The Best Book I've Read in Some Time
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 7:16AM 
I wish I could remember which blog I was reading when I discovered the book Good and Angry. I would like to go back and thank the blog author profusely for recommending a book that is beginning to change the way my children and I relate to each other.
This book, with the subtitle "Exchanging Frustration for Character... In You and Your Kids", is a biblical approach to dealing with our anger as parents, and also helping our children deal with their anger and frustration. What I appreciate most about the book is the solid grounding it has in scripture. Each chapter has a Bible study, with tons of verses for you to read and analyze (as well as memorize with your children), and at the end of the chapter there is a "Bringing it Home" section with an activity you can do with your children. I just can't say how much I love this book!
I wouldn't say we huge behavior problems in our house, but it was the ATTITUDE that was getting to me.... not being cheerful when mom asks you to do something really was driving me nuts and making me angry. I also have a five year old who is practicing for the world whining championships. In just the first few days of reading the book I learned to teach my children to:
- come when called (sometimes I was an expert at barking orders up the stairs at my kids) and then make my request
- obey immediately and ask questions later
- Do everything without arguing or complaining (Philippians 2:14)
While I was reading last night I highlighted one specific passage that I'd like to share with you:
(p. 129)
This post is linked to the Hip Homeschool Hop - click on the button below to see what is going on in the world of other homeschoolers!
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Reader Comments (10)
That sounds like a wonderful book, one that I could really use right now! I'm going to go check out your link to amazon right now - thanks for the "review!" I'm a new follower from the Hip Homeschool Hop! Have a wonderful day!
~Erika
http://erikajo.blogspot.com/
Mary, I have not read this book, but have heard great things about it. I used to have a hard time with parents wanting 'first time obedience...' I thought it was like raising robots. Until, like you, I was enlightened...and enlightened to my own short falls (which are far too many to list). God reinforced his desire for first time obedience through Samuel...and how he got up from his bed and RAN to Eli when Eli was not even calling him...and how Samuel did that three times....he did not start thinking: Oh well, it's not Eli...I'll just ignore it. I will have to put this on my reading list. Funny, we are both discussing books on our blog today....my book is from Sonlight Core 2.....
Rebecca, the story of Samuel is one of the first examples in the book! I think you would like the book because you can do so much to illustrate the principles with your children. A long time ago a veteran mom told me she used the phrase "Listen and Obey" with her children, from little on. We still say that in our house and it is short, sweet, and the kids KNOW what I expect.
That does look good. Thanks for the recommendation.
visiting from the HHH!
Amy
http://missionalmamassoul.blogspot.com
this sounds like a most awesome book! will definitely be looking into this.
i'm terrible about yelling downstairs for the girls to do something.
new follower from the homeschool hop ;)
Sounds like a book for me.
Following you from the Hip HS Hop!
I ordered it from amazon - $10 is a good deal! I can't wait to get it - I really this book will come in handy with everything going on. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog & leaving such a sweet, encouraging comment too - it means a lot!
~Erika
Thank you for the suggestion!! I have this problem as well and my 8 year old son is following suit!! It's something I'm really working on and need to nip in the bud. Only with God's help...that's for sure!
On Amazon the Kindle version is $9.57 and they have a "Used-Very Good" copy listed and fulfilled by Amazon (meaning also available for super-saver shipping) for $7.95!
Thanks for following The Wellspring of Life - returning the favor.
Looks like we have lots in common... in my former life, I too was an elementary music teacher. I'm homeschooling now and loving every minute of it. We are in a couple homeschooling groups including a FIAR co-op.
Blessings to you, and I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future.
Angela
http://thewellsspring.blogspot.com
Yay! I'm glad so many people are able to get the book and I pray it will help all of us as we strive to raise godly children!