Parenting with Words of Grace: Building Relationships with Your Children One Conversation at a Time

Many parents think too little of the words they use with their children. They see words as a means to an end, ignoring the relational dimension. Exploring how words are a means by which children grow to trust their parents, this book offers practical wisdom in the form of short chapters with real-world examples to guide parents into meaningful conversations with their children—reflecting God's own words to Christians as his children. Through consistent encouragement, loving correction, and careful confrontation, parents can use everyday moments to speak to their children in ways that represent God’s heart.

Foreword by Paul David Tripp
Introduction

Part 1: The Vision

Parenting Is an Invitation
The Invitation Is Embedded in Your Conversations
How Jesus Talks to Estranged Friends
Extended Story: Sacred Space
You Talk with No Guarantee
You Speak out of the Grace You’ve Already Heard
Extended Story: “Get in the Van”
Your Kids Need You to Talk to Them . . . a Lot
Extended Story: Nanny’s Funeral

Part 2: The Hope

Sometimes You Don’t Want to Talk
Abraham Misspeaks for God
God Speaks for Abraham
Jesus Speaks for You
You Take Words to God
Practice Repenting for Misusing Your Mouth
You Hear Words from God
You Take Words to Your Kids
Speaking Truth and Love

Part 3: The Skill of Encouragement

When Should You Encourage?
Encouragement Takes Time
Replace the Negatives at Home and Abroad
Search for the Positive in Seed Form
Be Encouraged When You’re Tired of Encouraging

Part 4: The Skill of Honesty

The Goal of Honesty: Rescue
Think Before You Speak
Be a Mirror That Invites Participation
Aim for the Heart
Lead with Your Worst Foot Forward
Build Bridges with Your Failures
Expect Your Kids to Make Mistakes
Extended Story: Catching a Line-Drive . . . or Not
Why You Really Do Want a Forgiving Lifestyle

Afterword: You’re a Megaphone

• Paperback
• 224 pages
• © 2019
• ISBN 9781433560972