Wow! Could the title of this book be any more true?! I remember when I was pregnant and my husband and I would always says, "Once he gets here, we won't have to worry anymore"..HAHA! What were we thinking?! Don't get me wrong, we have an incredible 3 yo son that is wonderful but, it's true....you can't be a coward and do this job!

One thing I really liked about this book is that it is written from a Biblical standpoint and, because of that, we can know that what is written is true. As the old song says, the Bible is a roadmap and I feel that anything truly written from that perspective is great! My husband and I have learned how to connect even more than we thought possible with our son, we've learned how to ward off trouble and also how to parent without losing our minds! :) Please believe me, this is a book you will love and it will give you some great ideas!

Let me say first of all that I totally agree with the title of the book!! Also, the reader must remember that Dr. Dobson’s view of parenting comes from a Christian / Biblical perspective. Some people may feel this is a bad thing…to me the Bible has been a guide to literally millions of people over the last 2,000 years so I certainly don’t have a problem with a Biblical perspective on parenting.

That being said, this book has been a great help to us. It is literally a handbook on parenting. From protecting your sanity (haven’t we all felt that way), to trouble prevention, to enhancing your relationship with your child…this book covers it all! We have gained insight into how to raise our child. This book is definitely a must read for any parent. Remember, you can do it!!

I would not recommend this book as a great book for parenting. The practices are outdate, the views are sexists, and Dobson has a lack of understanding of the mother-daughter, father-son relationships. His advice is tailored to one model where the mother and daughter are constantly convicting and father’s and sons perfectly get along. He advocates the spare the rod spoil the children old testament ideology. A cranky toddler being spanked will only go into total melt down and cry uncontrollably. It won’t bring control, calm, or peace to the situation. Parenting is never easy, especially when you have a cranky toddler who has difficulty communicating. The title is correct in asserting parenting isn’t for cowards, but the advice is outdated and can lead to abuse. Discipline should be given to children as they need it to learn how to be productive members of society, but teaching them to follow rules through spanks will only create a cycle of violence. The principles he advocates are those found in the bible and other Christian parenting books. For a truly happy and healthy child whose self esteem is in tact and whose will remains strong teach them the ten commandments and focus on love.

In this day and age, it's hard to see someone who isn't afraid to truly parent. I'm sure you see it to- little kids in restaurants screaming, kids in stores slapping their parents and getting treats... it's scary, and everywhere. When I had my son, I vowed not to let him be a spoiled little brat, which is hard to put into application in today's world of the dreaded Child Protective Services. It seems anyone who disapproves of you can report you these days, and for something as little as spanking your child (my parents did it!) you can get into serious trouble. This book offers solid, wonderful, practical advice on "tough parenting" as its called, without having to worry about possible ramifications. Every parent should read this.

Parenting is a pretty tough job and those of us who are in the midst of it need the practical advice this book has to offer. Dr. Dobson shows his understand of both kids and their parents. He encourages a firm style of parenting that is often lacking in this generation. You will be encouraged and challenged to be the best parent you can be for your children.