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Raising Amazing: Bringing Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes without Being Asked
Raising Amazing combines years of research with personal stories and step-by-step, practical advice to equip you to raise kids of godly character and deep faith who love their parents and remain close to their siblings for a lifetime.
Parents love to imagine their children growing up to be exceptional adults. But for many, raising exceptional adults seems a daunting task. Perhaps you're a new parent and don't know where to start, or maybe you're a parent of teens and feel like you've made a mess of it all. Or perhaps you're somewhere in between and just don't think you're good at the whole parenting thing. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, there's hope for you. As a mom of four boys, Monica Swanson--also the author of Boy Mom and host of the popular Boy Mom podcast--knows firsthand the challenges and struggles of parenting and the kind of help that parents in the trenches are looking for. In Raising Amazing , Monica gives you the tools and techniques you need This isn't just a book; it's a fresh perspective on parenting that may just change the trajectory of your family forever.
Parents love to imagine their children growing up to be exceptional adults. But for many, raising exceptional adults seems a daunting task. Perhaps you're a new parent and don't know where to start, or maybe you're a parent of teens and feel like you've made a mess of it all. Or perhaps you're somewhere in between and just don't think you're good at the whole parenting thing. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, there's hope for you. As a mom of four boys, Monica Swanson--also the author of Boy Mom and host of the popular Boy Mom podcast--knows firsthand the challenges and struggles of parenting and the kind of help that parents in the trenches are looking for. In Raising Amazing , Monica gives you the tools and techniques you need This isn't just a book; it's a fresh perspective on parenting that may just change the trajectory of your family forever.
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2023
65 people are currently reading
4275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 13, 2023
So, so good. One of the best books I’ve read to encourage biblical parenting. I highly recommend this resource, and plan to read it several times over the span my children live at home.
June 27, 2023
Book 85 of 2023
I always appreciate the honest and truth-filled words of @MonicaSwanson. She has become a reliable voice for me when it comes to raising boys to be seekers of truth and leaders for Christ in this crazy world. I first read "Boy Mom" in November 2019 when I had a three-year-old, and again in February 2022 when I had made the decision to homeschool our son. Since this new book came out over the summer, I knew I wanted to dive in and see what @MonicaSwanon had to say. Overall, this is a good book, filled with great recommendations for family life and raising our kids in a time when the culture is trying to pull them away from Christ and the nuclear family. For me, personally, this wasn't quite as good as Boy Mom, probably because I read that one first (and twice, and have a son). I also read her blog and listen to her podcast occasionally, so for me there weren't a lot of new ideas presented here. If she was a new author to me, I would immensely enjoy this book because I love and appreciate her tone and perspective. So in that regard I would highly recommend. But if you are someone that follows her closely, this may be a repeat of a lot of things she has already spoke on.
Rating -- four stars
Format -- paperback
I always appreciate the honest and truth-filled words of @MonicaSwanson. She has become a reliable voice for me when it comes to raising boys to be seekers of truth and leaders for Christ in this crazy world. I first read "Boy Mom" in November 2019 when I had a three-year-old, and again in February 2022 when I had made the decision to homeschool our son. Since this new book came out over the summer, I knew I wanted to dive in and see what @MonicaSwanon had to say. Overall, this is a good book, filled with great recommendations for family life and raising our kids in a time when the culture is trying to pull them away from Christ and the nuclear family. For me, personally, this wasn't quite as good as Boy Mom, probably because I read that one first (and twice, and have a son). I also read her blog and listen to her podcast occasionally, so for me there weren't a lot of new ideas presented here. If she was a new author to me, I would immensely enjoy this book because I love and appreciate her tone and perspective. So in that regard I would highly recommend. But if you are someone that follows her closely, this may be a repeat of a lot of things she has already spoke on.
Rating -- four stars
Format -- paperback
February 8, 2023
Horrifying propaganda for abusing children through the lens of Christianity. You don't seem to have any credentials to speak of nor do you seem to have any references on your website. You are absolutely not qualified to speak on child raising, you only have experience raising *your* children.
Are you a doctor? Psychologist? Anyone who actually has training outside of a home school mother and fitness instructor? Bloggers should not be given leeway to write this type of book.
Are you a doctor? Psychologist? Anyone who actually has training outside of a home school mother and fitness instructor? Bloggers should not be given leeway to write this type of book.
September 13, 2023
A great springboard to use as highlights in parenting what is most important and how special the parenting children role is. Loved it.
