Love-Centered Parenting

The first pages of this book completely blew me away. First, I've read everything Crystal has put out on social media, her blog, and previous books, and she's never shared the story she led with in this book. Second, this very same thing is happening with another family I know and they were the first people on my mind to give this book to.I think Crystal has been more open about her family struggles then ever before. She's shared her mistakes, difficulties, and ultimately what had to happen for her to make changes in her parenting. It's gut wrenching as a parent to step back and evaluate your mistakes and admit where you've been wrong. And, Crystal takes you through that journey in her book.I think she gives very solid, biblical advice on parenting and the things they changed in their homes. What was most eye opening to me is where she focused first on changes. She talks about going through a whole identity change and for the first time ever realized how her perceptions of herself had to change before she could parent her children better. Understanding who she is in Christ was the foundation of the changes.She gave a lot of real life stories with her kids and how she's handled them. It was very helpful to have that level of openness and not deal in the hypotheticals. These were real situations that she dealt with. What was most interesting to me was to read the behind the scenes on some of these stories that she briefly touched on in her social media posts.If nothing else, I'll say this, if you're looking for a parenting book where the author is truly open and honest about life in there home, this is the right book for you. I'm not talking about people who say they are a mess, but still hide what's actually going on. Crystal gets very honest and shares hard things.

Honestly I didn’t WANT to read this book at first, but this is the book I NEEDED to read.Shame had crept into my parenting. So when I heard Crystal talk about her new book, “Love-Centered Parenting” I wanted to push back from it with feelings of unworthiness. “Maybe that works for her and her kids,” I thought, “but each kid and situation is different. What if it didn’t work for me and my kids?” Shame and guilt in my parenting taunted me—making me feel “not good enough” or that I was failing in my mothering. As I began reading, I soon realized that this was the precise reason why I needed to read this book, not only for my parenting or my kids, but I needed to read this book for ME.Crystal’s writing style is warm and conversational. She invites you into her stories and even into some of the darkest places of her parenting journey to share what she has learned about God’s grace and hope. She is quick to admit that she doesn’t have it all figured out, but shares the truths that have so impacted her life and her parenting and will impact yours and mine as well.I have a huge portion of this book highlighted and have already recommended it and shared quotes from it to several people I know. This isn’t just practical advice for parents. While it is that, it is also practical advice for life and relationships of all kinds. Everyone needs to know that they are loved and heard and valued for who they are. Crystal shares very practical ways to do this in everyday parenting life that can be applied to so many other situations.I would highly recommend reading and sharing “Love-Centered Parenting” with your friends that are in this parenting journey with you. The truths and principles found in this book can change your life and relationships if you will let them.

Personally, I feel that I was in the right place to read this book right now. With COVID and constant togetherness and isolation from my usual supports, I've found myself feeling more frustrated, negative and critical with my children. With one child in particular, I've frequently been asking myself "How are we going to survive adolescence together, if it's already like this?"When I saw the description of Love-Centered Parenting, I was intrigued. I have followed Crystal's family stories on her blog. for years I have felt like we were kindred spirits -- because she's real about the challenges of raising a kid who is wired differently than you are.This book is definitely written from a Christian perspective, but it's not overpowering if you are not evangelical. The main theme is this -- remember all the unconditional love and grace that your God has for you. Quit beating yourself up over not achieving perfection, in parenting and other endeavors, because you are loved by God regardless. Remember that never-failing love and grace that your creator has for you -- and be deliberate in passing it on to your child through your parenting.When I started to put some of the tips into action, I felt like I was amazed at how much our relationship shifted. Show an interest in the things they are interested in. Spend time with them alone and try to have deeper conversations. Instead of rebuking concerning behaviors, ask understanding questions first. Basically, it's WWJD -- except it's "How would Jesus parent?" However, it also acknowledges the value of professional therapy/help when issues are more severe.Whether you are a believer or not, I recommend this book. It's one of the most interesting parenting titles I have read in the past ten years. I enjoyed reading it, and I feel like I will continue to consult it for advice in the future.

This is the book and message I wish I had gotten a hold of when my girls were little! This is not a book about following a checklist to get your desired behaviors from your child. This is a book for those that want to love their kids where they are at. It was much more about dealing with my own heart than creating an equation for your kids to be what the world says they should. This is a book that can help bring personal and parenting freedom. Crystal is very real and honest. She is realtable and vulnerable throughout. I can relate to a lot of her journey and have walk through much of the same "inner work"that she describes and so much of the book felt like my heart echoing "amen!". This is very openly a faith based book so if that will offend you, that's something you should know.I am a mom to 5 girls, ages 6,9,10,13,14 and the strategies Crystal describes are pertinent to each and everyone of them. I would happily buy a case of books to hand out!

It helps you see things from a different perspective.

This book was such an encouragement to my heart as a parent. It was so good to think on the precepts she talked about, particularly how the Lord loves me. It isn’t something I spend much time thinking on. I have been learning some of the lessons she talks about as I move along my parenting journey. This book is a much needed message in the church.

I loved Crystals real and raw stories. I could relate and knew that it was exactly what I needed to hear!