Take Back Your Family: How to Raise Respectful and Loving Kids in a Dysfunctional World

by Joseph Simmons, Justine Simmons, Chris Morrow

Stars of MTV's Run's House--dubbed "the new Cosby family"--celebrate family values in this inspiring guide to modern parenting

Despite being a hip-hop icon, an ordained minister, and a reality TV star, Rev Run's greatest accomplishment has been raising his six children--Angela, Vanessa, JoJo, Diggy, Russy and Miley--with his wife Justine. Their journey has been captured on Run's House , a show that celebrates--finally--a reality TV family that is functional instead of dysfunctional. In an age marked by shallow materialism and fragmented families, Rev Run and Justine have inspired millions of viewers by teaching old-fashioned family values applied with a hip-hop twist. In Take Back Your Family , Rev Run and Justine celebrate the role of parents and share their secrets to raising a respectful and loving family that can enjoy the good times while surviving the hard ones.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help

290 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2008

Reviews

[K2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoodRead

[Wanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will more than likely not finish reading this book, and that is something I NEVER do. I got to about page 93 before I decided I couldn't take the drivel anymore. On the plus side, I like strong, well put together parents who raise their children on priniciples of hard work, religion, and respect. I did appreciate Rev Run being somewhat humble. What I did not like about this book is some of the advice is kind of ridiculous. Example, Rev and Justine say not to argue about money. I'm sure that is easier to do when you have plenty of it. There was also a lot of bragplaining (when you brag, but complain at the same time). It was annoying to read, "It's nothing for us to go to St. Bart's or Cabo for the weekend, but we want our children to know that fun can be had right at home." Again, easier to do when you have a gym, recording studio, and a pool at home. Then came the shameless plugs about the Vanessa and Angela's shoe line or Justine's jewelery or children's books.

Overall, I just think Rev and Justine are too out of touch with the basic reasons why so many families are struggling.

[Abbie Hammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this family and his ways of teaching his kids. i watch the tv show on mtv and when i found out they were coming out with a book i just had to get it. i have been reading it now for 2 days and i dont want to put it down. it has helped learn a new meaning to life and the ability that have with my childrens life and what not to take for granited. i highly recommend this book to anyone out there that wants to challenge there parenting skills to a new level. i love everything about this book so far.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I'm a big fan of this reality show on Mtv - it's the one reality show that shows a functional family portrayed in a positive light - I don't have kids or a spouse but still found the book's messages applicable - it reminds you and teaches you respect, values, and being good and giving in life. I also appreciated the very humble and down-to-earth approach that Rev Run and Justine took - they admit they are not perfect and don't know it all but are trying their best and live by core principle family values and do it with humor and a sense of realism.

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading this book and i must say that it is truly a page turning. Its not a book that tells you what you "should" do and what you "must" do. It gives you insight on what works for their family and how you can adopt some of their principles as your own. I definitely recommend this book to parents of any make up and/or religion.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing both of their stories of situations in the family. I think they give sound advice for parents dealing with kids now and the pressures felt by them. I felt the book to be very honest and very much like what they portray on the show. I'm a fan of the show but did learn new things about Justine and Rev Run while reading this book.

[Maribel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book but I just couldn't get into it I don't have kids so it wasn't great reading but for someone with a big family it's great. I enjoyed the part about them losing their baby girl because I lost my child also so I could relate but other then that the rest of the book was not for me!!

[Crystal]

A dear friend surprised me and got me this book as a gift. I absolute love the show "Run's House" and was so excited when she gave this book to me. I hadn't heard of it and I don't know if I would have bought it on my own but I'm excited to read it!

[Frank Padron · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was in "My opinion" a poorly written book It was hard to follow along because they kept jumping from one point to make another point and never quite going back to the original point and it happened alot....

[Kiersten]

My mom has it. And we watch Runs house all the time. She is still reading it and she says everyone that has their own family should own a copy of this book.

[Ui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book only because I love "Run's House." But I must say, Rev Run has some pretty interesting advice on how to keep your family together. *sigh* if only they were members.

[Shelley]

vital book to all parents

[Aaron Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Brenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and good family tips