My Favorite Old-Fashioned Romance Novels

I am an unapologetic bookworm.

I have been ever since I could read THE FAT CAT SAT ON A MAT.

I also am not a single lane book lover. I love all kinds of genres. In fact, my parents had a hard time keeping up with me when I was a kid.

I had a tendency to wander into genres not so appropriate for my age level...even though my reading level was on par with the book I happened to be reading.

Some of my all-time favorite romance stories happened to be of more of a wholesome nature, however. Today they would be considered old-fashioned and almost corny. But, I have also found that there is nothing wrong with old-fashioned. And, in fact, maybe our young girls need to be introduced and exposed to a few more old-fashioned ideas and notions.

I am not including a few of my ALL-TIME favorite books and characters on this list. After all, they are rather obvious. Even though my very favorite novel, Jane Eyre, has the very best ending line EVAH...Mr. Rochester did keep his first wife locked up and was willing to marry Jane Eyre while married to his first wife (her being locked up). Not exactly wholesome.

And (on my soapbox again) there really isn't anything harmful about a little corn in your romance. Bring me all the corn things!

I thought I would share 5 of my very favorite Old-Fashioned books about love and romance. You might know a few of them and have read them yourselves. Some of these are free to read online or in an e-book like Kindle. I'll try and find them for you to check out.

1. The Blue Castle - Lucy Maude Montgomery. 

LM Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, is one of my favorite authors. She has written some of my most treasured stories. The Blue Castle is right up there in my opinion. Valancy Stirling at 29 is an old-maid. She lives with her impossible mother and is treated like a weak-minded and fragile child. She decides to "rebel" from her gossipy and miserable family when she is given an unexpected diagnosis.

I do not recommend Valancy's method of finding love and true happiness, but the ending is so satisfying and Montgomery's writing is so lovely. It is just a pleasant novel all the way around.

You can find it on Amazon Kindle or at Project Gutenberg. Here is a link to the paperback version. I am not an affiliate.

 Daddy-Long-Legs - Jean Webster

Jerusha Abbot has grown up in an orphanage. When she was 17, she was told a benefactor was going to pay her way through college. Her only responsibility was that she needed to write this benefactor every month. The novel is written through the letters Jerusha (she changes her name to Judy) writes to her benefactor.

I still have the same copy I had when I was 12. There is also a film version I have seen several times starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron.

You can find it on Amazon Kindle or on Amazon as a paperback.


Crimson Roses - Grace Livingston Hill

Grace Livingston Hill is a well-known Christian romance author. She is most-certainly treasured in that genre and most-certainly considered old-fashioned. I have dozens of her books in paperback. This one I first read when I was a preteen and it was one of my beloved books.

I thought it was just so romantic.

Marion Warren has been treated extremely unfairly by her brother and his scheming wife. She breaks free from that life to find one of her own. Part of her self-discovery is to attend the symphony as often as she can. She begins to find mysterious crimson roses in her seat during the symphony nights.

One thing I love about Grace Livingston Hill's stories is that the heroine always finds justice and love in the end. And this one doesn't disappoint.

You can find it on Amazon Kindle or in paperback.


Christy - Catherine Marshall

This book needs to be on every young girl's reading list. Or every old girl's reading list.

Christy Huddleson is the daughter of a well-to-do family in Asheville, North Carolina. After a need for help with a missions program in the Appalachian mountains is revealed during a revival meeting, Christy convinces her parents she needs to lend her services as a teacher. She moves to Cutter Cap, Tennessee and her eyes are opened.

Not only is this a romance novel, but it will tug at your heart in so many different ways. There was a television series and a movie made based on the books, but they pale in comparison to the original novel (in my opinion).

You can find it on Amazon Kindle or in paperback.


Anne's House of Dreams by Lucy Maude Montgomery

I could have picked the original Anne of Green Gables, but I have HUGE love for Anne's House of Dreams. You will understand when you read it. Not only does it portray the grown-up mature love of  Anne and Gilbert, but it has new and old romances.

LM Montgomery has such a way with words. This is one I had to add to my list.

You can find it on Amazon Kindle or in paperback. You can find another FREE version online here.



