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If I Had a Parenting Do-Over: 7 Vital Changes I'd Make
Ever wish parenting came with a do-over button?
“Here’s where I messed up. . ."
Whenever I say those words during my parenting workshops, you can hear a pin drop. Parents are on the edges of their seats.
“And here’s what I’d do differently next time. . ."
That’s when every pen in the room begins writing furiously.
Let’s face it. Hindsight is 20/20.
If you ever find yourself saying "I wish I had a do-over. . ." You're not alone! Join author and youth culture expert, Jonathan McKee, as he shares from his own personal parenting experiences of raising three kids, while making purposeful, effective tweaks along the way. Delivered with a refreshing blend of humor and vulnerability, the author's candid style and real-world application will equip you with solid, helpful practices you can actually use in your own home. With chapters like "Let It Go," "Press Pause," and "Tip the Scales," McKee provides the honest answers you're seeking as you parent your kids.
“Here’s where I messed up. . ."
Whenever I say those words during my parenting workshops, you can hear a pin drop. Parents are on the edges of their seats.
“And here’s what I’d do differently next time. . ."
That’s when every pen in the room begins writing furiously.
Let’s face it. Hindsight is 20/20.
If you ever find yourself saying "I wish I had a do-over. . ." You're not alone! Join author and youth culture expert, Jonathan McKee, as he shares from his own personal parenting experiences of raising three kids, while making purposeful, effective tweaks along the way. Delivered with a refreshing blend of humor and vulnerability, the author's candid style and real-world application will equip you with solid, helpful practices you can actually use in your own home. With chapters like "Let It Go," "Press Pause," and "Tip the Scales," McKee provides the honest answers you're seeking as you parent your kids.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
36 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan McKee
41 books48 followersJonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new IF I HAD A PARENTING DO OVER; 52 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE OBSESSED KID; and the Amazon "Best Seller," THE GUY'S GUIDE TO GOD, GIRLS AND THE PHONE IN YOUR POCKET. With over 20 years youth ministry experience, Jonathan speaks to parents and leaders worldwide. You can follow Jonathan on his blog at JonathanMcKeeWrites.com, getting a regular dose of youth culture and parenting help. Jonathan, his wife, Lori, and their three kids live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 24, 2017
This book takes an honest look at the power, privilege, pain, and panic of being a parent. The author offers a look at 7 changes he learned to make and included examples from his own parenting failures and successes. He also shares experiences from teaching seminars to both parents and teenagers. A truly wonderful set of lessons on raising kids, I wish this guide was handed out to every parent before they left the hospital with their newborn. No matter what age your kids are, this publication offers a glimpse at true-life applications on building a meaningful relationship with an individual you can not only love, but like and respect.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 7, 2017
If I Had a Parenting Do-Over is a great parenting resource! Using his own expertise and experiences along with that of other parents, Jonathan McKee has identified 7 vital changes he would make if he had a parenting do-over. Thought-provoking and insightful, these “do-overs” offer practical actions and applications, as well as questions to use in discussions with your spouse or other parents. I really enjoyed McKee’s candor, appreciate the suggestions and tools he has provided, and look forward to implementing some of them in my own household. While everyone’s experiences are unique, If I Had a Parenting Do-Over offers helpful strategies and sage advice for all parents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
February 2, 2017
If I Had a Parenting Do Over: 7 Vital Changes I’d Make by Jonathan McKee should be on every parent’s nightstand, on a kitchen counter or kept in the car for reading while at soccer or dance practice!
This is by no means a typical parenting guide type of book. I’ve read so many of those when my boys were younger and found them to be heavy on the theory and science behind certain behavioral techniques and suggestions, if not quite heavy on lecturing the reader on “how to do it the RIGHT way.”
This book was different and I noticed it immediately in the first chapter. It was a refreshing talk with a trusted friend, family member or neighbor. It felt like I was listening to that same friend share their struggles with parenting—what went wrong and what went right. So much I could relate to!
The dialogue is very readable and enjoyable. It makes for a quick read yet one that you find yourself turning down pages and highlighting to remember. Full of practical advice, I was amazed at the sound advice presented throughout the book. Gone are the lectures or the “right way” or parenting as “one way only”. Instead the reading parent is moved by the overall premise of the book—no parent wants to look back and be full of regrets for not spending more quality time with their children. It really is that simple. And, it really is that important.
What follows are countless suggestions for how to avoid that pitfall. I found that as I read, this is a book that is applicable at any stage of parenting—whether you are a new parent or an expecting parent…whether you have toddlers, preschoolers…elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, even high schoolers. All ages are applicable because the down to earth suggestions in this book are so easy to implement, yet so profound that parents can make an impact in the relationship with their child, regardless of age.