January 18, 2024
Non-fiction recommend:
I enjoyed this book. It was a really good parenting book with good advice and full of extra references to help in every chapter discussed.
I enjoyed this book. It was a really good parenting book with good advice and full of extra references to help in every chapter discussed.
August 12, 2024
Helpful topics and situations to think about, from a very honest heart that desires to raise kids biblically, and a little on the verbose side (3.5-4 stars). It's worth reading but I wish it were quite a bit shorter. Input from dad is minimal but valuable nevertheless.
March 10, 2024
One of the best parenting books I’ve read. I have an 8, 12 and 14 year old and this book hit all the stages. Monica points back to Jesus and the Bible as our ultimate source of wisdom but lays the tracks for us in some many areas. There were solid, practical tips every step of the way. Truly I felt so encouraged as a parent and hopeful for the different seasons we are in and what’s ahead.
June 11, 2023
Excellent book full of Christ-centered, practical advice. Great stuff, very encouraging, and easy to follow.
I don't usually read parenting books, let alone finish them. Not only did I finish this one but found it highly valuable with Monica's insight, Dave's input, and the commentary from each of their four sons. When I didn't think there was more to learn about one of the topics brought up in 'Raising Amazing," I learned I had another fact or 50 to figure out.
I don't usually read parenting books, let alone finish them. Not only did I finish this one but found it highly valuable with Monica's insight, Dave's input, and the commentary from each of their four sons. When I didn't think there was more to learn about one of the topics brought up in 'Raising Amazing," I learned I had another fact or 50 to figure out.
June 28, 2023
Inspiring, practical, and oh-so-needed! Raising Amazing is the book I wish I’d had when my own kids were little, but there are still so many nuggets of wisdom to apply no matter how old our kids are, like this one: “Confessing our mistakes, asking for forgiveness, and talking about the areas we’re working on makes us more relatable and trustworthy to our kids.” I highly recommend!
February 1, 2023
This book does an admirable job of pointing out, a few times, that we can NOT compare ourselves to others. That it's never usually a good feeling in the end and it's a pointless waste of time overall. Problem is, my brain overrides my wishes and that wisdom and instead beats me senseless about how bad I am at this parent "job". Where is the book that makes me BELIEVE that I've got this. Fortunately, it's NOT this book's fault. It's something wrong with my own personal mindset. Since reading this book, I've kept trying in the hardest of times to remind myself that "I CAN do hard things!". So far, so good. There's a line in the book about marriage that's speaks to comparing ourselves. It should be front and center at the beginning. Get it right out there to stop judging ourselves compared to others.
I feel this book was written with a higher socio-economic audience in mind compared to where I am. It's all fine and good to scrimp and save for a vacation, but it's not going to be anywhere away from the kids because who will watch them while I'm gone?
I love, Love, LOVE the mantra about being able to "do hard things". I wish the author could stand on my shoulder and say it for me when I'm stumbling.
I'm sure it's because I got an advanced copy, but the numbers for the questions don't make any sense to me. I'm betting they're not meant to, but my brain spent a bunch of time trying to figure out what the possibilities were.
The technology section? YES! YES! YES! Google thinks your child should fully control their technology lives when they hit 13!?! NOT in my house. Be aware, if you set chores as a way to get extra electronics time and don't have clear defined options available constantly, someone will always be bugging you for a chore to do. The chores will be fewer, but your sanity might be more frazzled as well. I don't know about PlayStation, but Xbox has excellent controls to limit your child's exposure to "random strangers". This section of the book is where I said "Finally! I'm doing something right already".
LOVE the color and feel of this book. Love the different perspectives from the author's family. I've never cared for a sentence that's already there being given fancy script and bigger. It just says the same thing. Make that sentence fancy in line with it's section, but don't repeat it. Just my personal opinion. I know it's done in many other books just like it is here. I've just always thought it was silly to repeat itself. I hate it when reality shows show you the same scene 3 or 4 times in a short amount of time as well. Same concept.
Who should read this book? EVERYONE who has children. There's a lot of great insights on parenting (of course). There's a lot of pep talk. Who doesn't need a good pep talk sometimes? There's a lot of heart. Great advice for anyone trying to be closer to their kids. That's really the key isn't it? Just put in the time. The rest you just have to trust in God for.
I feel this book was written with a higher socio-economic audience in mind compared to where I am. It's all fine and good to scrimp and save for a vacation, but it's not going to be anywhere away from the kids because who will watch them while I'm gone?
