Right before I had Jenny, I was contacted by Tyndale House to do a book review for Bring Up Girls by James Dobson.
Shortly after I received the book, our third baby girl arrived.
It was months before I could make a headway with reading.
Once I received my Kindle, reading this book was a high priority.
And I’m so glad that I did read it!
Bringing Up Girls offers parents of girls practical advice on how to “bring them up” along with some explanation of what makes girls unique and some of the challenges that come with them.
Being the mother of three girls, it was a helpful book that was a real encouragement to me.
One of my biggest fears, especially with EA and MC (because they are twins) is adolescence.
I’ve heard that teenage girls clash with their mothers. Period. No questions asked. This will happen.
Well, I don’t want that to happen.
Who does, right?
Bringing Up Girls helped me to understand what happens during adolescence with girls and what their needs are during this time.
No, my girls and I don’t have to struggle when they reach their formative teenage years.
One of the things that was surprising to me as I read Bringing Up Girls was the influence that fathers have on their daughter’s development and self-worth. Yes, I knew that it was important for fathers to have a relationship with their daughters, but I guess I didn’t realize just how important this is and what a great impact this can have.
In one part of the book, Dr. Dobson talks to a group of girls and every one of them talked about the impact their father had on them, in both positive and negative ways.
Dr. Dobson states that “self-worth for girls hangs precariously on their relationship with their dads”.
Wow!
I want to be a good mother to my daughters. I want them to see in me an example of a Christ-centered life. I want them to be able to talk to me. I want to teach them to embrace their femininity and their roles as women.
And above all else, I want to train them in the knowledge of the Lord. This is addressed at the end of Bringing Up Girls as the one task in parenting that outranks all others…
If it is true that children should be trained in the knowledge of the Lord, and Scripture tells us it is, then there is one task in parenting that outranks all others in significance. It is the responsibility of Christian mothers and fathers to introduce their children to Jesus Christ and to cultivate their understanding of Him at every opportunity.
Because I ended up reading this on my Kindle, I have a practically untouched copy of this excellent book that I would love to give away to someone looking for advice, help and encouragement in raising their daughter(s).
If you would like to win this, just leave a comment below telling me your greatest joy or challenge in bring up your little girl.
I will leave comments open until Friday at 8 pm when I will draw for a winner to receive Bringing Up Girls.
Rachel C says
As a mother of an adolescent girl, it presents some challenges, but it has also brought much joy. It is a really neat thing when you still have your almost fourteen year old saying, “Look, Mommy, what I can do!” I never tire of it! I also love those unexpected hugs, and when she shares with me what she is thinking. I am also amazed at the depth of her faith, when I see her working out a situation that she is in. I am so thankful that God has placed me to be the mother of this special girl. I love her so much!
Rebecca says
Monica,
Your blog continues to be awesome! It is inspiring me to start blogging again! I didn’t even know there was a Bringing up Girls Book! I have Bringing up Boys & named my first blog that before I even realized there was a book. Anyway, I never hated my mom, and I can’t think of a single incident during highschool where I yelled at her or slammed a door about anything. It sounds like you are a great mom, & I know your girls will realize one day how blessed they are to have you as a mother! 😉
Keep up the good work & Thanks to you and your husband for your service to our country!
Becca Roland
Mary says
My greatest joy is that I have a daughter period……everything else is just icing on the ! in a house full of “all boys”it’s nice to share life’s girlie things with her!
thanks for sharing this review and even if i don’t win the contest i will still buy it!Thanks again monica!
Buffie says
As a mom of two girls I would love to read this book. My biggest joy and challenge is with my oldest daughter’s independence. I love that she is so independent, but at 3 years old there are plenty of times when she is just too independent.
Sheri says
My greatest joy in my “ONE” girl is watching her grow up, she’s 13 and simply amazing.
