Change can happen in our culture. It can happen in our home and in our children. But it starts with us.
Amorality, dishonesty, discontent—you want your children to reject today’s norms in favor of values like integrity, wisdom, and forgiveness. But how can you train them to do this when you sometimes fall short yourself?
Author, speaker, and Moms in Prayer podcast host Lee Nienhuis offers guidance to every parent seeking to raise Jesus-following kids. In Counter-Cultural Parenting , she provides tools that will help you… It’s easy to look at the world and feel overwhelmed, but you don’t need to lose hope. Embrace the calling God has set before you and know that He will empower you to nurture your children’s faith.
The author did a remarkable job framing the importance of our roles as parents to be diligent in the faith ourselves and in that process of living out our beliefs, educating our children by means of our own behavior (seen and unseen) as well as being able to walk them through situations in a Godly way.
There were many times I saved and annotated well made points, and felt she continually hit the nail on the head with important models of behavior we, as parents, need to work on for ourselves.
Christian parenting is not going to align with secular parenting books, and they likely also won’t align with secular methods and approaches. It is exactly as the title says - counter culture parenting. If we want to parent as God calls us to, we need to first and foremost look to His word for guidance, His character for confidence and His spirit for wisdom.
While I don’t usually like parenting books, this one made my very short list of ones I’d happily recommend.
(I read this book as a proof from the author on NetGalley.)
I was hesitant to read another parenting book because many of them say the same thing . . . but this one was different. Countercultural parenting is so much more than a parenting book. It's really a book about how to live with a biblical worldview. I so appreciated the author's perspective and boldness to address difficult issues from a Christlike perspective. Highly recommend!
This book could not have come out at a better time than what we are going through in 2020. While our children are in our homes, away from school, away from the media and practically the public, we need to suit them up in the armor of God. We need to pray over them, pray with them, and look at ourselves to see what we need to refine in order for our iron to sharpen theirs. We don't know what they will face returning back to school, and the world; Lee's book will help guide us to better inform, teach and lead our children as they face new challenges, and prayerfully reconnect and connect with those that help bring them up. The devil is attacking from all sides of the spectrum, let's teach them to stand on the Rock to win over this battle.
More than ever before the world feels upside down, backwards. How am I supposed to raise a child with strong character when all around I see changing rules, skewed truth and failing leaders? Is it even possible? Lee tackles that exact question in Counter Cultural Parenting. I appreciate her soft encouragement coupled with strong exhortation. I feel like I have practical tools from another mom in the trenches as well as permission not to do it perfectly.
I’m normally not a huge fan of parenting help books, however, I would recommend this to every parent. This book is insightful and filled with uplifting material for parents and parenthood. Let’s just say my book is filled with highlights and dog ears!
A helpful wake-up call to parent with intention, according to God's standard. We've already implemented changes in our home based on the pivotal content.
As a mom of four, I’m constantly battling some sort of parenting issue. This is by far the first parenting book I’ve read, but it is definitely the most unique. Lee shares such great insight on examining ourselves as parents—are we really modeling the behaviors and fruits that we expect from our children. It was such a heart check for me. The advice on how to engage our children in conversation about God and character, how to instill a love for the Word in our children, how to pray for our children and more is stuff I haven’t seen practically laid out this way in any other book. It’s not opinions. It’s not science. It’s based on the Word of God. I’ll be re-reading this one for years to come.
Lee Nienhuis wrote the best parenting book I have ever read and finished from cover to cover. The premise is simple: that for parents to build character into their kids & to prepare them for the future really STARTS with ME as a parent! A change and a revival starts at home.
I love her take on christian parenting, siting examples of men of faith with great foundations of character based on GOD's word. She is clear from the start what counter cultural parenting was and how to get there! I love how she would use personal examples that are very true for every parent. I can see myself in that situation if not now then in the near future...now I have an idea what to expect and how to react....how to continue to build my son's character.
Lee, thank you for giving us point by point truths from the Word of God on characters, on being parents, on being role models and how to basically have a relationship with our kids, how to saturate them with the Word and pray over them. I love how she emphasized the importance of the Scripture and constant Prayer over our kids in parenting. Lessons on love and obedience both for me and for my son are clearly the main act of counter cultural parenting. Hard truths from the Scripture were used here to help us build our character as parents so we help build our kids character the same time.
And this Bible verse stuck to me all through out reading this great book: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your GOD." -Micah 6:8
THank you Lee! I am telling you all THIS IS THE BEST PARENTING BOOK I have read....(maybe she'll come up with another one and that would be the next best thing. Wink to Lee)
What a fantastic book to read during this pandemic and the world we are watching play out in front of our eyes. This is a parenting books you must read!