I love, Love, LOVE the mantra about being able to "do hard things". I wish the author could stand on my shoulder and say it for me when I'm stumbling.
I'm sure it's because I got an advanced copy, but the numbers for the questions don't make any sense to me. I'm betting they're not meant to, but my brain spent a bunch of time trying to figure out what the possibilities were.
The technology section? YES! YES! YES! Google thinks your child should fully control their technology lives when they hit 13!?! NOT in my house. Be aware, if you set chores as a way to get extra electronics time and don't have clear defined options available constantly, someone will always be bugging you for a chore to do. The chores will be fewer, but your sanity might be more frazzled as well. I don't know about PlayStation, but Xbox has excellent controls to limit your child's exposure to "random strangers". This section of the book is where I said "Finally! I'm doing something right already".
LOVE the color and feel of this book. Love the different perspectives from the author's family. I've never cared for a sentence that's already there being given fancy script and bigger. It just says the same thing. Make that sentence fancy in line with it's section, but don't repeat it. Just my personal opinion. I know it's done in many other books just like it is here. I've just always thought it was silly to repeat itself. I hate it when reality shows show you the same scene 3 or 4 times in a short amount of time as well. Same concept.
Who should read this book? EVERYONE who has children. There's a lot of great insights on parenting (of course). There's a lot of pep talk. Who doesn't need a good pep talk sometimes? There's a lot of heart. Great advice for anyone trying to be closer to their kids. That's really the key isn't it? Just put in the time. The rest you just have to trust in God for.
January 3, 2023
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
I wish I had read this book back when my kids were younger. My wife and I have five kids between us (kind of like the Brady Bunch minus Cindy). They are all young adults now. One is even married and will be starting his own family soon.
The most important message from this book is raising your kids with God at the center of your family. I took my kids to Church and Sunday School but didn't bring up God on a regular basis and in any planned way as Swanson sets out. Sadly, I followed what had been outlined for me by my parents. As a young adult, I stepped away from God and didn't come back to Him until I had kids of my own. I pray my kids will not wait until that point.
Lots of topics are raised including some I didn't really have to deal with extensively such as technology. I enjoyed the chapter that covered dealing with struggles. This world is full of struggles we will have to face. Talking with your kids about struggles, even before they have to deal with them, is vital.
Each chapter ends with "A Word to Dads" which was really just a repeat of what was said by Monica in the prior chapter, set out by her husband, Dave. It was kind of condescending insinuating that dads won't read the whole book.
There is also a short page or two from one of Monica's kids discussing the topic. Not much was added from this. Finally, there are reflective questions that would be good for small group study.
I know Monica states that her family is not perfect but they appear to be darn close. More negative things should be put in. These negatives could then be addressed or discussed how they were addressed. This was done a little bit, but more was needed.
I wish I had read this book back when my kids were younger. My wife and I have five kids between us (kind of like the Brady Bunch minus Cindy). They are all young adults now. One is even married and will be starting his own family soon.
The most important message from this book is raising your kids with God at the center of your family. I took my kids to Church and Sunday School but didn't bring up God on a regular basis and in any planned way as Swanson sets out. Sadly, I followed what had been outlined for me by my parents. As a young adult, I stepped away from God and didn't come back to Him until I had kids of my own. I pray my kids will not wait until that point.
Lots of topics are raised including some I didn't really have to deal with extensively such as technology. I enjoyed the chapter that covered dealing with struggles. This world is full of struggles we will have to face. Talking with your kids about struggles, even before they have to deal with them, is vital.
Each chapter ends with "A Word to Dads" which was really just a repeat of what was said by Monica in the prior chapter, set out by her husband, Dave. It was kind of condescending insinuating that dads won't read the whole book.
There is also a short page or two from one of Monica's kids discussing the topic. Not much was added from this. Finally, there are reflective questions that would be good for small group study.
I know Monica states that her family is not perfect but they appear to be darn close. More negative things should be put in. These negatives could then be addressed or discussed how they were addressed. This was done a little bit, but more was needed.
February 23, 2023
Oh how I wish I had this book years ago when my boys were little. Amazing wasn’t even on my radar, as I was just trying to survive. :) Great reminder that “God loves your kids…the snot-nose naughtiness, rascally, rowdy mischief…when hormones get all weird” - oh Lord, the struggle is real!
I found so many tips for me in the season of parenting I’m in as Monica Swanson brings a fresh perspective in each chapter. And Dads, there’s something for you too (so cool!).
