It's Your Kid not a gerbil by Dr. Kevin Leman

"Every sacrifice you make now will pay dividends both now and down the road. That's because a child's positive self-image, view of the world, concept of faith, and sense of security are all formed by spending time with parents in a loving environment." Dr. Kevin Leman

No pressure or anything. :)

This book had some good points and I underlined them here and there throughout the book. I've read quite a few family/parenting books in the 30+ years I've been a parent and this one didn't stand out for me. It was okay and maybe would appeal to a younger dad, mom or care giver but it wasn't a fascinating (to say the least) read for me. 

One thing though, shared in the pages of this book should be shouted from the top of every parent's roof top: 

"When does your 'help' hurt your kids? When you do things they can do for themselves." 

We've parented both ways ... not helping our kids with what they could do themselves and helping too much. The former is surely the better way. 

I didn't learn to survive and thrive when I've managed it from what my mom did for me but I have been empowered from what she expected me to do without her help. This is a great lesson the book shares more on. 

Another great point shared by this author is to let children learn from their own consequences. Instead of getting frustrated, nagging, and/or complaining over having to pay for their actions... don't. Let them wear dirty clothes if they don't get them to the laundry and/or deal with school discipline if they forget an assignment. Don't take away from your time to fix it. Trust me, some of us need every single second of the school day to do what ever it is we need to do! 

In case it sounds like I am telling you what to do... please know I'm not. I wouldn't do that to you for it would imply that I am a shining example to follow. I have both been successful in this area and failed beyond miserably. The one thing I did right and strongly encourage anyone who will listen is... I prayed for God to teach and train my kids in spite of my failures... that is worth repeating! 

I received this book from Tyndale Publishers at no cost in exchange for an honest review.