Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
This book was a great reminder of giving the gospel to our children in the midst of discipline. Reminiscent of Shepherding a Child Heart by Tedd Tripp, there are many real-life examples of how to handle situations, what to say, and Scripture to encourage parents along the way. Although I’m not a huge fan of the writing style, I think most Christian parents who desire to give their children the gospel often will find much help. Personally, I think there are times when giving two pages of dialog during discipline is helpful, but most often I find that my children are not in the correct frame of mind to hear long dissertations and taking several minutes to address a point leads to them being distracted. Speaking the truth in everyday situations, and bringing up Spiritual issues about discipline at other times (when our children are not in trouble) leads to smooth transitions in times of discipline. We aren’t teaching new principles; we are reinforcing what they already understand (or are learning). And these lessons aren’t just associated with their punishment or their misbehavior, but fall into the overall understanding of how the Gospel fits into our everyday…