The Perfect Parent: Guiding Principles from the Father-Heart of God

by Doug Ley

There’s no such thing as the perfect parent... Or is there?

Raising children is hard, and it’s only getting harder. And while there have never been more resources available, many parenting books offer wildly differing theories on how to be a good parent. In today’s volatile world, many fathers and mothers may find themselves wondering, “Where’s the instruction manual?”

As it turns out, the answer may be closer than you think.

In The Perfect Parent , pastor and theologian Dr. Doug Ley outlines Five Biblical Principles for effective parenting, taken directly from God’s Word. These guidelines have been handed down directly from the One and Only Perfect Parent, God, our Heavenly Father, and include time-tested strategies such as creating a good environment, giving your children responsibility, and setting boundaries—all of which are demonstrated in God’s Word. With the help of real-life examples, candid anecdotes and reflections from the Leys' four adult children, one will see parenting being fleshed out in real life. It’s time to stop parenting the world’s way and start following The Perfect Parent.

Genres: Parenting

137 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2020

Reviews

[Kelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s possible this book found me at the right time, and also that I’m fortunate enough to have good friends to study this book with, and that both of these have influenced my experience with this book. But nonetheless, this is the best and most insightful parenting book I’ve ever read.

Simple and practical, this book lays out how we as parents can emulate God’s perfect love for us by modeling 5 principles for our own children. The author reflects back to scripture for evidence of God’s actions, but it’s also super helpful understanding what parenting looks like in different situations, even hard ones.

I read this book as a study with other friends, including watching the videos together and having lengthy discussions about what we were reflecting on. Ultimately my husband and I came up with simple principles of our own that made sense to our family and also honored these biblical principles.

Highly recommended, especially if studied with others.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not giving five stars because I happen to know part of this family in real life, but I'm giving it five stars because not only will I change some methods I'm doing to match this book but because I see this being lived out through a second generation in the Ley family. I've learned the most about parenting by watching how one of Dr Ley's sons and wife parent their children. I feel like this book has practical steps that aren't bogged down by waaaay too many voices in the parenting field; it just focuses on the One Voice. Thankful to have the honor to make some of these changes.

[Juria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is, in theory, good. The five principles are solid and applicable, however it is clear that this book was written by someone who raised kids in a different time. Sometimes the advice given seemed to contradict what feels like necessary safety measures in the context of today’s broken world, child predators, and sex trafficking. Overall, an easy read and a good conversation starter among groups or parents.

[Leah Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, simple, biblical, and practical. Exactly what I wanted as an expectant parent. Each of the five principles discussed could warrant their own book, but I love that Dr. Ley kept it concise and readable. I look forward to revisiting this book again in the future, applying the principles to my own parenting, and I appreciate the Appendix of relevant scriptures as well.

[Kacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet impactful book. It offers a lot of good advice for parents on things we can do better to love our kids.