Review of Buddy Scott's Book, "Relief For Hurting Parents,"

By Mark Benedict

I whole-heartedly recommend Buddy Scott’s book, “Relief for Hurting Parents” as one of the best books I have ever read on dealing with problem teenage children.  Buddy Scott offers an outstanding collection of Biblically sound and practical approaches to dealing with disobedient teenagers.  Parents of troubled teenagers frequently contact me for advice on dealing with problem children.  As the editor of a web site providing explanatory information for parents on disciplining children, (www.christian-parents.net) I have collected a large amount of material designed to prepare parents of young children for success by laying a Biblically based foundation of obedience and training early in the child’s life.

I remain firmly convinced that the fight for a child’s heart begins very early, and parents establish the character and tone of the teenage years by the discipline they instill when their children are toddlers.  By 13 years of age, most children have well developed habits and character, and I encourage parents to make good use of those early, teachable years.

However, some parents become Christians when their children are already approaching their teens.  Others don’t realize they’ve been lax in their discipline until their children begin to display teenage defiance.  Some children with loving Christian parents temporarily stray in their teenage years, despite sound early training in Bible truth.  Even teenagers who receive regular discipline and correction may take a sudden wrong turn in their teens as a result of poor choices in friends or loss of spiritual interest through involvement in willful sin. 

Until now, I have been at a loss on how to best advise parents of older children.  No longer! The advice in “Relief for Hurting Parents” will help any parent trying to get their children back on track with God.  Most importantly, Buddy Scott’s books are Biblically sound.  His advice does not mix humanistic theories or psychology, but provides clear strategies on how to deal with children, young or old who resist parental guidance and authority.  Parenting is serious business and Buddy Scott has a wealth of practical advice that will help parents regain their peace of heart in trying circumstances.

I encourage you to browse some of the sample chapters below for a better feel for the excellent material in it for parents.  This book would make an excellent gift for a Christian friend or relative who is near the “end of their rope” in dealing with a problem child.  You can order a signed copy of the book online from the author’s website, www.buddyscott.com or through Amazon Book Sellers.

Follow the links below to the Buddy Scott's website to look at sample chapters from his book: 

• Preface

• Introduction (Page 11)

• Encouragement (Page 15)

• Preparing for success (Page 34)

• Avoiding manipulation (Page 40)

• Allowing the pain of wrong choices (Page 54)

• Deciding how to discipline your child (Page 83)

• Familyhood supplies irreplaceable assets (Page 114)

• Striving for unity in parenting (even if divorced) (Page 143)

• Orchestrating rescue and recovery to save defiant children (Page 161)

• Allies for helping parents recover their child's well-being (Page 177)

• The importance of a support group and how to organize one for your community (Pages 193-200)

Christian Parents Network has no financial relationship with the author and does not accept any fees or paid advertisements.  We recommend the book only because we believe it is a worthwhile help to parents.