There are so many pages in this book that I have folded down; for example: “looking for connection venues” with your child where you look for where it is that your kids are more likely to open up and engage in meaningful conversation. Understanding Social Media and how “likes” on a Facebook page or Instagram affect a child’s image. A four-step process to “let it go” including pausing, empathy and picking your battles. This method of dealing with potential conflicts isn’t just something to apply to parenting but is wonderful to use when communicating with anyone!
I am truly so thankful to have had a chance to read this book. I feel that I am aware of things I want to change in my own parenting style and can’t wait to see the affects. This is one of the very best parenting books I have ever read—again, easy to read, short chapters, very practical yet backed by research, and leaving you with questions to ponder and suggestions to implement at the end of each chapter. This book goes on my recommended reading list for everyone I know for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This is by no means a typical parenting guide type of book. I’ve read so many of those when my boys were younger and found them to be heavy on the theory and science behind certain behavioral techniques and suggestions, if not quite heavy on lecturing the reader on “how to do it the RIGHT way.”
This book was different and I noticed it immediately in the first chapter. It was a refreshing talk with a trusted friend, family member or neighbor. It felt like I was listening to that same friend share their struggles with parenting—what went wrong and what went right. So much I could relate to!
The dialogue is very readable and enjoyable. It makes for a quick read yet one that you find yourself turning down pages and highlighting to remember. Full of practical advice, I was amazed at the sound advice presented throughout the book. Gone are the lectures or the “right way” or parenting as “one way only”. Instead the reading parent is moved by the overall premise of the book—no parent wants to look back and be full of regrets for not spending more quality time with their children. It really is that simple. And, it really is that important.
What follows are countless suggestions for how to avoid that pitfall. I found that as I read, this is a book that is applicable at any stage of parenting—whether you are a new parent or an expecting parent…whether you have toddlers, preschoolers…elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, even high schoolers. All ages are applicable because the down to earth suggestions in this book are so easy to implement, yet so profound that parents can make an impact in the relationship with their child, regardless of age.
There are so many pages in this book that I have folded down; for example: “looking for connection venues” with your child where you look for where it is that your kids are more likely to open up and engage in meaningful conversation. Understanding Social Media and how “likes” on a Facebook page or Instagram affect a child’s image. A four-step process to “let it go” including pausing, empathy and picking your battles. This method of dealing with potential conflicts isn’t just something to apply to parenting but is wonderful to use when communicating with anyone!
I am truly so thankful to have had a chance to read this book. I feel that I am aware of things I want to change in my own parenting style and can’t wait to see the affects. This is one of the very best parenting books I have ever read—again, easy to read, short chapters, very practical yet backed by research, and leaving you with questions to ponder and suggestions to implement at the end of each chapter. This book goes on my recommended reading list for everyone I know for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
January 22, 2017
Highly recommend this book to parents of teenagers or preteens. Think of it as wisdom from experienced parents who have learned lessons in the trenches. And what a valuable resource as this book shares vital things the author and many of us parents would do differently as parents if given the chance. This a a true gem as most parents don't want to admit their mistakes but these true life lessons are timeless for today's parents.
A couple of key takeaways for me were the focus on bonding versus boundaries and finding the right balance and taking time to notice. On bonding and boundaries I'm going to paraphrase two sentences by the author: bonding opens doorway to applying boundaries. And boundaries create atmosphere where bonding can take place. We need both in our relationship with our kids. On taking notice, the secret to better communication is to listen before we utter a word and to be intentional about seeking out natural conversation times like car rides.
A couple of key features in this book help us patents in applying the wisdom found within. First of all each chapter ends with questions to help us process the chapter and apply it to our lives. My favorite part is the last chapter which gives 25 practical ways to apply what you just learned. So this book is not just theory, it comes to where the rubber meets the road and tells us how to be better parents.
Note I stated that I recommended this for parents of teens and preteens and that is where the focus is. However it would be a good read for parents of younger children to prepare them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
A couple of key takeaways for me were the focus on bonding versus boundaries and finding the right balance and taking time to notice. On bonding and boundaries I'm going to paraphrase two sentences by the author: bonding opens doorway to applying boundaries. And boundaries create atmosphere where bonding can take place. We need both in our relationship with our kids. On taking notice, the secret to better communication is to listen before we utter a word and to be intentional about seeking out natural conversation times like car rides.
A couple of key features in this book help us patents in applying the wisdom found within. First of all each chapter ends with questions to help us process the chapter and apply it to our lives. My favorite part is the last chapter which gives 25 practical ways to apply what you just learned. So this book is not just theory, it comes to where the rubber meets the road and tells us how to be better parents.
