Parenting the Prodigal (University Seminars/Leonard Hastings Schoff Memorial Lectures)

Rating:
Summary: A justification for abuse & a misinterpretation of the Bible
Review: I have enjoyed this book thoroughly. I needed some practical advice on parenting a willful son, and this reading will help me keep things in perspective. The author describes why and how teens become prodigal, and teaches me how to keep a welcome home for my son to feel safe in.

Rating:
Summary: Struggle with At-Risk Teen
Review: I have enjoyed this book thoroughly. I needed some practical advice on parenting a willful son, and this reading will help me keep things in perspective. The author describes why and how teens become prodigal, and teaches me how to keep a welcome home for my son to feel safe in.

Rating:
Summary: A justification for abuse & a misinterpretation of the Bible
Review: Prodigal? Does the author know what the word means - really?

Does the author mean raising a squanderer, a wasteful child? One that is improvident, or short-sighted? Thriftless or unforethoughtful?

While the author uses Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, he seems to miss the point entirely, and in a non-Christian manner, apparently drawing on his own interpretation of applying it to today's teens, which is simply inappropriate.

The book views the child as the problem, and while there are some fairly good parenting tips, some of them can easily step over the line of abuse, and might be interpreted by some to justify abusing their children.

The tips to prevent a teen child getting out of hand, then lead into the what to do if the author's advise fails, or if one is already past that point... not any more helpful than common sense really. Not any more than one could get from talking to a friend. A respectable minister or clergyman and prayer would be much more helpful, and more appropriate.

If one is starting to have the types of problems where they feel they have a "Prodigal" teen or child, they may wish to take a self-examination at why they feel that way in the first place (perhaps resentment of thier child? Depression? Abuse issues of thier own?)and seek therapy. No book can replace professional help in this area, and this one is no exception.