October Book Recommendation

As I have walked the halls of our church and talked with many of you, I have sensed that there are parenting issues we could discuss if only we had more time. So, why don’t we try something new and use our computers as a forum for discussion of these issues.

Each week I would like to ask a question or share an article, give you an opportunity to respond, and start a dialogue that will hopefully help us become more effective in our parenting skills.

You are your child’s primary teacher of life. You may or may not have a parenting strategy. Sometimes it seems to work and other times you wonder if anything will work. Let’s partner together to make a difference in the lives of our children.

If you have a book or a topic you would like to discuss, please email the information to me. We will attempt to get it out there for all of us to think about.

This week I want to recommend a book for you to read. Parenting is Heart Work is authored by Dr. Scott Turansky and Jo Anne Miller, RN, BSN. In this breakthrough book, the authors reveal how you can learn to truly reach your child’s heart to teach, train, and build a tremendous relationship. Parenting is Heart Work will provide you with practical tools and easy to follow steps that will revolutionize how you parent.

Let me hear from you.

Debbie

Posted on Tue, October 7, 2008 by Debbie Parker

9 comments (Add your own)

1. Linda Mason wrote:: Debbie, I love your blog and pray that through it you will have many happy and constructive conversations with the parents and leaders of the children here at our church. Love you.
Tue, October 7, 2008 @ 9:50 AM
2. Angela Krape wrote:: Way to go, Debbie! What a great idea to let parents dialogue! I personally would love to know if other moms have children with security blankets...and if they are having a hard time outgrowing them!?! Our "blankies" passed from James to Caroline in the preschool years, yet, Caroline is still sleeping with them in second grade. We have all teased that she will be like Linus in the Peanuts cartoon, or that when she marries and has "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue"...that the Blue Blankie will be part of the ceremony! Any suggestions?
Sun, October 12, 2008 @ 1:07 PM
3. Debbie Parker wrote:: Angela,
I far as I can tell, most children give up their security blankets on their own. I had one parent say to me that they were very concerned about their daughter's attachment to her blanket. The doctor said not to worry, and don't just take the blanket away from her, because her feeling of security that she gets from having a blankie is cheaper than a psychologist fees later in life. I think that is pretty good advice. It is so important that a young child feel safe and secure, because that is when they begin to learn to trust, which is important later in life as they make their decision to follow Christ. I think that Caroline will one day put her Blue Blankie in a safe place and maybe even take a piece with her throughout her jouney of life expereinces.

I hope this helps just a little.
Thu, October 16, 2008 @ 4:34 PM
4. Debbie Parker wrote:: What is a Heart Moment?

A heart moment is a special connection that takes place inside of your child's heart, or in your own heart or both, that confirms a step of progress. Sometimes the heart moment just reminds you of the significance of your parenting role. Other times the heart moment helps you feel close to your child in a unique and powerful way. For some, a heart moment is when the light bulb comes on in your child that says, "I finally get it, Dad."

Sometimes heart moments just happen, but many times they are the result of intentional effort on the part of hard-working parents. You do the daily work of parenting because you know it's the right thing to do. Along the way you're trying to teach values and life lessons, but most of the time you're just trying to get the things done that have to be done today. Some parents have longed for heart change for months or years and seem to have given up on any significant developments. Then a heart moment comes along to provide encouragement that yes, there is hope that this child may actually grow up someday.

Tears are often associated with heart moments, further revealing the extent of their importance to parents. Usually they bring tears of deep joy, but sometimes it’s amazement, admiration, gratefulness, pride, or just the intense satisfaction of feeling close.

When a heart moment overwhelms you with emotion, it’s important to express what you're feeling to your child. It's in those times when children can often catch the significance of their choices, that they've made an important decision or action that has deeply touched Mom or Dad.

Be on the lookout for heart moments. They are the reward of parenting and often result in teachable opportunities with your child.

This parenting tip comes from the book Family Heart Moments, True and Inspiring Stories by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Remember Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Never miss an opportunity to talk to your child about God's love!!
Thu, October 16, 2008 @ 4:41 PM
5. Autumn Davidson wrote:: Debbie - Thanks for doing this! Along with many other parents, I will look forward to using this tool/forum each week...and sometimes more often than that. Thank you!
Tue, October 21, 2008 @ 5:42 PM
6. Monica Revor wrote:: I asked the moms in my MOPs group about ways to do activities together as families. Yolanda posted this idea:

IDEA for FBCP...

A great way for families to get to know other families and get out together is by hosting a themed dinner group. For instance, let's say I were to host a dinner group. I would then invite a few other families (as many or as few as I am willing to host) for dinner. I would then make the main entree and my guests would bring the side dishes or desserts or even additional entree's if you so choose.

One theme for example, would be to host an international dinner "around the world" whereby everyone brings something (an entree) that represents their nationality--SO, if you are German, you bring a German dish or Asian you bring an asian dish, etc. The point is to get families interacting and fellowshipping with one another and still get to know them/their culture.
Wed, October 22, 2008 @ 12:11 PM
7. Debbie Parker wrote:: These are great ideas. I am always looking for activites for families. I would love to try some of these out sometime. We like to try to do some different family nights throughout the year. Please let me know anymore ideas or thoughts.
Wed, October 22, 2008 @ 3:00 PM
8. Monica Revor wrote:: I'm not sure how to start a new thread, but here's a different discussion. Several moms in the MOPs group have expressed interest in the movie "Fireproof." The film is a Christian story about marriage. We would love to see this as a group and discuss it, but we're not sure how to handle childcare.

Is this the kind of event that might work churchwide? We don't have a date night scheduled for November, but this might be an event worth looking into. It's playing at Legacy and Tinseltown.

Has anyone seen it yet that would like to comment?
Mon, October 27, 2008 @ 10:14 PM
9. Debbie Parker wrote:: I would be happy to try and provide childcare for a group of couples that want to go and see that movie and then have a discussion about it. Maybe if Adult 1 and Adult 2 and MOPS would like to get together and come up with that as a activity(outreach), I will try to pull something together for that kind of event.

I think that would be a great thing to do.
Tue, October 28, 2008 @ 10:09 AM

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