Resources about How to Parent

Recommended Christian parenting books 
  • How to parent children:
    • What the Bible Says about Parenting by John MacArthur: Start here
    • Duties of Parents by JC Ryle: A classic book on parenting
    • Sticky Situations – 365 Devotionals by Betsy Schmitt: Daily story and discussion questions to prepare kids for difficult decisions they’ll face.  Book one for older elementary and book two for younger elementary kids
    • Family Driven Faith by Voddie Bacham
    • She Calls Me Daddy by Robert Wolgemuth
    • The Most Important Place on Earth by Robert Wolgemuth
  • Teaching children about God
    • The ESV Illustrated Family Bible: Covers the major stories in the Bible using the ESV text
    • Early Readers Bible: Utilizes the 100 most common words and adds three new words per story to teach the Bible and reading
    • Disciplines of a Godly Family by Kent Hughes: Covers a wide range of topics such as family traditions, prayer and manners
    • Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware: Outlines how to have a conversation about theological topics with middle and high schoolers
    • Leading Little Ones to God by Marian Schoolland: Walks through the Gospel step-by-step at a level grade school children will understand
    • Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade: Daily family devotions based on the Westminster Confession
    • Grounded in the Gospel by Gary Parrett: Encourages the use of catechism to teach children the faith based on the Apostles Creed, Ten Commandments and Lord’s Prayer
    • Family Worship by Donald Whitney: Short introduction to the topic of leading your family in a time of Bible reading, singing and prayer
    • Family Worship by Joel Beeke
    • Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt: Children’s catechism intertwined with a story, which prompts good discussions
    • Teaching Kids about God: Age based (2-12) approach to developing a child’s faith
    • Family Nights Tool Chest by Jim Weidmann: Several books that provide activities that tie together Bible lessons
    • Long Story Short – Ten Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski
    • Off the Record with Martin Luther translated by Charles Daudert: Luther’s students recorded conversations and his blunt discussions of a variety of topics are a way to engage high school students in doctrinal topics
    • Come Ye Children by Charles Spurgeon
  • Raising Masculine Sons
    • Thoughts for Young Men by JC Ryle
    • It’s Better to Build Boys than Mend Men by Truett Cathy
    • Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis: Specifically for boys staring in the elementary school years
    • Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz: He has a couple of other books on this topic as well
  • Teaching Christian history

Recommended books with Christian themes to read to/with your kids:

  • Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan: Ages 8+ because some of the dialogue is long.  Great for promoting family discussions.  YouTube also has a reading of the book that’s well done.
  • Holy War by John Bunyan
  • The Narnia Series by CS Lewis: Ages 6+
  • Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolken: Ages 10+.  Amazing use of the ring as a symbol of the sinful idols we create in our lives
  • Missionary Stories with the Millers (and other with the Millers titles)
  • Ten Girls Who Changed the World (Ten Boys as well along with other Ten Girls/Boys Who…)
  • The Priest with Dirty Clothes by RC Sproul (also The Prince’s Poison Cup)

Christian magazines for kids:

Online resources: