Religion publishers are responding to modern parenting concerns with books that present a theological perspective on family issues, such as offering advice on keeping the faith after losing a child and helping parents decide whether kids should skip church for soccer practice.
Overplayed: A Parent’s Guide to Sanity in the World of Youth Sports
David King and Margot Starbuck
Herald, Mar.
King, Eastern Mennonite University’s athletic director, and coauthor Starbuck prompt readers to answer questions about their children’s involvement with sports—such as whether to participate in games on Sundays—in order to help them strike a healthy balance among athleticism, church, and family time.
Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child: Facing the Challenges with Strength, Courage, and Hope
Boris Vujicic
WaterBrook, Apr.
Vujicic addresses the financial challenges, marital strain, and evolution of faith he experienced while raising his son Nick, who was born without arms and legs. Nick, now a motivational speaker and the author of 2010’s Life Without Limits, contributes the foreword.
Lord Willing? Wrestling with God’s Role in My Child’s Death
Jessica Kelley
Herald, May
Kelley, whose son died of brain cancer at age four, weaves Biblical teachings into her journey through anger and grief in an effort to show readers how faith can survive tragedy.
Starry-Eyed: Seeing Grace in the Unfolding Constellation of Life and Motherhood
Mandy Arioto
Zondervan, June
Arioto, who directs the international support network Moms of Preschoolers, explores the emotional highs and lows of being a mother, with stories that encourage readers to see even frustrating moments of parenthood as opportunities to grow closer to God.
With All Due Respect: 40 Days to a More Fulfilling Relationship with Your Teens and Tweens
Nina Roesner and Debbie Hitchcock
Nelson, Aug.
Roesner and Hitchcock, who work for the Christian training organization Greater Impact Ministries, address conflicts that arise between parents and determined, boundary-testing young adults.
Unnatural Mom: Why You Are the Perfect Mom for Your Kids
Hettie Brittz
David C. Cook, Aug.
Brittz, a therapist in South Africa who specializes in parenting, makes the case that even those who struggle with motherhood can find joy in the role, urging women to view their weaknesses and strengths as equal gifts from God.
Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Children
Marjorie Ingall
Harmony, Sept.
Using historical texts, personal anecdotes, and research from parenting experts, Tablet magazine columnist Ingall explores what qualities go into the best Jewish parenting and refutes the unflattering stereotype of the typical Jewish mother.
Raising an Original: Parenting Each Child According to their Unique God-Given Temperament
Julie Lyles Carr
Zondervan, Sept.
Pastor and blogger Carr suggests that Christian parents look at each child’s individual personality and abilities when making decisions about guidance and discipline.
