America’s most successful families and help you see what makes them tick. Offers much, much hope and many excellent parenting strategies for parents. Easily found in most libraries. Guarendi’s website is listed later.

The New Strong Willed Child and Dare to Discipline by James Dobson
Both very good books for parents raising children. Asserts your authority as a parent in raising your children well. Gives you both approaches and confidence in dealing with the good, the bad and the ugly of parenting, ie. tantrums, defiance and lack of compliance. James Dobson is a child psychologist, father and founder of Focus on the Family.

Key to the Child’s Heart by Gary Smalley
This great book explores proven steps that develop strong loving relationships with your children without compromising your parental authority.

Home Court Advantage by Dr. Kevin Leman
Written by a psychologist, this practical book reminds parents of the invaluable worth of spending time with your children at home. An excellent read for those who want to be the primary influence in their children’s lives. A refreshing, common sense pep talk for today’s busy parents.

Decisive Parenting: Forming Authentic Freedom in Children by Michael Moynihan
Written by a father of 11 children, this book is fairly short, practical, high-minded, and personal.

Leaving the Light On by Gary Smalley
Another great read on parenting. Explores different personality types and how we can encourage each one to grow to its potential.

The Way They Learn: How to Discover and Teach to Your Child’s Strengths by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
This is an enlightening resource that introduces parents to the variety of learning styles children have. It helps parents become more effective in helping children learn, co-operate and stay focused on the tasks at hand.

5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney
Courtney helps moms pinpoint and prepare the discussions they should have with their daughters in the formative years. A very helpful book for moms having their daughters enter the tween years.  A great read.

BOYS: Shaping Ordinary Boys into Extraordinary Men by William Beausay II
This is the most positive and uplifting book I have so far read on raising boys. Practical, realistic, empowering and refreshing.

Bringing Up Boys  and Bringing Up Girls James Dobson
Lots of good insight in raising children in today’s culture. Well worth reading.

Teenage Boys: Shaping the Man Inside by Bill Beausay
An engaging fun book that gives you the tools you need to improve your parenting style, bring out the best in your teenage son, and enjoy the process.

Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right From Wrong by William Kilpatrick
Written by a Professor of Education, this is an invaluable book on understanding how basic morality is slipping out of schools and society, what we can do about it and goals towards character education. An excellent resource.

Teenagers and their Problems by Gerardo Castillo
A great book if you can find it for people heading into the teen years. Topics include the stages of adolescence, common problems (rebelliousness, leaving home, shyness and feelings of inferiority), and areas for guidance (study, career choices, free time, use of money and work).

How To Really Love Your Adult Child by Ross Campbell and Gary Chapman
Many good insights into how to build and keep a healthy relationship with your adult children. Discusses all the problems parents face during the years their kids grow up – work, living at home, marriage, grandchildren, differences of opinion, struggles, etc. Good read.

The Thoughtful Girls’ Guide to Fashion, Communication and Friendship by Mary Sheehan Warren
A practical guide for girls on the art of communicating through your words, actions, dress and demeanor that you are a person with value and dignity.

BOOKS I HAVE NOT YET READ BUT HEAR ARE GREAT:

Parenting Children with ADHD by Vincent Monastra, PhD
A great read for parents frazzled by overactive children who don’t seem to follow their lead. Not necessary that your child is diagnosed with anything. Full of great strategies, insights and tidbits that will help you find some compliance in a child who is outgoing, strong-willed and a handful. Many of my friends have benefited, and their children do not have ADHD.

Mrs Clean Jeans’ Housekeeping with Kids by Tara Aronson
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey

How To Really Love your Child,  How To Really Love your Teen, How To Really Love your Angry Child by Ross Campbell – maybe you can find some of these reads at your library. Although older books, they still impart timeless messages and good advice.

Decent Exposure: How To Teach Children About Sex by Connie Marshner

Thrilled by the Chaste by Dawn Eden (this book is for adults only as it deals with one woman’s personal story of her life experiences that brought her to embrace chastity in order to find real love)

Good Families Don’t Just Happen: What We Learned From Our Ten Sons and How It Can Work for You by Catherine Musco Garcia-Prats and Dr. Joseph Garcia-Prats

GOOD WEBSITES

readaloudrevival.org – excellent book recommendations at your fingertips for girls and boys of all ages

greatnessjourney.com – offers podcasts and programs to help you have a great family

www.giraffe.org An amazing website of true stories of  ordinary people who “stick their necks out” as heroes in helping the common good.

www.foryourmarriage.org – great articles on many aspects of parenting, marriage and more  created by the US Conference for Catholic Bishops

www.cutegirlshairstyles.com A huge assortment of videos on how to do your girls’ hair. Very helpful for special occasions. Easy, creative and very worthwhile.

HeightsCast – a series of podcasts for parents produced by The Heights School for Boys in Washington. Excellent advice on a variety of topics.

www.parentleadership.com
James Stenson, educator and international speaker, offers excellent advice, articles and books on successful families. He particularly deals with developing solid character and good criteria.

www.micheleborba.com
An educational psychologist, Dr. Borba writes and speaks extensively on parenting and character formation. Many articles on her website filled with gems. I particularly appreciated the book:

www.drray.com
Ray Guarendi is a father, clinical psychologist and radio host. He shares a wealth of excellent articles and resources to those in the throes of raising a family

www.screenagers.com 
An excellent movie and website helping parents deal with the effects of screen time on their children. Worth reading the Tech Talk Tuesday blog filled with ideas on handling screen issues. Examples of screen contracts between parents and children are available under Resources.

www.cortland.edu/character
Excellent videos, book lists, and resources for parents and schools on raising children with character put out by the Centre for the 4th and 5th R’s: Respect and Responsibility. I highly recommend you to sign up for their free e-subscription to their Excellence and Ethics newsletter.

www.raisedtolove.com
Excellent short videos made by Andrew Mullins (author of Parenting for Character), alongwith articles and wisdom in parenting children to become loving, responsible adults. Worth watching and passing around.

www.charactercounts.org
A great website for educators and parents providing many avenues for instilling great character in youth.

www.focusonyourchild.com
The website for parents put up by Focus on the Family which was founded by Dr. James Dobson. A great resource for articles, books, radio programs, tapes, magazines.

www.franklincovey.com
This is one of the websites of Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families. Good articles to read.

ON ENTERTAINMENT:

www.commonsensemedia.org
A  website helping parents choose the best for their children, especially in media. Worth checking out.

www.mercatornet.com
Another excellent site that offers all kinds of information on culture, society, parenting etc. Check out their list of books for children according to age, genre, level of recommendation, as well as a short blurb explaining the book. Very, very useful. Also offers a free subscription to book recommendations. Well worth pursuing.

www.pluggedin.com
Put out by Focus on the Family, this website is full of excellent reviews to keep parents informed about movies, videos, music, TV, and games. Well worth bookmarking for future reference. A very extensive site of information. Also available in Spanish.

www.screenit.com
Great website for ratings on new and old movies, DVDs and videos. Gives you detailed information on content ie. levels of profanity, violence, suspense, sex/nudity etc. You can subscribe for extra info, but you can access a lot by just saying No Thanks to the subscription, going to the bottom of the next page, clicking on videos and scrolling past the ads.

www.usccb.org
A website produced by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops that provides reviews on many movies, videos and television programs.

www.parentstv.org
This website offers a family guide to what’s on TV. Just click on the day of the week beneath the title and see how to show content is rated overall and for sex, violence, and language. Gives you also all the info if you would like to write to the producers to give them congrats or complain. A great resource for family TV viewers.

www.teachwithmovies.org
A great resource for parents and teachers to optimize the learning that can occur from watching a movie.