You will notice that along with Jane Eyre a few other obvious choices didn't make it on the list....Little Women, Pride and Prejudice...but those are rather obvious, aren't they? Another not-so-obvious old-fashioned romance classic is The Girl of the Limberlost.

I'm all ready to read back through these now! Corn and all. What are your favorite old-fashioned romance novels?

The Heart Changer (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

I am most assuredly a bookworm. One of my favorite genres is historical fiction. I recently had a chance to review The Heart Changer from Jarm Del Boccio, Author. 

Jarm is a fellow Schoolhouseteachers.com writer so I was extra excited to get my book in the mail. I received a physical copy, but it comes in an ebook, as well.

The story is based on 19 verses in 2 Kings. The story is of Naaman and his wife's maid. Namaan is the commander of the Syrian army. He has leprosy, which is a horrible disease of the day. His wife's maid, who is unnamed in the Bible, tells Naaman of the prophet Elisha. Naaman travels to Israel and is given the instructions to bathe in the Jordan river seven times. The end of the story is that Naaman does so and is healed.

The central character in The Heart Changer is the maid. The account of Naaman in the Bible does not reveal her name, nor does it give any details about it. Obviously, the author has built a fictional story about the girl, but I didn't find anything in her story to give me pause. I think it was very true to the time period and was so encouraging and heartfelt.

In the book, the maid is given the name of Miriam. She is a slave who has been captured during a raid and given to Naaman's wife. Miriam struggles with being taken away from her home and family. She has to deal with the jealousy and bitterness of a fellow servant. She wonders how God could have placed her in Namaan's household.


When it is revealed that Naaman has leprosy, God uses Miriam to point Namaan towards the prophet Elisha. Through Naaman's healing, Miriam is reminded of God's love and sovereignty.

This was such a great story. And even though it is intended for middle-school students, it resonated with me. I needed to be reminded of God's love for me and purpose for me....despite my circumstances.

There is also a great teacher's guide on the website for your use, as well. It features an interview with the author, Jarm. It also gives a short interview with Miriam. There are questions included that promote those issues brought up in the book. How does one deal with circumstances outside our control? Is it right to question God? There is also information about Syria and some recipes to try out. The guide is only 12 pages long and is a good addition to any study.


This is really a precious book. It is a short book and reads easily. The message is invaluable. There was a portion at the end of the book where I truly felt the Holy Spirit and was encouraged that God knows about all of us and He loves us. He is a miracle working God!

This one is truly a keeper!

You can connect with Jarm via the following social media outlets. Don't forget to click on the banner below to read more reviews.


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Forensic Faith for Kids & Case Makers Academy (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

Some of our favorite reviews to do are the book reviews. I have a great one for you! I had the opportunity to review Forensic Faith for Kids and Case Makers Academy from David C Cook.

Forensic Faith for Kids teaches kids how to investigate and defend our faith. It was written by J. Warner and Susie Wallace. Now here is the cool part. Mr. Wallace is a former cold-case detective. He's been featured on programs like Dateline and Fox News.

He and his wife, Susie have written this book just for kiddos ages 8-12.

In this book, a group of young police cadets are on the case! A sweet and cuddly corgi puppy named Bailey seems to be missing his owners. It's up to the young cadets to find who Bailey belongs to. Along with the case of Bailey's missing owners, the young cadets learn how to defend their beliefs.

Along following along with the fun mystery, the reader is also given a certain number of assignments. The CSI assignment encourages the reader to look up certain scriptures in the Bible. The Dig Deeper sends the reader to the online academy to check out more activities. There are also  Detective Definitions (defining police terms) and more!

This is such a great book. Not only is the mystery and characters engaging, but it solidly points to Scripture. We were tickled with the resolution of the case. It was perfect.

Okay, friends. This is where it gets really good.  The Case Makers Academy is FREE and absolutely awesome.

There is a section for every chapter.

Each section contains downloads and activities. These include an Academy Notebook. There is even a terrific Adult Leader's Guide just for you! 

I LOVE this. It's like a little literature/Bible Study course.

And the videos are just an extra special treat. Mr. Wallace talks us through the book.

Your kids can even print out certificates and badges at the end of the study.

