The Love Dare for Parents

"[Selfishness] leads many parents to refuse to have more children because they don't want anything to stretch them further beyond themselves" (page 28).

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Wow. So according to the Kendrick brothers, my husband and I are selfish parents because we have two boys instead of six kids. I did note a judgmental vibe/tone from the writing even before this statement.

You can write a book challenging parents to love their children more without slamming parents who has one or two kids. If some people choose to divide their resources (time, money, etc.) among fewer instead of more kids, that's their prerogative.

I lead this as a Bible study for our ladies group at the request of a young single mom at our church. I had 3-4 women my age --- grandmother age -- who also participated!! I did my best to apply the "dares" to my adult children as did the others my age! Sometimes that was a bit scary, given the fact that I had not done this when my children were younger and now asking them to tell me things as adults that I may not want to hear!! But I must say overall even those of us who had grown children were able to grow spiritually as we listened, applied, advised, mentored those younger than us! I was impressed enough that I gave this book as gifts to my adult children for Christmas to apply to their children now regardless of their ages!!!

You have probably heard about the book The Love Dare. It is a 40-day journey for you and/or your spouse to do little things(or big) for the other. Well, we now have one for parents. It's called The Love Dare for Parents by Stephen & Alex Kendrick.

I wanted to review this book and also do the daily challenge for my own children. I needed a fresh look at how precious they truly are. Sometimes I find myself in a rut where it seems we argue too often, especially with my pre-teen. I want to stop that cycle...it's not a fun way to relate to each other.

First you would start with the online assessment. I wasn't surprised with the results, it actually confirmed what I was thinking about the areas that I need help in. The results also tell you which days will be helpful in working on those problem areas.

Day one was easy for me. The challenge was to tell your children that you love them. Saying "I love you" is easy for me. But maybe it isn't for you. Do it anyway. The day starts out with a Bible verse. Then a short message about love and parenting. That day's challenge is next, followed by a journal area to write down what the result was. So far my children have not said anything special about what I have been doing, but they may still be noticing. Keep doing them even if your children are not really responding.

Day 2 was about patience. I need help with that. That challenge was to write Love is Patient and stick it somewhere. I put mine on the fridge. I still forget but then I remember...it's a hard journey but so worth it.

At the end of the book, in the appendix are eight articles such as how to pray for your children, how to find peace with God, etc...

I'm glad that this book is available to all parents, no matter how old your children are. Get yours today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.

Love Dare for Parents is a 40 day challenge to develop Christ-like love and influence your children. Parenting is not a piece of cake. It takes time, effort, prayer and lots of hard work. This book teaches you about leading your heart not just giving into feelings and emotions.

Each day consists of an opening Scripture, a devotional to read, and ends with a dare to accomplish. At the end of each day, there are questions to ponder and a place to journal your thoughts.

I have not yet completed the whole book, but am working through it. Sometimes, I take several days to accomplish a dare, especially if life is busy or hectic that day. But, I can say, this book is definitely helping me become a better parent, be more aware, attentive, and have an open mind towards my children. It is teaching me better ways to love, lead and listen.

I would highly recommend this book to any parent whose desire is to love their children in a more intentional Christ-like manner.

I was blessed with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to give a positive review.

AMAZING BOOK JUST STARTED IT ! WE HAVE THE STUDY GUIDE TO GO ALONG WITH THE BOOK ABSOLUTELY GREAT ! RECOMMENDED !