Parenting has always been in a challenge. In today's world, we as parents face different challenges than ever before. The purpose of this book is to teach parents how to put their children in God's hands by praying for them daily, and helping them to build character in a world that does not always value Christian morals. Raising a child in our world can be a beautiful experience, but it can also be very overwhelming at times, and I found this book to be a guidebook to empower me and also guide me to turn to God. Each chapter began with a personal story about the author or someone she knows, application, and then ends with a heartfelt prayer.
Some quotes that stood out to me from this book were:
"Character is not your reputation. It is not who people think you are - whether classy and desirable or negative and off-putting. It is not your accomplishments or a list of your natural talents. Character is who you really are, not the image you put forward on your best day."
"The answer to our character crisis is Jesus. The change we want to see is found in Him, and we cannot expect this change to begin with others. It must begin with us."
"As countercultural parents, we steadfastly refuse to be judgemental about another's sin while missing our own. Rather, we guide our family in the path of repentance and forgiveness, and we walk in the freedom found on the other side."
"It is inconsistent with who we claim to be as children of God to bless God and curse others. Likewise, it is inconsistent to grumble against brothers and sisters, fight on the way to church, or be critical and unkind. As parents, not only do we need to model strict discipline over our own words, but we also need to hold our kids accountable."
"Your children are His, friend. They are. We are only caretakers of these little ones for a while, and how they turn out is steadfastly in His hand. The same hand that rescued us is reaching for them. The God that leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep is searching for our children right now. His love is unstoppable, and He does not rest in His pursuit."
If you are a parent, I would recommend picking up this book. It is an encouraging and convicting read to bring you closer to God as you navigate the journey of parenting. You are not alone, and this book will show you that!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Harvest House Publishers, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I had the privilege of reading Lee Nienhuis' second book, Countercultural Parenting: Building Character in a World of Compromise. In a nutshell: run to get this valuable parenting book!
Lee's first book, Brave Mom Brave Kids, was an amazing parenting book, and Countercultural Parenting simply builds on the momentum of that book. However, you don't need to read the first book to appreciate the wisdom in Countercultural Parenting!
Lee offers amazing knowledge and insight into raising children that are NOT the status quo. If you are looking for HOPE in an honest form, Lee offers that in Countercultural Parenting. As Lee states, "Is it crazy to imagine that we could raise children who are godly, who will grow into righteous leaders? Could they become men and women who choose for the earliest age to be people of character, steadfast and immovable?"
Lee then follows through with the how to of parenting and raising children who go against the culture! In Countercultural Parenting, Lee shares the insight that not only helps you propel yourself toward raising godly children but also the insight to help you as a parent who does not follow the status quo.
Lee offers a fresh (and rich) look at Biblical characters who can serve as role models and examples for parents and for our children. I highlighted so many passages in this book! I can't wait to share this with friends as an encouragement in their parenting journey.
No longer can we raise children who are part of the status quo of society. It is clear it is no longer working. We need to stand up and raise countercultural children. Lee's book is a great resource for just that.
I was given a free copy of Countercultural Parenting: Building Character in a World of Compromise by Lee Nienhuis for my honest review. I was thrilled to do this and would highly recommend this book!
This book really focuses on character. What is character and how do we teach our children and build character? Culture has turned away from the importance of good character and character building. People arn't held to as much of a standard. She talks about how good character comes from God. She addresses that we can't save our children, only God can. All we can do is work on our own hearts and relationship with God, pray continually for our children, and train them good character.
There was much I enjoyed and and I loved how Lee addressed how we as parents really need to be working on our own heart and relationship with God and how doing that helps us to better train our children. We need to assess our own character and sin that we have and confess our sins to the Lord. This takes work and prayer. It is so important though for training our own children what good character looks like. I loved how she talked about the importance of praying for our children and what a powerful thing that is. Warring for our children on our knees! She also talks about how important being in God’s Word is.
The reason I didn't give this book more stars is that some of the wording at times was a little vague or muddled. I didn't agree with all that she said either. I loved the overarching message she was writting about, but I disagree with some of the nuances and the execution of it. She said a few things that were a little off or unclear.
Overall though, I gained helpful and encouraging insight and was reminded of the importance of a praying parent!
