Another book on parenting--do we really need one? Aren't there already a myriad of resources on the family? Yes, there are, but I believe that The Values Driven Family fills a void by completing the parenting picture where other resources leave off. The authors have taken many ideas and aspects of parenting that are presented separately in other resources and gathered them into one volume. This book does is tie all the loose strings together and gives parents a wealth of Biblical parenting resources located in one place.

The authors believe that balance is a key ingredient in family success and that parents should proactively plan to pass on to their children a godly legacy. You will find these common threads throughout the book.

The Values Driven Family teaches biblical parenting while incorporating all aspects of family life, and it includes many practical applications. Topics include training, encouragement, discipline, family relationships, home management, schedules, and budgeting.

The book presents twelve core values ("values that God values") that are important to a healthy Christian family. They coincide with attributes of Jesus, and the goal is for family members "to be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). These core values are faith, surrender, love, faithfulness, wisdom, self-control, righteousness, humility, holiness, diligence, generosity, and praise. The book explains how parents can model each value themselves and then teach it to their children.

Each chapter ends with reflection questions, practical applications, additional resources, and additional study ideas. There are also free downloads available on the website at www.valuesdrivenfamily.com

This is the kind of book to give to new parents or new Christians who need some good counsel regarding family life. Do you know some parents who could use a little help in raising their families Biblically? Give them the gift of The Values Driven Family, and they will receive not merely a little help, but a comprehensive proactive plan for successful Biblical parenting.

Cautionary Note: These homeschool authors do not come from a "homeschool only" mentality; rather, they write that we can choose between a "good" choice (public school), a "better" choice (private school), and the "best" choice (homeschooling). The authors also say that if the mother must work outside the home, a daycare center is a "good" choice (with the better and best choices given as well). Although I understand that the authors are trying to reach all Christian parents and encourage them to make the "best" choice, I personally do not agree that a public school education and/or daycare should even be considered a "good" choice. Though I disagree with the authors on these issues, there is enough valuable information in the book for me to still recommend it.

Product review by Deborah Wuehler, Devotional and eNewsletter Editor, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2007