Of course, we all are mystery super fans here in this house. So all of the "detecting" stuff is really fun. More importantly, the Wallaces do a marvelous job of pointing to Christ.  And helps the reader learn how to "make the case" for the existence of God and learn how to be a follower of Jesus.

I recommend this book for any and every homeschool library. Even beyond homeschooling families ....it will appeal to kids of every educational persuasion.

It's a keeper!

We aren't the only family to enjoy this book. You can check out other reviews below by clicking on the banner.

Kingdom Files (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

Some of my favorite reviews I get to do involve books.  Surprise! I know you didn't see that one coming. For this review, I received two books from Barbour Publishing. These books are from a series called the Kingdom Files Series. They sent us Who was Jonah? and Who Was Mary, Mother of Jesus? for review.

The Kingdom Files Series, written by Matt Koceich, currently has six books ready for consumption. The books are intended for ages 8-12. The other titles include...

• Who Was David?
• Who Was Daniel?
• Who Wad Esther?
• Who was Jesus?

The books are an easy size to manage (just under 100 pages long) and contain plenty of illustrations and maps. The most interesting aspect of the books (besides the subject matters) is how Mr. Koceich has created a series that is so much more than storytelling. 

Each book is divided into three portions. 

The Fact File gives the character's name, provides biographical information; such as where he or she is from. This section all talks about what the character did in the Kingdom of God. It's that section you probably wish somebody would include in the back of every Bible behind the concordance. 

The Action File is the character's story itself.  I appreciated the ease of the narration and that Mr. Koceich didn't add any conversations or events that he imagined could have taken place. It's all straight from the source but written in a way that kids can read. This part also contains "clues." These clues provide a bit more information about the story and character.

The Power-Up File is the action part of the book. How do we apply what we just read? For example, Each Power-Up has a memory verse to learn. This portion of the books is essentially a small devotion. 

What I Thought

Sadly, my teenage son has leaped ahead of the suggested age range for the Kingdom Files.  Though I can tell you secretly that he really enjoyed them.

While both books were hits, I think Who is Jonah? was the favorite. We saw a live production of Jonah a few years ago a Christian theatre. It was fantastic. I am always sad for Jonah. In Sunday School you are taught about the days he spent in the belly of a whale. You learn that he learns his lesson and finally obeys God.

What you don't understand is that Jonah's heart wasn't really changed through his experience in the belly of that whale. He practiced obedience, yes, but God still had to show Jonah that there was so much more at stake...even in Jonah's own heart.

Who is Jonah? does a fantastic job at speaking to more than just those obvious takeaways we've heard all of our lives. One of my favorite Power-Up File's is Power-Up #8: God is Grace.  The big
story of stories is His grace. This comes from the Power-Up.

"The enemy is doing everything in his power to make us feel like we're one mistake away from God shaking His head and walking away from us. But this isn't truth. God is grace. Forever. ........Live your life full of thankfulness for everything God has done and is doing, because He is grace."

Now that will preach, my friends. 

Beyond the edification and encouragement found in the Power-Up File, I found the rest of the book to be just as neat. Of course, it had me at the timeline found and found in the Fact File and I immediately start perking up when anybody mentions "From: Gath-Hepher"....I love all of the history stuff. 

These are just really cool books! They are kind of detective/devotion/Bible study books. Who could ask for more?  

This one is a keeper! 

You can connect with Barbour Publishing via the following social media outlets. Read more reviews by clicking on the banner below. 

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God Schooling (A Homeschool Crew Review Post)

Sometimes as a homeschooling momma the best thing you can do for yourself is sit down with a good cup of tea and listen to some good advice. I personally have a good collection of books written by wise homeschooling momma's who have walked in my fuzzy slippers. I am happy to say I have another one to had to my bulging bookcase(s). I have been reviewing God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn by Julie Polanco.

Let me tell you some of our experience. My major in college was Early Childhood Education. I spent 10 years in both Kindergarten and Preschool classrooms teaching Littles. I LOVE teaching. When we decided to homeschool Josiah I was convinced that my college education and classroom experience would put me in good stead.