Jess says
My greatest challenge has been raising my little one without her daddy around most of the time because of deployments but trying to keep him as one of the most important figures to her! Yet my joy come from seeing her love for not only her daddy in his abscence but also the love she gives towards so many others around her and she’s only 2! Your blog is so beautiful and encouraging and I love reading it every day!
Heather says
I have a daughter who will be 2 in a month and I am expecting our second daughter in just a few more months. I would love to read this book. There are so many joys and challenges at this age. But I know that when my daughter looks at me with the biggest smile it makes every struggle so worthwhile!
Monica says
Congratulations, Heather!! You won the random drawing for Bringing Up Girls. Contact me with your address and I’ll send it to you right away.
Shannon H. says
I would love to read this book. I have 3 boys and only 1 girl. My sweet Emma is 4 years old. I remember the many challenges I had growing up. I would love to read some advice about helping my sweet girl grow up in this crazy world.
aurie says
Hi! I stopped over from i-fellowship and I’m so glad that I did 🙂 I have 2 girls (1 year & 2 1/2) and I have been meaning to get a copy of this book! After reading through your review I’m sure that it will be an awesome resource for my husband and I!
Your daughters are beautiful – Blessings to you!
Stacy says
Thanks so much for this review. I actually bought this book for my husband for Christmas. I plan on reading it along with him so we both benefit. Sounds like a great one!
LifeAtTheCircus says
My biggest fear is the teen years… I have already seen quite the strong will in both of my girls and I def am not strong willed. My biggest challenge I think is to shape those wills, not break them and to see them living strong and boldly for our Lord. That is my prayer for my both my girls and boys!
Amy @ A Faithful Journey says
My greatest joy is watching her love grow for Jesus! Thank you for this chance to win this book! I have heard such great things about it!
Happy ifellowship day as well! 🙂
Jessica says
I have just read through this book & really appreciated it!! I got a copy from the library, so had to read FAST as others are wanting to read it as well!! So, I would love my own copy of such a great book. I was also struck by the huge role that a father plays in the life of their little girl(s)! I have much joy in watching my sweet girls growing with a wonderful loving father!!
Jessica
Andrea says
I have two daughters. The oldest will be a teenager in two weeks! Yikes. I have had difficulty recently allowing them freedom to choose things (clothing, room decor, furniture). It was so easy when they allowed me to choose things, but I know this is a part of the growing process. My oldest daughter has started exercising more freedom and wanting to spend time with friends. I want her to be able to demonstrate her good choices, but it is so hard to allow freedom.
I may have to check out this book with Kindle on iTouch! Thanks Monica
Shanna says
I also worry about the future with twin teenage daughters – that is a lot of estrogen in the house! I would love to read this book. I have been planning to read some books on parenting from our church library, so I’ll keep an eye out for this title. I love most things James Dobson has written. Thanks for offering this!
Audrey says
My biggest challenge is how to deal with the drama! My oldest is only 3, but boy is she emotional! I want to learn to nurture this quality in a GOOD way, so she’ll use her dramatic tendencies for God’s glory!
Jennifer Scruggs says
My greatest joy and challenge is Rachel’s self-esteem. I want her to be confident in the beautiful girl (woman before I know it!) God created her to be. I also want her to make healthy choices and to take care of the body God gave her. This is a real balance. She is so sweet and cute right now and innocent about her body type– saying things like “Look mama, I’m fat and beautiful.” She has no concept that her pudgy belly is anything less than gorgeous. I want to freeze this attitude!!! I want her to feel the same way about her body at 13 that she does at 5. I want her worth to be grounded in what God thinks of her, not in a number on a tag in her clothes.
Thanks for sharing your review and for donating the book to one of us! 🙂
Love your guts—
Jenn
PS– If I happen to win, I hope you can deliver the book in person over Christmas break, if you make it down this way. :):):)
Katie says
My greatest joy is just having a girl to raise! It has always been my wish to have a baby girl, and I believe that God has given me the desire of my heart!
Katie says
My greatest joy is just having a girl! I have always wished for a daughter, and God has given me the desire of my heart!
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