Book #3

I am excited about delving back into this book after a few years. "Shepherding a Child's Heart" is not only a popular book amongst church going young parents, but also amongst Christian schoolteachers. I have read this book before, but have been asked to reread it before I start my new job, as this is the basis of the discipline program that is used at the school where I will begin teaching this Fall.

Just in the first few pages, I have already realized some of my inappropriate reactions to children's conflicts with one another. For example, when two children are fighting over a toy....what is your normal response? I would venture to say that 99% of parents/caretakers would say, "Who had it first?" "This makes it an issue of justice which operates in favor of the child who was the quicker draw in getting the toy. If we look at this situation in terms of the heart, the issues change. Both children are displaying hardness of heart toward the other. Both are being selfish. Both of the children are saying "I don't care about you or your happiness. I want this toy. I will have it regardless of what it means to you."

The main focus of this book is turning your attention, and the attention of your child, to the attitudes of their heart that has resulted in wrong behavior...not just the behavior itself. Claiming the root issue, and not just looking at its fruit.

I am heading out of town today and plan to get into this book and take lots of notes on my vacation. I promise to share the highlights upon my return.

If any of you have read it, how has it changed your outlook on parenting/caring for children? How has it changed your outlook on God's discipline in your own life?