Spirit Led Parenting

With much of being a mother floating around the past couple days (that crazy shock and awe article in TIME magazine and the wonderful holiday to show gratitude to mothers) I have decided to add one more thing:

The book Spirit Led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby's First Year

I finished reading it in 3 reads.  This will be my new baby shower gift to moms.


I am not a mother yet, but hold that desire deep in my heart.  I'm thankful to be surrounded by many moms in many different seasons of parenting.  I've been able to glean parenting and family dynamics from things I can't wait for to things that I know do not work for me and my husband.  I am thankful to have all the insight and wisdom I do have before the big day does come! (and expecting to grow even more once it does, L-rd willing, happen for us.)


This book gave me a deeper appreciation for all my friends who are moms.  It does a great job of letting you see the reality of motherhood.   This book captures the overarching theme of ultimate servant hood.  Being a mom is being a servant 24-7--not just when the sun goes down.  It stretches beyond the romance of the 'babymoon' and the reality of every day...and night.

What we are so passionate about sharing with new parents and parents-to-be is a message that we desperately wish would have been shared with us when we were new to motherhood: There is another way. There is an approach to parenting that looks fear in the face and boldly speaks an answer: Freedom. Freedom from required formulas, unrealistic expectations of our children and ourselves, and the belief that we must force our babies to fit into a mold that may not have been designed for them. Spirit-Led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby's First Year

This is not another 'how-to' book with rules and condemnation.  It doesn't drive with fear and does not threaten you 'if you don't parent this one way, your child will end up as this horrific person' as many mainstream parenting books do.  This book is all about seeing your child as a beautiful unique gift given to you by your Father.

Spirit-led parenting is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It has no “rules” and doesn’t rely on the wisdom of others. It requires only that you listen to your child, to your intuition, and most importantly, to the Lord’s leading to determine the best way to respond to each unique situation. While some families may find that the approach they are led to may appear quite similar to the ones found in the popular school of thought, others will discover that God leads them to methods which split off the mainstream path.  Spirit-Led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby's First Year

And the authors do not brag on how easy it is to lean on the Spirit.  Some days it's much easier than others.  But why compartmentalize your faith and not let it leak out to parenting?  Why turn straight to a parenting book before prayer?  (But yes, there are good things to glean from that is in text, or from a friend.)

This idea of beginning without a clear plan can be unnerving. We want consistent guidelines and cold hard facts. We want outlines and directions that are easy to read and follow. But Spirit-led parenting doesn’t work like that. And the reason for this is yet another radical idea: the first year should be less about training our babies and more about God developing us as parents and human beings. If we let Him, God can use that first intense year of baby’s life to train us how to live a life that is fully surrendered to Him. To cultivate in us a trust that follows His lead, seeks Him first, and understands His grace. Spirit-Led Parenting: From Fear to Freedom in Baby's First Year

How wonderful growth is!  This is a great read for grandmothers, first time mom's, mom's of multiple children as well as any woman with a desire to someday care for children.

**These excerpts take from the blog lovewell.  There are many other blogs that featured Spirit Led Parenting from March 10- March 23.  If you want (or can) take some time to read some other mom's perspectives on the book.  They are listed at the end of the post on lovewell.