Never Mind the Joneses: Building Core Christian Values in a Way That Fits Your Family

by Tim Stafford

Presents ways in which familes can incorporate religious routines and perform charitable works together as a reflection of their Christian values.

Genres: Parenting, Christianity, Religion

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sarah Frobisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Very practical and non-judgmental, the author comes with the perspective of these values are important, here are some ideas to implement them. Use what works for you, don't use the rest. Each family is unique and has to figure out it's own culture. I love that it is Biblically-based and sound, while still being flexible to fit each families needs. The practical sugguestions that make up most of this book were great, and can be implemented for children of various age groups.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from the fact that Stafford puts homosexuality under the "Bad Behavior" section in the chapter on Family Unity and Love (?!?!)I enjoyed this book and found it to have many helpful ideas and points such as how to nurture your children while also preparing them to leave home, how sometimes the family system itself (not necessarily the people)needs adjustment, how to avoid extremes as a parent, etc. I like how he differentiates between family culture and family traditions and explains how children influence that culture.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good perspective especially these days when we need to think of survival not just status.

[badger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy and quick read. The author provides many great ideas for supporting Biblical core values in a very diverse, not "one size fits all" format. The author presents different ideas that parents can incorporate into their home to model the way of a generous, loving Christian household. The author is very up front that the thoughts and ideas presented aren't a script of how every parent should model the way, but rather a comprehensive list of ideas that you can pick and choose from depending on your personal preferences. Because it's such an easy, quick read, I will be reading this at least once a year to make sure I am grounded and dedicated to these values as a parent.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of "how to" books, especially ones that are geared towards subjective subjects like "how to have a Christian home."



Thankfully, this book is a fine exception. The author operates under the premise that all families are unique with their own culture. A Christian home is no exception and should live as followers of Christ that is appropriate to their own culture. He then articulates 14 core Biblical values and looks at how families might shape them in their own unique way. Rather than a "how to" this book is strong on suggestions. Further, these suggestions are built on a firm foundation and allows families a place to nurture Christian spirituality in their own unique way.



Highly recommended.

[Jessica Homan]

Goes over 14 values and gives ideas on how to make them part of your family culture. He doesn't say 'you have to do this to make your kids that'. It's just easy ideas and what can be used to give your kids a value that is meaningful. I'm sure most of these are already done in our homes. And in the back of the book he encourages looking at your family culture, what you already doing and how you can take it one step further, or strengthen them.

Great layout, easy to go back and find things. Good ideas. And cool to look at it and see for example, I already do that and so I must already be teaching my kids ABC values and if I point this out we could also be teaching DEF.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for any Christian Parent striving to raise children. Really puts forward a lot of ideas and advice in a non judgmental way. Gets a little bit repetitive towards the end but definitely a book I will visit again with Adrienne as the kids get older.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice for creating habits and traditions all aiming for a true Christian identity in the family. It is an offering of choices, not a single path, and I appreciate its flexibility. Now to put some of the ideas into practice.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read. I am not a big non-fiction/self-help reader. I much prefer fiction. The author gave some good ideas for child rearing and ways to incorporate values into family life. Not sure if everyone would find it as useful.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a book i really enjoyed. i found it to be practical without being legalistic or preachy or guilt inducing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new FAVORITE parenting/family books!

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastically helpful book for the Christian parent who wants to figure out how to have a happy home life that suits THEIR family. It's a quick read and well organized, too.

[Lisa]

Parenting

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and practical look at what it means to create a Christian culture within your own family. I highly recommend this book.

[Ratforce]

This is another title on Christian family building, which offers practical advice and encouragement for modern Christian parents.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad-wasn't really what I was expecting...appreciated author's transparency but didn't agree (naturally) w/everything he said. Best part was questions to ponder @ end of book.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theme: Families are different. We find different ways to interact. Now you can probably skip this unless you want to find out ways to consider those differences.

[Chickadee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was hoping for.