Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox Christian Principles of Child-Rearing

The first book that address your long term goal in bringing up kids and the importance on connection and respect.

We are young parents with four children. I wish we had this book years ago but praise God for it being in our lives now.

As a recent convert to Orthodoxy from atheism, and new grandfather (Papou in Greek,whichbI am not), I found myself for reasons too complex to mention the sole adult male in my grandson’s life. He spends many of his waking and sleeping ours with me and his grandfather. He was baptized Greek Orthodox, and I deeply want him to grow up in our faith. This book lays out numerous great ways to do that, and to parent well in general, not just from a religious perspective.I have helped raise several daughters, none from infancy, but no sons. So this book has already had a huge impact on my conduct with and towards my grandson. He is my joy, and we have a special, powerful bond. I want that to strengthen as I age and he grows for so long as God gives me to be a force in his life. I recommend it highly to all parents, Orthodox, atheist, whatever. It offers a great deal of common sense, which we old folk know isn’t that common. My highest recommendation

Practical, loving, effective, and theologically-sound synthesis of the truth that has always been there for Orthodox Christians. This has changed my perspective on parenting and allowed me to take the vision of who I want to be as a parent and see it in the context of our salvation as Christians. I am thankful for the reminder to delight in my children (and my whole family) and my opportunity to serve them. Dr. Mamalakis does this without unproductive judgement or criticism but WITH and empathic challenge to do better. The truth of the spiritual life is that we all must strive harder and this book has helped me see the path on days where I tend to go into the tunnel of part-inherited/part-spiritual TERRIBLE parenting. The basic formula of connecting/empathizing with your children, setting firm boundaries, and REALLY journeying with them through life, trying always to be an icon of Christ's love...it is right, and it works. Gives married people a lot of perspective on their relationship with each other as well. I have already recommended this book to friends, even several non-Orthodox (and non-Christian) that I think could glean much good from it. It is neither "preachy" nor self-righteous, but compassionate and frank. Thank you for this very human approach to this very great and divine work we have set before us! May the Lord bless you for it and may God help us!

The wisdom and simplicity of this book blow me away. Dr. Mamalakis is not only a deep thinker, but an exceptional writer, with a seemingly effortless perfection in writing technique (Strunk & White could do no better) and a winning, engaging style. The personal examples he gives so frequently from his own parenting struggles are honest, transparent, and real. They illustrate his points with a clarity I cannot recall experiencing, ever, in the many parenting books I have read over the last two decades. How I wish I had had this book when my kids were young! Be warned, though: This is not a book about managing children. This is a book about changing hearts, growing characters, and creating the desire to do right — and not just the children's. It is a book about creating a family, not just about getting your kids to behave (though it definitely does that too, even with my teens). Okay, yes, I've also read other books about creating a family...but this one is different. It is doable. It is real. I wish I could give it six stars.

This was a groundbreaking book for me as the parent of two little boys. I love my kids, but I was beginning to feel desperate for solid, respectful, and CHRISTIAN advice on how to be a better parent, especially with my highly explosive 3 year old. This book checks all the boxes and could not be more practical or down to earth or accessible. I loved it so much and wish I could learn more from the author!!

This book is a must read for any and all parents attempting to raise children in a Christian environment. Dr. Mamalakis is the type of guy who can throw down impressive amounts of knowledge both in the realm of psychology and theology (doctorate and MDiv, respectfully), but does not beat the reader over the head with his vast expertise, opting instead to write a book that is easily understood by all.My one caveat to the book is not that it has a short-coming (it doesn't), but rather that it is best understood if read in conjunction with another work he draws from: "Parenting From the Inside Out" by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell. Read these two together and you will gain a truly profound understanding of parenting -- both from a scientific and theological perspective -- that will be humbling, rewarding, and (hopefully) life-changing.I am happy to give as many stars as possible to this book because it was truly a great read and very helpful. Thank you, Dr. Mamalakis.

Phenomenal parenting book. My sons are 2.5 and 6 months and I am so glad I am reading this now (although it would be appropriate for parents with kids of any age! A few of the highlights I got from it were the importance to when parenting be calm, kind, firm, and consistent. Also I liked how it talks a lot about how parenting is not intended to force your child into your mold but rather to help them grow well. So so much more in this than just that. My husband and I honestly dont read a lot but both of us found this book incredibly easy to read and flows very well. A definite must read for parents who want to raise kids even if you are not Orthodox.

Not all the examples in this book might apply to your current family situation at the time, but “naming the struggle” does, even with a 2 year old). Resist the temptation to put the book down when the examples are a bit over the top. The last couple of chapters really hit home and it’s worth reading all the way through. Good luck on your family journey of living a life in Christ.