Except that Josiah is dyslexic. And homeschooling is nothing like a classroom…nor should it be. And, frankly, I wasn’t prepared for some of the hostility I received from perfect strangers when they asked why Josiah wasn’t in “school.” Or when well-meaning family members who questioned my capabilities as a homeschool teacher or our decision to pull Josiah out of public school after kindergarten. 

I have to say…that part hurt my feelings.

I initially felt so frustrated in our homeschooling experience. It didn’t feel like I thought it would.

I spent so many years trying different curriculum and methods. And it worried me to no end. It was only when I decided to follow my heart and listen to what I felt like God was telling me to do was when I found some peace.

If you can relate then I think you will really enjoy this book.

The author, Julie Polanco, is a homeschooling momma of four and graduated her oldest four years ago. The book has 9 chapters with each chapter containing a study guide at the end of the book with questions for you to think about.

The book talks about homeschooling in a way that is not bound by a certain method or curriculum. Instead, it is child-led and God-led. The book is divided into two parts. The first explains how children learn and dispell certain myths. It also deals with to motivate. The second part breaks down specific age groups and gives some practical advice.

Because Josiah is a teenager, I found myself spending a lot of time with that chapter. It is titled “Giving Teens the Wings to Fly.” This chapter talks a lot about preparing for life after High School. I have to say it opened my eyes. How do I prepare a transcript? What can I count? What about college?

There is some really good advice here.

I have to say that when I first started my homeschooling journey I would have been really skeptical about a book like this. The words “unschooling” would have made me crinkle up my nose.  But experience has proven shown me better. And I guarantee that there are some of you out there who need Julie’s book right now.

In fact, I have a few places I have dog-eared to read over again. And again.

Towards the end of the book, there is a chapter called “Getting Started.” Here is a quote. 

Our role is to make life sparkly. It is not enough to just let your child do what interests him. You should know him so intimately that you can entice him, inspire him, draw him in with what you present because it speaks to his heart.

I love this because I think one of the best things about homeschooling is the relationships you build with your family and your kids. And because of this, our homeschooling becomes that much more “sparkly.” 

If you are tired of struggling with feeling adequate or worrying that you are doing something "wrong" this book might be for you. If you want more joy in your homeschool, this book might be for you. If you feel like you need a homeschool roadmap and would like a dose of Godly confidence, this book might be for you. 

It's a keeper!

Before you rush over to check it out you need to know that through August 22, 2018 you can purchase the e-book for 1/2 the price! Now that's a deal! 

You can connect with Julie Polanco via the following social media outlets. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliepolancobooks/ @juliepolancobooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jpolancobooks/

No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

 I am the mother of a sixteen-year-old boy. Having once been a teenage girl, I wasn’t really expecting a whole lot with a boy. Frankly, I just remember my brother spending time with his weird friends as a teenager. And eating a whole lot. My husband, however, warned me just a bit of possible struggles as Josiah approached his tween years.

Who knew? Parenting a tween or teen can be crazy!  Hal and Melanie Young know all about it. I’ve been fortunate to get to review a brand new book they’ve written called No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope from Great Waters Press.  

I mentioned in my review of Love, Honor, and Virtue that I have been fans of the Youngs for several years. They are popular homeschool convention speakers and I have enjoyed many of their talks.

So. Parenting tweens. It can be maddening. The Youngs are the parents of 8 kiddos! I think they probably have observed one or two things.

Including a nifty index, the book is about 201 pages long. And it contains so many pertinent topics! It also handles them with transparency and practicality. It is intended for parents of kiddos from 8-14, but I found it really helpful as the mother of a 16-year-old boy. 

These are the topics the book covers.

•  Hormones and Body Changes
• Emotional Upheaval
• Why School Goes Awry
• Spiritual Questioning
• Overcoming Awkwardness
• More than Amusement (media, gaming, and discernment)
• Family Relationships
• Youth in the Bible
• Coming of Age Ceremonies
• Work and Stewardship
• High School and Beyond

I can’t possibly touch on all the chapters in the book, but I thought I would highlight some of my favorite moments.

When talking about Social Awkwardness (which has somehow followed me to my mid-40’s), there is a section called “General Gormlessness.” The authors and their family have spent a lot of time watching British television. As have we. In fact, it was a constant friend in my growing up years.