Note I stated that I recommended this for parents of teens and preteens and that is where the focus is. However it would be a good read for parents of younger children to prepare them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 23, 2017
If you've ever done something and later thought of ways you could have done better or found a solution that worked perfectly, then you'll love the approach this author took when writing his parenting book. Coming from years of experience and pulling from other parent's thoughts he wrote a book on parenting. Each chapter deals with typical parenting issues and ends with approximately 8-10 questions that parents can ask themselves that help them to put the concepts into practice.
This was one of my favorite parenting books, ever. The author has a great writing style that made me feel as if I was reading a story, but was learning some real and practical advice. The combination of honesty, humor, and authenticity made me feel I was learning from an expert without feeling preached at. I ended the book knowing that I could truly put these concepts into practice and I have already tried a few of the ideas with success. Definitely a book I would recommend to any of my parenting friends.
I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was one of my favorite parenting books, ever. The author has a great writing style that made me feel as if I was reading a story, but was learning some real and practical advice. The combination of honesty, humor, and authenticity made me feel I was learning from an expert without feeling preached at. I ended the book knowing that I could truly put these concepts into practice and I have already tried a few of the ideas with success. Definitely a book I would recommend to any of my parenting friends.
I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
November 13, 2020
If I Had A Parenting Do Over: 7 Vital Changes I’d Make by Jonathan McKee offers real advice from a parent who made many mistakes with his own children and he acknowledges areas in which he overparented and where he would have done more. While many of his advice is applied mostly to teenagers as they try to gain more independence, the advice can certainly be applied to older children before the troubled teen years. He urges parents to have conversations rather than interrogations and not to let boundaries hinder your bonding time with your kids. Mr. McKee explains the difference between quality time and quantity time. While both are important, quality time are moments that just happen while quantity time takes a bit more planning and effort. Each chapter highlights each of his vital 7 changes and ending with practical questions to ask yourself and apply to your own parenting situation.
I first heard about If I Had A Parenting Do Over from my husband who had heard Mr. McKee on the radio, talking about this book. He was intrigued and asked me to look it up. We both agreed to order it and read it. While our children are not teenagers yet, the book offers practical advice that when put into practice and “perfected” so by the time our children are teenagers, these practices will be second nature…hopefully. Even though he writes from a Christian perspective, his advice can be helpful to non-Christian parents as well. I highly recommend If I Had A Parenting Do Over.
If I Had A Parenting Do Over is available in paperback and eBook
I first heard about If I Had A Parenting Do Over from my husband who had heard Mr. McKee on the radio, talking about this book. He was intrigued and asked me to look it up. We both agreed to order it and read it. While our children are not teenagers yet, the book offers practical advice that when put into practice and “perfected” so by the time our children are teenagers, these practices will be second nature…hopefully. Even though he writes from a Christian perspective, his advice can be helpful to non-Christian parents as well. I highly recommend If I Had A Parenting Do Over.
If I Had A Parenting Do Over is available in paperback and eBook
February 10, 2017
Very well written.
I was intrigued by the title of this book, because who among us hasn't wanted a 'do-over' when it comes to our children? I found this book not only informative but it was also quite humorous. I like the way this author writes. I recommend this book to anyone (basically any parent of young children) out there who ever wished that they had done things differently.
Read.Learn.Apply....as simple as that.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”
I was intrigued by the title of this book, because who among us hasn't wanted a 'do-over' when it comes to our children? I found this book not only informative but it was also quite humorous. I like the way this author writes. I recommend this book to anyone (basically any parent of young children) out there who ever wished that they had done things differently.
Read.Learn.Apply....as simple as that.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”
August 19, 2018
The premise of this book is that the author reflects back on his past parenting experiences, and describes some of the things that he would do differently. This is a book that was helpful to me now, and one I will benefit from re-reading in the future as my now-toddlers enter different stages in growing up. I've already had numerous conversations with my wife about the material in this book, and while I don't recommend every parenting book that I read to her, I plan to share this one with her.
April 7, 2020
Great book about parenting. I really enjoyed the words of wisdom from people who have been there and done that. Great practical advice like saying yes when your kids ask you to hang out. Great lessons.
October 12, 2018
Practical steps to better parenting.
October 8, 2019
Fantastic parenting book. Found it and read it just when I needed it. I'll be reading it again and again. Perfect read if you have tweens and teenagers.
February 20, 2017
If I Had a Parenting Do Over by Jonathan McKee has a great premise - the opportunity to learn from a REAL parent about REAL mistakes they made and how they would do it differently if they had a second chance. The book is written under the operative that hindsight is 20/20. McKee is a trusted author of other books I have read and would heartily endorse. Do Over is also endorsed by Jim Daly from Focus on the Family.
McKee isolates the top seven changeable areas/issues that he has not only experienced as a parent of three but also heard about in his parenting seminars - circumstances that other parents have said they would have handled differently, in hindsight. Without giving away the seven areas for change (that would be a spoiler!) I will say that McKee provides real-life examples, conversations, and internal monologs that candidly illustrate some do's and don'ts without making parents (the readers) feel uncomfortable, shame, or regret. He then provides some simple "Live It Out" suggestions and questions for parents to consider, so they can apply what they learned and address issues that are cropping up in their own family circumstances.
