Top 10 (ish)

Order Amid the Chaos

In a world of infinite possibilities, it can be infinitely challenging for parents to figure out which tools and resources to trust. The Ridge Family Team is here to bring order to the chaos with our picks for parenting resources that have been tried and tested by fellow Ridge parents. Whether you’re looking for books, podcasts, educational websites, or a Christian counselor, we’ve got you covered with 10 (ish) trusted resources in each category. 

Resources

Books for Parents

1. Parenting with Love and Logic
2. The Five Love Languages of Children
3. The Five Love Languages of Teenagers
4. Tough Guys & Drama Queens: How Not to Get Blindsided by Your Child’s Teen Years
5. Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family
6. The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child’s Heart Toward God
7. Are My Kids on Track? The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach
8. Bringing Up Girls
9. Bringing Up Boys
10. Have a New Kid by Friday
11. 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids
12. Parenting Beyond Your Capacity
13. Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys
14. The Love Dare for Parents
15. Strong and Kind: Raising Kids of Character
16. God’s Design for Sex (four book series) by Stan and Brenna Jones

Devotionals

1. Mighty Acts of God (Good for kids 6 years and up)
2. Exploring Grace Together (Good for elementary-aged kids)
3. One Year of Dinner Table Devotions & Discussion Starters (For families with upper elementary-aged kids and teens) 

Parenting of a Prodigal

1. Prodigals and Those Who Love Them – Ruth Bell Graham
2. Rebel With A Cause – Franklin Graham
3. When I Lay My Isaac Down – Carol Kent
4. Shadow Boxing – Henry Malone
5. The Broken Image – Leanne Payne
6. Steps to Freedom in Christ – Neil Anderson
7. Out of A Far Country – Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan
8. Gay Girl Good God – Jackie Hill Perry
9. In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart – Ruth Graham
10. When You Love a Prodigal – Judy Douglass 

Misc.

1. Follow Raising Boys and Girls on Instagram
2. Follow Sissy Goff on Instagram
3. YouVersion Holy Bible App
4.Family Life Today App
5. Passport2Purity: A getaway kit that equips you to cover what can seem like awkward topics in a fun and engaging way
6. Right Now Media
7. Worship Songs for Kids (Youtube)
8. HangTime Activity Cards
9. Talicor Family Games
10. Our Moments Family Game 

Need Something Else?

Sometimes, you just need to commiserate or connect with other parents who have been through similar circumstances. If this is you, we hope you’ll reach out to Family Ministries Director Doug Applegate or contact via phone at 515-205-7070.
He can connect you to parents who are willing to give advice, share their own stories, or simply listen or pray with you. You are not alone.
(Note: These parents are not counselors. If your situation would benefit from professional help, please consult the Christian Counselor’s list above.)
Here are some topics that other Ridge parents have experienced and would be willing to support you with:
Addiction, Adoption, Anxiety, Chronic Illnesses, Depression, Divorce, Financial Stress, Foster Care, LGBTQ+,
Life Transitions (kids growing up, moving on, etc.), Loss of Parent or Spouse, Medical Illnesses, Pornography, PTSD, Special Needs Children, Step Families, Suicide