One of my favorite chapters is actually on healthy marriage: “We have such an incredible opportunity to show our kids God’s unrelenting, self-sacrificing love as we walk out love in our marriage.” But don’t worry single parents, she has you covered too! I can’t wait to try out the 15 ways to cultivate your marriage in all seasons that she shares as it’s so hard to do in the ups and downs of raising kiddos.
You’ll also find practical tips to help your children to “not simply tolerate each other” but
spend time together to “help build a foundation for friendships that last a lifetime”.
Great hot topic chapter on how to “offer our children a biblical worldview of gender, sexuality, dating, marriage, and politics “that is based on the unchanging truth of biblical principles”.
Wait no longer, grab a copy as this book would be such a helpful resource for a book club with your mom friends, or even a church small group with both moms and dads…all with the same mission of raising amazing children. I can’t wait to share it with all the parents I know!
I found so many tips for me in the season of parenting I’m in as Monica Swanson brings a fresh perspective in each chapter. And Dads, there’s something for you too (so cool!).
One of my favorite chapters is actually on healthy marriage: “We have such an incredible opportunity to show our kids God’s unrelenting, self-sacrificing love as we walk out love in our marriage.” But don’t worry single parents, she has you covered too! I can’t wait to try out the 15 ways to cultivate your marriage in all seasons that she shares as it’s so hard to do in the ups and downs of raising kiddos.
You’ll also find practical tips to help your children to “not simply tolerate each other” but
spend time together to “help build a foundation for friendships that last a lifetime”.
Great hot topic chapter on how to “offer our children a biblical worldview of gender, sexuality, dating, marriage, and politics “that is based on the unchanging truth of biblical principles”.
Wait no longer, grab a copy as this book would be such a helpful resource for a book club with your mom friends, or even a church small group with both moms and dads…all with the same mission of raising amazing children. I can’t wait to share it with all the parents I know!
November 15, 2024
A solid parenting book and worth reading. I am looking forward to reading her Boy Mom book.
1 Cor 11:1 - follow me, as I follow Christ. Can I say that? Daily?
Better to have a season with no friends than to have friends who are poor influences
Children don’t have built in sense of limits, that is why they have parents
Monica - “Who are the closest people to your children and do you have concerns about their influence on them?”
Me - “Me. Yes, I am the greatest sinner I know. “
This was a sobering question for me.
Self control isn’t just one good character trait, a nice addition to the pantheon of virtues. It is foundational. Not more important but all the others rely on it. (Your Future Self with Thank you)
No two children have the same set of parents.
I thought a lot on this looking a the 12 years between my 6 children. How much I have changed
Role Models - TEDtalks, podcasts, etc and a journal to write what is learned
Sometimes we would rather climb a mountain than face a small mountain of dishes right in front of us
1 Cor 11:1 - follow me, as I follow Christ. Can I say that? Daily?
Better to have a season with no friends than to have friends who are poor influences
Children don’t have built in sense of limits, that is why they have parents
Monica - “Who are the closest people to your children and do you have concerns about their influence on them?”
Me - “Me. Yes, I am the greatest sinner I know. “
This was a sobering question for me.
Self control isn’t just one good character trait, a nice addition to the pantheon of virtues. It is foundational. Not more important but all the others rely on it. (Your Future Self with Thank you)
No two children have the same set of parents.
I thought a lot on this looking a the 12 years between my 6 children. How much I have changed
Role Models - TEDtalks, podcasts, etc and a journal to write what is learned
Sometimes we would rather climb a mountain than face a small mountain of dishes right in front of us
September 24, 2024
This was so good, biblically based, encouraging, as well as stepping on my toes in the best possible way. I liked the little blurb from her husband at the end of each chapter as well as the notes from her sons. I didn't realize until about halfway through that she had written Boy Mom which has been on my TBR for a while. Definitely bumping that one up. I want to get a hard copy of this so I can highlight and mark it up.
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become. "
"Parents set the example for their kids. It's like they're setting the bar or the standard whether they know it or not. "
"We do what we can do and then we let God do what only He can do."
"Never lose sight of the fact that our children will become like the company they keep."
"God does all things with intention and nothing by chance, He sets all things up with purpose."
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become. "
"Parents set the example for their kids. It's like they're setting the bar or the standard whether they know it or not. "
"We do what we can do and then we let God do what only He can do."
"Never lose sight of the fact that our children will become like the company they keep."
"God does all things with intention and nothing by chance, He sets all things up with purpose."