Lee Nienhus has hit the nail on the head with this book and the timing for it could not have been happened more perfectly. At a time where everything seems to be spinning daily I felt like this book was a buoy for my heart and soul. I enjoyed her voice and how she walks the reader through the steps, you can feel her honesty and transparency as you go through each page. I oftentimes feel bogged down with parenting books and will skim and move on but this one hit me hard. I don't know if it is the current temperature of the world with rioting, virus, distance learning, maximum amounts of screen time and then being together A LOT; but this was in my hands at just the right moment. It is definitely useful at all stages too.... Of course it would be great to be prepared prior to life coming at you with kids but I would love to know the parents who read these types of books before their first child is born. :-) I high lighted so much; and I feel like whether you have a strong Christian background or not - this book can help. We all want our children to do the right thing, make the right choice, be the better person, and this book can help guide you to that. I received an early copy of this book from Netgalley and I am reviewing this honestly - my own thoughts and opinions. I would love to know if a reader can go through this book in it's entirety and not take at least a few things from it if not a lot of gems.
“Change can happen in our culture. It can happen in our home and in our children. But it starts with us.” (Lee Nienhuis, Countercultural Parenting)
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a parenting book and phew, Countercultural Parenting was a hard hitter but the perfect choice. This book is first and foremost filled with gospel-centered writing, and I appreciate the eloquence and truthfulness of the author’s thoughts and words. So while I mention that this book hit me hard, it was also very encouraging and spurring in a beautiful way. It was one of those books that I highlighted half the words of, and one I know I will be revisiting again.
I loved how as I was reading this book and now as I’ve been sitting with it afterwards, it’s truly challenged and made me really examine my heart, character, and walk with God in light of the ways in which it directly effects my children and how they’re being raised. Am I giving them a godly model to follow? Our parenting matters. How we’re raising our children and what we’re instilling in them matters. My own prayer is that I raise my children to be Christ-centered lights in the world. “The most natural thing in the world is for children to admire and esteem the things their parents do, so imagine the limitless possibilities when a parent esteems God most.”
Thank you Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley for the gifted copy.
Countercultural Parenting by Lee Nienhuis is the best parenting book I’ve ever read (might be one of the only ones!). What I love most about this book is the balance of reminding us as parents how much our walk with Christ matters before we can disciple our children. She takes the time to include vast amounts of Scripture within this book. She explains the referenced Scripture and how it relates to the changing of our personal cultures within our own hearts and households.
Lee writes with the tone that she’s your best friend and has known you all your life! I LOVE that from an author and it makes me love the book even more. She takes the time to tell stories from her own life, things that are happening NOW, in order to be more relational to her readers. I’m so thankful she didn’t wait until the hard times had passed in her parenting before writing this book!!
This book should be on all parent’s shelf as a genuine resource for Biblical parenting. I love that Lee reminds us that we have to change first before we can expect our children to change their behavior. Her encouragement through the book and tidbits of humor will touch the heart and warm the soul.
Lee writes in the introduction she believes "God's Word contains everything we and our kids need for life, godliness, and faith in our generation (2 Peter 1:3)." Lee does not mince words, which I find refreshing. She states up front that, "Raising a child of character will require constant attention, heavenly perspective, and endurance that we scarcely imagine on this side of eternity." With scripture throughout and bold, powerful prayers, Lee points us to God's Word and His character to shape ours. Countercultural parenting is attainable and this book will take you from overwhelmed by the world to overwhelmed by His Word. Lee takes ownership and encourages us to do the same by committing to doing the character work inside ourselves and our children. Lee's honest, open heart inspires and encourages the reader to examine their own heart. This book is filled with practical advice that you can immediately implement. Grab this book, some friends, and harness your influence on your kids and the next generation for Christ.
I want my kids to live successfully with integrity. Lee Nienhuis explains that success is determined by the way we walk with the Lord, serve him and share Him with others. Living a life of integrity originates in knowing God personally and seeking His wisdom. The goal of raising our children is so that they will operate under “His authority in ever increasing freedom with less intervention from us.” And how do we guide our children through that learning process to become Christians who live for Him? That is the crux of this principle-based book. It will not provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts that will result in a perfect child. Instead, you will find powerful, straightforward and useful principles that will guide you, lovingly help you realign your parenting styles and goals, and, with God’s help and direction, raise adult children who live transformed by the Gospel. This book spoke volumes to me even as a parent of adult children. I highly recommend to parents at any stage of life: engaging, truthful, and encouraging.
Timely Read for Timely Parenting God's word never goes out of style. It is always timely. Having the pleasure of reading Countercultural Parenting during this difficult time we are facing, gave me a new perspective and a sense of peace.
In Chapter 8 Warring on Your Knees, Praying for Character, Lee Nienhuis addresses Control Issues: Throughout Scripture, God shows that He delivers His children in the most unconventional ways. It's almost as if He delights in us marveling and saying, "I never saw that coming. I could never have imagined." God loves to blow our minds, delights us, and deliver us with a strong hand. Want to take a giant leap forward in your faith? Start by praying, "Your will be done," in the area that is breaking your heart, driving you crazy, or scaring you to death.
