Parenting Book Reviews

Compass: A Handbook on Parent Leadership

Jim Stenson
As Jim Stenson, author of Compass: A Handbook on Parent Leadership writes, "Let me be clear here. When I say "succeed, "I don't just mean parents' methods of discipline, or how they keep kids under control, or how they handle hassles in family life. These are short-term achievements but only part of real parental leadership."
Parents really win success with their children only in the long term. Parents succeed with their children when the kids grow up to be competent, responsible, considerate, and generous men and women who are committed to live by principles of integrity--adults who bring honor to their parents all their lives through their conduct, conscience, and character. Raising children to become adults like this is what parenthood is all about.'
 
If you like his take on parenting try reading this short (180 pages), practical book. With good humor and an optimistic approach Mr. Stenson discusses different aspects of character formation and gives simple everyday suggestions on how to teach virtues. 
 
There are chapters on consumerism, media, discipline, and parental unity, to name a few. You will want to read with a highlighter in hand! 
 
Organized so that it can be used in small groups for discussion, there are "Issues for Reflection and Discussion" at the end of each chapter. The Appendix lays out the benefits of a group of parents forming a discussion group, "Meetings with like-minded, interesting friends--that is, people who share the same principles but have different temperaments, backgrounds, and points of view—they discuss family issues and share experiences." 

Whether you read this book alone, with your spouse, or with a group of friends, you will find much common sense and wisdom.
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