April 1, 2023
Monica has done it again? I loved her book Boymom. Raising amazing is full of encouragement, biblical wisdom, and wonderful ideas to help you along your part ting journey. I love that she wasn’t afraid to tackle hard topics and was transparent about her and her husbands journey in parenting. I loved that she included her husband and boys in this book and offered so many great resources. This was an easy read full of practical advice that is easy to implement if you feel it would help for your family dynamic.
January 9, 2025
Do you wish you had an older mom mentor to help you raise your kids? If so, this book felt like that. Monica has launched three boys, and still in the thick of raising another. I was especially encouraged with her training on how to teach her kids to explain the gospel, and the importance of good character. This is one of those books you read (or listen slowly) and possibly again and again over the seasons of motherhood.
Hearing from her husband and kids was a special touch, although it did feel a bit scripted 🫣
I listened to this book on audible.
Hearing from her husband and kids was a special touch, although it did feel a bit scripted 🫣
I listened to this book on audible.
July 24, 2023
You’ve done it again, Monica Swanson! Wonderful book with amazing advice to raise amazing kids. I feel energized to work even harder helping my boys navigate this crazy world and teach them to love God and to know they are children of God. You have a wonderful way with words and know how to share it in a way that feels like I’m chatting with an old friend. Maybe someday I will get to meet you and chat with you about my 4 amazing boys that I’m raising!
November 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book, more so i enjoyed working through this book in a “connect group”, it’s like a Bible study with my church. So much sense was made in this book that has me re-thinking on my parenting. Somethings are going to change :)
Well worth the read. I love how her husband has his own section with each chapter so the dads can read and connect and how her children even voiced their own thoughts.
Well worth the read. I love how her husband has his own section with each chapter so the dads can read and connect and how her children even voiced their own thoughts.
February 10, 2024
Lots of solid biblical parenting advice, great to read from an author with adult and middle years kids. A lot of truths I already cherished, but the encouragement was lovely! Her perspective at times felt particularly contextual (American, wealthy, conservative view on education) but I could still appreciate her wisdom even when I disagreed or couldn't relate. Her husband includes a word for Dad's at the end of each chapter, which was great.
March 25, 2024
I listened to this book in just a few days, loved that it is read by the author, Monica herself, along with her husband and children to get their perspective as well in every chapter. This book is full of inspiration, practical parenting advice from a Biblical perspective, humor, and encouragement for the everyday parenting challenges we all face everyday. I cannot recommend this book enough to every parent!
September 25, 2024
A friend recommended this book to me, and I loved it! It was very easy to listen to and was packed with insight. As a mom of kids ranging in age from 7.5-9 months, I loved getting to hear her perspective having raised 3 godly men (and one more son still in middle school). Definitely download the resource PDF that goes with it! I’m excited to implement some of the things in there!
July 12, 2024
Absolutely great read! So much good parenting advice and Biblical foundations. I appreciate the personal experiences shared, the Dad thought at the end of each chapter, and her boys sharing their own thoughts and experiences. This is a definite re-read for me!
August 5, 2024
A must read, every year! Encouraging and helpful! I enjoyed the sections written by her husband and sons too! Her sons sound like they have their heads on straight at all their different ages! They’ve done a great job intentionally raising them to be godly men with character.
August 20, 2024
I loved this book. As a follower of Christ, who is trying to raise my kids to love God and put Him first, this book offers some great examples of how to do that. I'm excited to start this with my family. I love that she has tons of resources available.
October 21, 2024
This book spoke to my heart as a momma of 2 littles. Monica's perspective was realistic. She didn't sugar coat motherhood. But she did paint it in a different light. We should be our kids' advocates and guide in ever moment.
May 14, 2025
This is another really great and realistic Christian parenting book. I appreciated how Monica can be laid back on some topics but reminded us how important it is to hold out ground on others. Over all very encouraging!
June 17, 2025
This book kind of piggybacks off of Raising grateful kids in an entitled world (most influential book I’ve read). I’m usually not a fan of parenting books, but this is definitely one I will come back to again and again through the different seasons of motherhood.
July 27, 2025
Preferred her books on homeschooling and Boy Mom, possibly because there's a lot of repeated content and possibly because the Christian content is much more prevalent (doesn't bother me in the slightest, but less relevant to me as an old Testament Jew).
February 4, 2023
I love that Monica’s husbands and sons contributed to this book. It really demonstrates how their family is all in. This book is practical, encouraging, and a fun read!
April 18, 2023
Very good book. Loved the boys' input at the end of each chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews