Real World Parents: Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World

Mark Matlock
Zondervan/Youth Specialties (2010)
ISBN 9780310669364
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (07/10)


There are many books out there on how to raise well-behaved children, but not many address the issue of good role-modeling or the parent(s) relationship with God. Regardless of what religion one was brought up in or not brought up in, it is important for all to know that we have a purpose in life. One of our goals as parents is to raise healthy, wise children. Often this means letting them learn from mistakes but at the same time teaching them that if one lives by the word, the confusion in our world today won’t seem so crazy.

Throughout the book, the author gives examples of his own family and raising his children. There are many difficult issues that parent(s) often have to address with their children in the course of their life. One of the points the author made is that we can’t isolate our children from the world or force them to learn about Christianity. But what we can do is learn to communicate well, be a good role model and set boundaries.

Each chapter has great real-life examples and questions/exercises at the end to guide families.  I have often found that when couples decide to commit to each other they don’t discuss living a Christian life- it is just assumed by some. Setting boundaries is very important for the whole family. One of the biggest problems, as the author says, is that our children (or us) spend large amount of times playing violent video games. It is fun no doubt, but when it causes us to be angry and aggressive, it no longer becomes fun. As parents we need to explain to children why we set boundaries; again, good communication is important.

This was a very easy and fast read. The questions asked make readers really think about what they believe living a Christian life is about and what God’s plan is. “Real World Parents: Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World” is a great resource to have for topics to address in family meetings.

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