parenting 14 gospel principles that can radically change your family

In Tripp’s words, “Parenting is not first what we want for our children or from our children, but about what God in grace has planned to do through us in our children” (p. While the book claims 14 principles, each principle is introduced through the lens of Tripp’s concept of parenting as an ambassadorship rather than an ownership. Tripp helps to set theologically-informed boundaries regarding what is within a parent’s capability, and what is not (but is well within God’s capabilities.) Tripp seeks to orient parents toward the hearts of their children, hearts that are not unlike their own. Parenting addresses first, the hearts of parents and then the minds of parents, by considering the hearts of their children.

Written pastorally, this author shepherds a parent’s heart while shaping her perspective of parenting (which is, in Tripp’s words, a “calling” of the highest sort) and informing her understanding of her children as spiritual beings, as worshippers. His book is not designed to change a parent’s methodologies. Rather than deflating parents by introducing a list to be accomplished through self-effort, Tripp puts wind in the sails of every parent.

Christian parenting books tend to polarize parents into two camps: “grace” and “authority,” with neither camp’s label necessarily defined by Scripture.

Generally, parenting books tend to apply pressure for parents to do more, be more, or change their philosophy of parenting. While most books that promise radical life change should be disregarded on the basis of false advertising, this one might actually change your life, or at least your perspective on the task of parenting. Paul Tripp’s latest book is one of the few Christian parenting books I would broadly recommend.

Parenting 14 gospel principles that can radically change your family