Shepherding a Child's Heart. By Tedd Tripp

I just finished Tedd Tripps book "Shepherding a Child's Heart".  It was very eye opening.  There were a lot of really good things in this book.  I read this book on the recommendation of Dave Ramsey.  He is also an avid reader and a christian man I respect so I though I would give this book a try.  While preparing to write my review, I looked at some of other peoples reviews of this book on Amazon.  WOW is this a polarizing book.  Either people hated it stating that Tedd claims the bible wants us to use fear and pain to punish children as soon as they disobey, or they really liked it saying that it gave them a greater perspective on how to parent there children.  Though I wouldn't give this book a five star rating, I don't agree with the people who claim that Tedd says that the bible wants us to parent with fear and pain.  My gut feeling tells me they couldn't get past the fact that he encourages spanking.  At no point in this book does he tell us or say that the bible tells us to use fear and pain at every opportunity.  The core of the book is exactly what the title states: Shepherding a child's heart.   Shepherding a child's heart to rely on God.  The principles outlined in this book were meant to be applied gently, sober-mindedly, calmly, and lovingly.  Tedd uses biblical truths to child rearing in a godly and gentle manner.  He shows how spanking, time out, punishment, all have there place is raising a child.  The main things I gathered from this book were that spanking is a portion of godly correction when raising a child.  It in and of itself is not a solo form of discipline.  It is to be used in conjunction with.  Also, in regards to spanking, it is NOT to be given when you are angry.  You as a parent must deliver correction in a calm manner.  Also, discipline is not to be a public event.  We are not to shame our children as a form of embarrassment.  Discipline should be administered in private.  He does not say that you should hide while disciplining, (that would indicate that what you are doing is wrong ), but to be sensitive to the unbiblical state of our society.  All disciple is given in love.  Many times we as parents are the reason our children behave the way they do.  We constantly send mixed signals.  One day disobedience will get disciplined and another we will ignore it.  Well which is it? We as parents need to be consistent in discipline.    The biggest thing that stood out for me is that I am to act as God's agent and help my children develop a godward orientation and understanding Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross.   My only complaint about this book would be that I wish there were more real world examples.  Maybe its just me an my thick head, but I would have like to have seen different scenarios and how you can handle them as a parent.  I would recommend this book to all christian parents.  Even if you aren't a christian there are some very good skill that you get gather from this book.