WOW. Isn't that exciting? Read this book. It is full of exciting knowledge that we don't know or forget from God. The delivery is beautifully executed and easy to read.
Take the time. Purchase the book. Take a deep breath and enjoy the change. Blessings.
I am huge fan of parenting books and this one by Lee Nienhuis did not disappoint this mama who has set out to educate myself so I can better raise my family. Countercultural Parenting was such an inspiring and encouraging read to challenge parents to rise up and change what is happening around them in culture by being proactive instead of reactive. Lee challenges her readers to not allow passivity in their homes but to take action and equip the next generation to live wholeheartedly for Christ. Through personal stories and experience, advice and practical application this book is a great tool for any parent wanting to make a difference and disciple their children. It will certainly be a book that I will read again and refer back to all throughout my parenting journey.
There is nothing better than the summer sun, more family time, and a good book. This book is a guidebook to developing character in your kids and shining a probing light inward to our own rough edges. It comes practically with an assessment of our child's character, in-depth study on aspects of character from a Biblical worldview, and practical ways to grow as a family. Lee Nienhuis's book is rooted in humility and prayer. This local school Mom's in prayer leader and clinical counselor is inspired to do a better job of "training our children to embrace the image of God and be transformed into the image of Christ" pg. 39 Highly recommend!
Lee Nienhuis has knocked it out of the park with this book! This timely, Truth-filled, practical key for parenting counterculturally in today's world is a must-read tool for every parent. From littles to teens, boys and girls- you need this book. Lee's first book, Brave Moms, Brave Kids endeared her teaching to me, and her second does not disappoint. From personal stories that parents can relate to, Lee guides and encourages parents to parent the change we want to see in our culture. "Change can happen in our culture. It can happen in our home and in our children. But it starts with us.” -Lee Nienhuis
One of the best discipleship tools for parents. It is encouraging to know that struggles happen, and raising children of character is not easy BUT this book gives practical tools, prayers, and perspectives on how to intentionally raise our children. A must read for any parent or those in waiting to enter their parenting journey. Lee has done an amazing job of writing this book in a way that causes you to take a look at yourself first and be sharpened as you prepare and work to sharpen your child.
I don’t read a lot of parenting books, but I loved Lee’s first book (Brave Moms, Brave Kids) so much that I couldn’t wait to start this one. It did not disappoint! It’s Bible-based and encouraging, and challenges parents to be pro-active in changing the culture of the world we live in. Counter-Cultural parenting is filled with personal stories, Scripture, advice and application. It’s very convicting, and I’m certain I will be referring to it again and again as my kids grow.
Packed with scripture, Lee Nienhuis’ Counter Cultural Parenting vulnerably gives examples in her own family experiences to help navigate the murky waters of parenting. I walked away feeling empowered, strengthened and optimistic, something no other book on parenting has ever done. At a time when I feel isolated from scripture-based parenting, she brings hope to gut it out and remain faithful in the fight for our children and families despite the chaos in the world.
Christian parents are worried about what will happen to their children a they are being raised in a post-Christian culture. Lee Nienhuis shows parents that with intentionality, we can raise children to be leaders in their world and still follow Jesus. This is a must read for the parents raising the next generation. I received a complimentary copy of Countercultural Parenting, but all opinions are my own.
A great book for parents of any age range of children. It is a good look into character and what it looks like in daily behavior. Lee Nienhuis gives attainable suggestions on how to have intentional parenting to build character in our homes. She shares stories, scripture and prayer to guide you along in making a positive change in our culture.
This book is an incredible resource for parents of all aged children. It does a great job re-focusing the reader to things of God and his word. Lee does a wonderful job defining character in a Gospel Centered way and shows the reader that "good" character comes straight from God and his character! This is a must read and a must re-read!
This is a must read for parents!!! Lee does an excellent job of sharing not only why it is so important to raise up children with a godly character but how we can go about doing it. She reminds us to look to the bible for help and even though in the world we live in, where everything seems to be going wrong, it's not an impossible task!
In a culture that is slipping and sliding away from Jesus, Lee’s book gives you a way to stop that and readjust your parenting. I’m so thankful for this book, it has practical advice and prayers at the end of every chapter. Reading this book is like talking to a friend sharing her real life parenting woes and how to work with your children.
This is a book every christian parent must read. Raising christlike children in this world can be hard and many times you feel weak in this journey. But in this wonderful book you can find encouraging insights and guidelines to build character in your children. I loved the way Lee Nienhus empathise the power of prayer. Really loved this book!