"Parenting" Book club - Chapter 2

I think if I were reading this book earlier in my Christian walk I might be tempted to toss it. Chapter Two comprises the systematic dismantling of the pervading theories underlying much of this society's modern parenting practices. It flies in the face of everything we've come to accept as expert and assume is proven. The author completely and harshly tears down the three major philosophies which form the basis for today's psychological advice and counsel.

So why do I believe that John Rosemond has it right and the mainstream psychologists have it wrong?

First of all, as the author states on page 32, these "bogus" philosophies "have become so embedded in collective thought that most people take them for granted..." I personally have bought into these theories without ever really knowing much about them. Sure I took Psych 101 in college, but that was long ago! Rosemond logically and convincingly explains to me in these pages the flaws in these schools of thought, as well as pointing out that real life renders them invalid.

Second, some time in the past decade or so I came to the realization that the Bible is true and reliable and that it is indeed the living and active inspired Word of God. After years of reading it and studying it as a self-described skeptic, I remember finally coming to the point where I acknowledged that the Bible is truth, whether or not I believe it. So I decided to believe it. And boy, has my life been simpler since then!

So when faced with the chart on page 65, detailing contrasting points of view, I have no problem believing that "Grandma's" column is accurate, and the left hand column is a bunch of malarkey.

Reading this book has caused me to wonder why exactly I've been sucked in so completely by "Postmodern Psychological Parenting," as Rosemond calls it. My parents were certainly raised the old-fashioned way, and I guess for the most part I was too, as I was born in the early 60's and was coming of age slightly ahead of these theories. I do wonder if their emergence and growing popularity influenced my mother at all. Was she confident? Confused? Skeptical of the so-called experts? Doubtful of her own abilities and intuition? Oh, how I wish she were alive to answer these questions. With my mother, my mother-in-law-to-be, and my grandmothers all gone before I was married, let alone before I became a mother myself, my primary source of parenting guidance was initially the culture until little by little I came to rely increasingly heavily on scripture and prayer. Whereas PMP has infused my life with guilt and stress, when I turn to God and His Word, I find confidence and peace and joy.

As with all areas of my life, but especially in the realm of motherhood, upon discovering God's Truth it's difficult not to be overcome with regret for all the mistakes I have made in my blindness. But God loves my children and can work mightily in their lives in spite of their mother's shortcomings. I've always been pretty much a black and white, rule following perfectionist, but I'm learning that raising my children isn't so much about getting the right answers as it is about being in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and relying on Him every step of the way.

I look forward to dispensing with Part I and moving on to Part II where I trust we'll get into answering the question, "What do I do now?" But for now I'll stick to the schedule, reading Chapter 3 this week and reporting back next Monday. Don't forget to post your comments and questions!

Blessings to you,
Eleanor
Romans 12:2