Anyhoo. Gormlessness basically means lacking basic sense or acting in a nonsensical way. For example, when Josiah chooses to use one of his many accents to order a Big Mac. Or when he decided to wear a bandana sticking out of his back pocket to church. All because he’s decided he wants to emulate an ‘80’s hair band. Does anyone else have the whole “please act like a person” conversation before leaving the house?

The Youngs get this. They’ve experienced this. And I am comforted because of it.

Another section in the book talks about how to handle media and gaming in the home. Yes, please! When I was growing up we had an Atari. Remember Pit Fall or Frogger?  Those were my games. But we didn’t have social media or the interwebs. And my husband…he is a decade older than I am!

Needless to say, we have needed some guidance. What are things we need to be aware of? We want Josiah to be able to use technology, but how can we strike a balance? And how can we make it safe for him?  These are all tackled in the book.

The final chapter I want to address briefly concerns being Producers, Not Consumers. I LOVE this chapter. I was raised in an industrious home. I think work is good. And I want Josiah to be industrious and able to care for his needs and wants. I want him to be a good steward and a good provider when the time comes. I was so happy to see this chapter. It inspired me to assign Josiah a night he fixes supper every week for the family.

This book is really great about using Biblical models and Scripture to guide each topic. It is great for parents of tweens and teens. And it great for those of you who work with tweens and teens.

Check it out! It’s a keeper!

You can connect with Great Waters Press via the following Social Media Outlets. Don’t forget to click on the banner below to read more reviews. 

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Love, Honor, and Virtue: Gaining or Regaining a Biblical Attitude Toward Sexuality (A Homeschool Review Crew Post)

I don’t know where you were when you first had “The Talk.” I was at the kitchen table. My mom was doing the dishes. She “matter-a-factly” gave me the lowdown on all things birds and bees. She is a medical professional and didn’t shy away from proper terminology.

I was mortified.

However, I have always said that her willingness to talk with me ABOUT ANYTHING made that part of my adolescence so much simpler. Of course, I have my one and only boy. When I felt like it was time, I explained things to him in much of the same manner.  He made a bit of a face and said, “Ew.” Then he proceeded to ask me if we could get pizza for supper.

Regardless of where or how you choose to talk to your kids about sex…it must be done. It’s uncomfortable and unpleasant and I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t rather do. Thankfully, I have been reviewing Love, Honor, and Virtue: Gaining or Regaining a Biblical Attitude Toward Sexuality from Great Waters Press. What a wonderful resource.

Love, Honor, and Virtue was written by Hal and Melanie Young. They are homeschooling parents of six (yikes) boys and two girls. They are also pretty popular on the homeschool convention circuit. I’ve seen them several times, myself, and I’m always thrilled with the practical and honest advice they give.

The book is not a really big one. It has about 95 pages and I read through it in a short time. Since Josiah is visiting my parents at their farm this month, I decided to take the time to read it before I put it in his “read this” pile. He is dyslexic and I usually check for readability. I’m glad I read it first. Some of the topics are fairly frank.

I’m not mad about it. My 16-year-old son needs frankness. I also don’t want someone else telling him their version of what they think “true love” is.

In the chapter, “Sex was God’s Idea,” there is pretty frank talk about the biology behind our sexuality. I think it was done tastefully, but of course, it is what it is.

Now if you don’t ascribe to the notion that sex is for a married couple to enjoy you won’t agree with much of the premise of the book. However, this is what we believe in our house and I am thrilled to have some help to tackle the subject.

I even read some of it to my husband and he was impressed with the whole thing. As a pastor, he counsels men of all ages who deal with many of the issues in the book. The book is not a “club over the head” or filled with condemnation. Instead, it is filled with some really practical ideas. There is even a chapter of encouragement and advice if someone has given into his struggles.

It’s called Recovering From a Fall. Some of the suggestions include to make a plan and find an accountability partner. Young men are also called to be restored.

Another chapter in the book involves pornography. The Youngs point out, most effectively, that pornography is not a victimless crime. I personally believe we are facing a crisis of virtue in this country and pornography is to blame for many ruined lives.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Not only will we be using it in our home, but we will recommend it to folks in our church and in our community.

