MANILA, Philippines - Are you new to the world of parenthood? Or have you been a parent for so long yet you still feel like you haven’t gotten the hang of it? It’s ok, it’s the hardest job of all and parenthood strategies vary from one child to another. We’ve gathered a few books that might help you through the roller coaster ride that is parenthood.
Train Up A Child
Being a parent has no guidelines. There are no courses offered and license to obtain to be able to say that you’re doing the right thing. But one way to tell if you’re doing something right is with the product of your hard work -- your child. In Train Up A Child And Be Glad You Did, author Dr. Harold J. Sala provides answers for parents who are about to cry for help. The book talks about how to handle a child from early days, how to talk about sensitive topics and how to succeed with a teenager. Dr. Harold J. Sala aside from being an author is also a counselor, Bible teacher and conference speaker.
40 Ways
Not a fan of reading but in dire need of guidance with parenthood? Paul Lewis’ 40 Ways To Teach Your Child Values is an easy read with information that goes a long way. The 40 ways are subdivided into three categories: 13 skills, 13 attitudes and 14 values. In the beginning of the book, the author shares six truths to consider for effective parenting, one of which, probably might hit home already to countless parents is, “Ultimately, children make their own choices.”
Praying Parent
Keeping the faith is something that every parent must learn to do when raising a child. In The Power of A Praying Parent, author Stormie Omartian shares her and her husband’s experience about the power of praying, having raised their children for 20 years. Stormie shares, “Being a perfect parent doesn’t matter. Being a praying parent does.” The book includes prayers for every stage of your child. Stormie also shares about the joy that comes with being a parent and having God in the center of it all.
Reading is something that unleashes the imagination of the kids. It is best to encourage the habit of reading at a young age. Here are a few recommendations for your young ones.
Eloise
Enter the wonderful world of fiction through the story of the precocious 6-year old who lives in the Plaza Hotel at the heart of New York City. Eloise by Kay Thompson with drawings by Hilary Knight is about the fun and carefree life of living in a hotel. This book was made into a movie in 2003 and kept the audience laughing all through out. The original little diva that is Eloise has been around for 50 years and is truly a classic story for all the little girls out there.
Where The Wild Things Are
Originally published in 1963, Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a timeless tale that celebrates a child’s imagination. It won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1964 and is dubbed as “the Picasso of children’s books”. It was made into a major motion picture in 2009 and was directed by Spike Jonze. This story is about a disobedient young boy – Max and his adventures. Illustration, also by the author, will keep the kids from putting this book down.
Manga Messiah
There are just some kids who wouldn’t have the patience to read a book. But a graphic novel or comics, is something easy to read and is also a feast for their eyes. Manga Messiah, with script writer Hidenori Kumai and artist Kozumi Shinozawa, tells the story of the life of Jesus through colorful illustrations. Manga Messiah is perfect for anyone who adores the highly stylized art of manga. It’s fun, exciting and tells a moral story all at the same time.