Home Improvement is a highly practical, biblically sound book which provides eight tools for effective parenting. Each chapter develops one of these tools which are:
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Action point (the point at which a parent takes action)
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Positive conclusion (“discipline is not complete until the positive relationship between the parent and child is restored” – p. 38)
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Taking a break (which is different from a “time out” because it focuses on heart change – pp. 57, 195-197)
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Teaching values
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Dealing with anger
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Consistency in discipline
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Learning from life
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Dealing with deep-rooted problems and teaching character qualities
Each chapter opens with a related story, teaches the appropriate truth and follows with hands-on, practical steps to apply these truths within the home. Each chapter ends with helpful discussion questions for small group studies.
Home Improvement is an excellent tool to provide parents understanding in how to apply biblical teachings in child rearing. I think it would be most effective if used in a small group setting in which interaction and accountability would be practiced.
Reviewed by Gary E. Gilley, Pastor-teacher at Southern View Chapel