At first, I was not a fan of the book, because I am not the type of person who learns much by way of anecdote. I would just prefer straight-forward guidance. However, upon reading the book as a whole I would say there is a decent balance between story-telling, guidance, and application. I also appreciate that McKee includes adjustments and alternatives for different family situations, including single-parent families, adolescents, and families with younger children.
Overall, I would generally recommend this practical book to any parent looking to make some positive changes to their family relationships. I need to mention, however, that there are very few biblical references in McKee's book - I only found Scripture on 6 pages out of 174 total pages. However, he includes references to Diane Sawyer, Gandhi, Stephen Covey, and The Washington Post. Don't misunderstand me - I realize that the Bible doesn't say anything about Netflix specifically, but I believe the Bible can provide guidance for EVERY area of our lives and we can apply that guidance to situations like watching too much TV. I mention this because this book is billed as a Christian book, endorsed by a Christian organization, and published by a Christian publisher. Just my two cents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
McKee isolates the top seven changeable areas/issues that he has not only experienced as a parent of three but also heard about in his parenting seminars - circumstances that other parents have said they would have handled differently, in hindsight. Without giving away the seven areas for change (that would be a spoiler!) I will say that McKee provides real-life examples, conversations, and internal monologs that candidly illustrate some do's and don'ts without making parents (the readers) feel uncomfortable, shame, or regret. He then provides some simple "Live It Out" suggestions and questions for parents to consider, so they can apply what they learned and address issues that are cropping up in their own family circumstances.
At first, I was not a fan of the book, because I am not the type of person who learns much by way of anecdote. I would just prefer straight-forward guidance. However, upon reading the book as a whole I would say there is a decent balance between story-telling, guidance, and application. I also appreciate that McKee includes adjustments and alternatives for different family situations, including single-parent families, adolescents, and families with younger children.
Overall, I would generally recommend this practical book to any parent looking to make some positive changes to their family relationships. I need to mention, however, that there are very few biblical references in McKee's book - I only found Scripture on 6 pages out of 174 total pages. However, he includes references to Diane Sawyer, Gandhi, Stephen Covey, and The Washington Post. Don't misunderstand me - I realize that the Bible doesn't say anything about Netflix specifically, but I believe the Bible can provide guidance for EVERY area of our lives and we can apply that guidance to situations like watching too much TV. I mention this because this book is billed as a Christian book, endorsed by a Christian organization, and published by a Christian publisher. Just my two cents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 17, 2017
A very well written and fun book on parenting with an emphasis on connecting with your kids. The best thing about this book is the practical advice that you can use immediately. I also enjoyed the "Living it out this week" section at the end of each chapter as it helps to discuss what you learned. I especially recommend this book to parents of teens where the connections are most tenuous and parental guidance is needed the most. A good read.
February 4, 2017
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a long time because I don’t want to look back on my life and wish I had done things differently. I wanted to hear what common mistakes parents make so that I can parent effectively today. I love Jonathan’s honesty about what worked and what didn’t. He’s not afraid to tell us where he messed up and what he would have done differently.
Besides the practical advice written in each chapter, they each end with a page titled “Living it out this week,” containing a list of questions to ask yourself and to make you really think about the way you’re parenting. Then at the end of the book is a list of ways to put everything you just read into practice.
I have a really good relationship with my kids, so I wasn’t expecting to have too many aha moments, but I ended up taking PAGES of notes! This book gave me a lot to think about and I'm grateful to Jonathan for sharing his experiences as a parent.
I’ll be recommending this book to all of my friends.
Besides the practical advice written in each chapter, they each end with a page titled “Living it out this week,” containing a list of questions to ask yourself and to make you really think about the way you’re parenting. Then at the end of the book is a list of ways to put everything you just read into practice.
I have a really good relationship with my kids, so I wasn’t expecting to have too many aha moments, but I ended up taking PAGES of notes! This book gave me a lot to think about and I'm grateful to Jonathan for sharing his experiences as a parent.
I’ll be recommending this book to all of my friends.
January 25, 2017
Wow, I wish this book had been available for my husband and myself when our son was born. There are so many things we would have handled differently. This book gives great examples of how to deal with day to day relationships while raising children. Pausing and praying before making decisions can make all the difference in the outcome of any situation. Even though we each go through our own unique experiences raising children, and what works for some might not work for others, this book can be a great help. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 1, 2017
Wow! A practical and easy to read book on parenting. Balanced and real. I especially liked the end section... What Now? 25 Ways to Apply What You’ve Just Read! So helpful! The author is funny and is easy to relate to as well. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews