The Christian Parent's Guide to Guilt-Free Parenting: Escaping the "Perfect Parent" Trap

Parenting is no easy task. Raising children while simultaneously attempting to balance relationships, careers, work in church and community, and other activities can result in parental guilt. Many parents say there never seems to be enough time, energy, or money for their children. Even parents who know they are doing the best they can sometimes experience a nagging feeling that they should do more, give more, and be more for their children. This sense of "not measuring up" often leads to the physical and psychological results of overwork, exhaustion, and anxiety.

The Christian Parents' Guide to Guilt-Free Parenting offers encouragement and practical help for breaking the bondage of parental guilt at every stage of parenting. It teaches parents how to lean on God's grace and let go of unrealistic expectations about being "perfect parents" as they work toward being "good enough" in all that they do. Topics include the causes and effects of parenting guilt, setting family priorities and goals, accepting limitations, preventing burnout, and being at peace with God through prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. Each chapter includes practical suggestions, biblical support, and examples from everyday Christian families, including single-parent homes and blended families.

Debra is a full-time parent and writer who has authored several books on health and wholeness and more than 2,000 articles appearing in magazines such as Woman's Day, Guideposts, and Christian Home.

Robert G. Bruce Jr., co-author of Growing a Great Sunday School Class and Guilt-Free Parenting, is a District Superintendent in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the former senior pastor of Ortega United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.