Aren't they Lovely when they're Asleep?: Lessons in unsentimental parenting

by Ann Benton

Ann Benton used to run parenting skills classes in local schools. People kept saying "This is great, where do you get this stuff?" She came clean "Actually, it's from the Bible."

This book contains the wisdom distilled from Ann's popular seminars on parenting the next generation. She uses a 'God's eye view' of what we are really like in order to help people who are seeking to be responsible parents in an increasingly child-centred society.

You will learn six key accept, beware, communicate, discipline, evaluate and fear the Lord. These are applied with understanding and sensitivity.

At last - a parenting book with authority and easy to understand applications! Each short, punchy chapter is rounded off with thought-provoking questions that will make you want to wake them up and try some new ideas!

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Christian Living

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Ann Benton is a graduate in Developmental Psychology and has been involved in schools both as a teacher and chair of governors. She and her husband John have raised four children. Ann is the author of a number of successful books dealing with family issues and frequently speaks at conferences and runs parenting courses. She lives in Guildford, Surrey, where John has been pastor of Chertsey St Baptist Church for over thirty years.

Reviews

[Marta Willcox]

Such a favourite

[Sara]

This book is certainly helpful, but almost certainly directed at the pre-millenial middle class where the mother is able to make "the hard decision not to go back to work". Could do with being updated!

[Rachel Garcia]

Everything is true, just nothing earth shattering for a Christian parent.

[Alan]

An easy read with helpful ideas helpfully expressed. There is a lot of wisdom and some firm challenging of distinctly unhelpful modern expectations.
The last page said it best, "On our last evening we shared a leisurely meal in a restaurant. I sat back and watched and listened to their lively interaction and I thought - this is what it has all been about! You raise people you would be glad to have dinner with!"

[Thiago]

This has been the greatest encouragement and challenge I've received when it comes to parenting. It's sobering yet incredibly practical. From the truths I must accept the various reasons for bad behaviour - and how to practically deal with them - Ann has pointed me to Christ, shown the bankruptcy of our culture's values, and encouraged me to be a better parent who fears the Lord and whose responsibility is great in His sight.

[Rachel Campbell]

I’ve never liked the title of this book and for that reason couldn’t bring myself to read it wheb my children were younger. Having now read it as part of some research I think it has some truths and biblical basis but is somewhat superficial.

[Thomas Creedy]

Some great stuff. Some things haven’t aged well. But a very useful primer with lots of meaty truth and practical ideas!