Other members of the Crew are reading - No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope

In fact, I will be reviewing that one too! 

You can connect with Great Waters via the following social media outlets. Don't forget to click on the banner below to read more reviews. 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/raisingrealmen  @raisingrealmen
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C.S. Lewis (YWAM Publishing) - A Homeschool Review Crew Post

YWAM Publishing has become my favorite spot for excellent Christian biographies. I have been privileged to review many of their excellent titles. Recently, I had the chance to read C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller found in the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series. We also received a study guide to look at, as well.

I have reviewed lots-o biographies from YWAM and, remarkably, I have never asked to add the one about C.S. Lewis…until now. I say, “remarkably,” because C.S. Lewis has been a faithful friend since the first time I picked up The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I was about 8. From the minute, I started reading about Mr. Tumnus, Lucy and those wonderful Beavers, I was hooked.

You can bet that the minute Josiah was able to sit for more than a minute, I shared with him the wonderful world of Narnia.

The Book

C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller was an interesting read. There was so much I didn’t know. You would have thought because I am such a major fan girl that I would have learned all I could about Mr. Lewis. 

I will tell you that I intended to let this book be one Josiah worked through on his own. He is dyslexic, but I have found that he can handle short spurts of reading…especially if it is a subject matter that interests him. However, I have a confession…I stayed up and read the book the very day we got it in the mail.

Little Clive Staple broke my heart. He had a relatively idyllic childhood, but suffered tragedies that changed the course of his life. Storytelling became a much-needed balm for his troubles. He eventually became a Literature Professor (after a stint in World War I) and was friendly with other famous authors...one whose name rhymes with “folkien.”

There are bits and pieces about Mr. Lewis’ life that are remarkable. His devotion to a fallen friend’s mother. His unlikely love story.  And did you know that he died the same day as JFK’s assassination?

Even more remarkable is the author’s path to faith and his point of view. His story is truly inspiring.

The book is intended for ages 10 and up…and I think it is suitable for a wide group of ages and interests.

Josiah is working his way through the book now and it has inspired him to get out the Narnia books, once again. Don’t you love when reading turns to more reading?

The book is well-written and is an attention graber, for sure. Mr. Lewis had such a vivid imagination.The authors, Janet and Geoff Benge, tell his story beautifully. 

The Study Guide

We also received a fantastic digital study guide.

Now this study guide has NO recommended ages because there is a little something for everybody. 

I am now going to employ my signature "screenshot" moves.

I LOVE this format. I like being able to find my stuff. And, trust me, YWAM gives you LOTS OF STUFF.

I haven't met a Study Guide from YWAM that hasn't been stellar. One could easily follow 100 different rabbit trails. And the HTML format helps you take them all.

The Guides are simply ideas and suggestions on how to use the book and the Study guide in a classroom/homeschool setting.

If you are a serial biographer assigner (I just made that up), you will find the charts found in the Classroom & Home Guide to be super helpful. In this pic, I've narrowed down the YWAM titles available that are about those who live in the Americas and their timeline. I love this feature.

There is also a suggested schedule available for students. Some of need a plan.

You will find the meat and potatoes of the Unit Study under Unit Study 1. Here is a screen shot of the table of contents. And, believe you me, there are plenty of options under each and every heading.

Here is a creative writing assignment found under Student Explorations. There are also Hands On projects, Audio Visual projects...literally, there is something for every kind of learner. 

The Appendixes' are filled with helps for you! I love the lists of books and articles that tie into the life of C.S. Lewis.

Unit Study 2 contains reproducible materials. These include a United Kingdom report form and a couple of maps. 

I wanted to mention another neat part about the study. Moving back to the main page you can see a bonus materials tab. It takes you to a section found on the YWAM Publishing website that has lots of fun stuff for the kids. Here you can see links for Word Puzzles. 

You can see that this Study Guide is pretty awesome. I am always impressed with the thoroughness of each and every one of them.

The books I have received from YWAM Publishing have been some of my favorites. I have reviewed many, but I thought I would direct you to one of my favorites, Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems.

YWAM has a host of other great titles about many great men and women of faith...We have been blessed to read about everyone from George Washington to George Washington Carver.  These books make a wonderful addition to any home library.

I'm ready to read about Elisabeth Elliot next. Her life has always inspired me!

You can connect with YWAM Publishing via the following social media outlets. Don't forget to click on the banner below to read more reviews!

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Taming the Lecture Bug (A Homeschool Crew Review Post)

 I hate to nag. I really do. Nagging in general makes me twitchy. There is an ideal universe in which everybody has an appreciation for healthy civil debate. That when you speak, your ideas and thoughts are heard. And that when you ask your children to complete reasonable tasks they are performed promptly and not up for debate. 
Anybody else with me? My son, bless his heart, has conveniently developed selective hearing AND seems to think that the longer he takes to complete a task, there is a greater likelihood that I will forget I even asked him to do anything! Shew. That was quite the run-on sentence. You can tell I'm "miffed." Which is why, when the Crew had the chance to review products from Parenting Made Practical, I knew the one I needed ASAP. I received Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (book) and Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (DVD). 

The teaching is intended for parents with kids in the 8 and older range. I will talk a little about what you can expect with each product separately and tell you my thoughts on both. 
Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (book) is an easy read. It contains approximately 12 chapters and is filled with encouragement and practical advice. 
The authors, Joey and Carla Link, have been ministering to families for over 20 years. Joey has youth and family ministry experience and Carla has a degree in social work. Joey is currently the Director of Family Life Resources. The Links are involved with Growing Families Int'l and have written several books. They are also parents and grandparents. 

The very first chapter of Taming the Lecture Bug opens with a story from personal experience of raising 3 kids. It also reveals the problem with "lecturing" as opposed to teaching kids personal responsibility. 
I like this quote from the book.
Your kids want you to do your thinking for them, so they can choose to agree with you and do what you say, or argue with you if they won't want to do it. 

I realized to that I have taken away some of Josiah's personal responsibility when I am not following through on my expectations for him. For example, he has certain chores he has to complete every single day. Lately, it seems like I am constantly reminding him about those responsibilities. Josiah has begun to "chose" when he does them or if he even does them at all...according to his own plans for the day.  

The book teaches parents to begin to ask simple questions, instead of giving our children a 30 minute rant. This helps our kids understand the importance of having a teachable and obedient heart. 

I really appreciate how much the Links place on "personal responsibility" in the book. It seems that this is something our society is missing.  Putting it in the context of "sin" and what Scripture says about such matters made me think a lot about how I have been responding to such behaviors. 

There is a really great example of a child who was essentially "training" his mother to take responsibility of his actions and behaviors. How often do we do that as parents? Do we constantly repeat our expectations and try to "fix" things when those expectations aren't met? Or do we allow our kids to suffer the natural consequences of being irresponsible. 

For example, I had to learn this the hard way when Josiah was on the swim team. It was a struggle to get him to check his swim bag before we left the house. Did he have his goggles? What about his suit? There were a few times that we drove all the way across town only to find out he had left his goggles on the floor to his bedroom. 

It came to the point where either he had to miss swim team practice entirely or swim without his goggles. He eventually learned. But this was hard for me! I didn't want to him to struggle or miss practice! 

Taming the Lecture Bug reconfirmed  and reminded  me of some of those hard lessons I had to learn as a parent.  And I still need to be working on. Coming to Josiah's rescue when he forgets his homework for his Graphic Arts class he is taking at the homeschool c0-op isn't doing him any favors. 

I also appreciated the information about temperaments. I read one of the recommended resources years ago when Troy and I first got married. It was so helpful! I think understanding that information made things so much easier. 

I took the book with me to the doctor's office one day. I could see other parents eyeing me with envy. I know they just wish they could get their hands on my book! Oh the secrets it would reveal for the challenging job of parenting! 

It's good stuff, my friends. 

The DVD is approximately 30 minutes. The authors share some of the main points of the book. In fact, this is going to be something Josiah and I watch together.  The expressions of some of the parents in the audience were priceless. You could see that some of the information was really hitting home! There is also a downloadable PDF containing study notes available. I am going to use it at church as part of a class. 

Both the book and DVD are excellent resources!  

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