“It was with a fair measure of skepticism that I began reading this book, muttering to myself, ‘Oh no, not another book on raising perfect kids!’ But I was greatly surprised and gratified to see that this book was anything but. The Blackabys have shared their experiences from a two-generational perspective and I found their advice thoughtful, biblical and challenging. There are no cookie-cutter formulas in this book…thankfully! What I found instead was an approach to parenting that took each individual child into consideration and focused on character formation rather than compliance. I laughed and I cried as I vicariously shared their experiences, but I ended this book encouraged that there is a voice for parenting that is wise, full of grace, and just plain fun. Enjoy the book!”
Jim Keller
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Founder and President, Charis Counseling Center in Orlando, FL, Teaching Pastor, Summit Church, Author, The Upside-Down Marriage
“Richard is a gifted storyteller. I always enjoy hearing him use real-life stories to explain and apply profound truths. Now it is clear that his daughter Carrie is a highly entertaining and insightful storyteller as well. You will thoroughly enjoy reading this book. It is filled with humor, insight, and godly wisdom. I highly recommend it to parents. It will leave you thinking, laughing, and changing and will result in a blessing for your children.”
Dr. Henry T. Blackaby
Author, Experiencing God
“I enjoyed this book so much I decided to put my name on the manuscript and publish it first! Seriously, this book reminded me of the way Ramona and I raised our kids—not with perfection—but with purpose. Success was measured by faith, character, and a rollicking good time. We have seen it pay off. I know you will too.”
Phil Callaway
Radio Host, Laugh Again, Author, Tricks My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love and God
“This book was so much fun to read, I couldn’t put it down! I felt like I was spending the afternoon with the Blackabys as they shared very real examples of ‘rebellious parenting.’ In this practical and biblically based book, Richard and his daughter Carrie have written a wonderful resource to help parents make good judgment calls, overcome the pressures of conventional wisdom to discern what is best for their child, and learn to enjoy the journey of parenting. They provide insights into raising children in a joyful setting that looks for ‘opportunities to turn ordinary life experiences into happy memories.’”
Rhonda Stoppe
Author, Moms Raising Sons to Be Men
“Conventional wisdom isn’t always wise or right or best. It’s just familiar. One brief conversation with a Venezuelan-born doctor altered my cultural perspective and changed the course of my parenting when my three children were teens. After reading Richard and Carrie Blackaby’s book, I wished I could turn back the clock and tweak a few more things! Give this book to every young family you love! Their children will thank you one day.”
Connie Cavanaugh
International Speaker, Author, Following God One Yes at a Time
“As a mom of six I started my parenting years with dreams of who I thought my kids should be, but that only led to frustration when they did not fit the mold my mind had created! As the years passed, God was faithful in showing me His unique designs and plans for each of my children.
“Richard and Carrie Blackaby share inspiring truths on parenting our children to thrive in Rebellious Parenting. In a society in which parents strive to keep up with ‘conventional wisdom,’ this father and daughter team speak to the heart of the matter. The Blackabys guide parents on how to put the pitfalls of popular opinion behind them and instead seek God’s truth. God didn’t create assembly lines, but rather one-of-a-kind humans. I love this book! It’s inspiring, insightful, and filled with wisdom and truth. I can’t wait to share it with friends, and read it again myself!”
Tricia Goyer
Author of 45 books, including Lead Your Family Like Jesus, and Plain Faith: A True Story of Tragedy, Loss, and Leaving the Amish
BMI Ministries International
Jonesboro, Ga
Editorial Work: AnnaMarie McHargue
Cover Design: Aaron Snethen
Layout Design: Aaron Snethen
© 2017 by Richard Blackaby & Carrie Blackaby
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the publisher.
Published by Blackaby Ministries International
P.O. Box 1035
Jonesboro, GA 30237
All Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
ISBN (paperback): 978-1-7338536-1-3
ISBN (ebook): 978-1-7338536-2-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016942590
I’d like to dedicate this book to my parents, Henry and Marilynn, who did an awesome job, against some daunting challenges, of raising me into adulthood; and to my three children, Mike, Daniel, and Carrie, who overcame my parental shortcomings to become amazing adults.
— Richard Blackaby
I dedicate this book to my parents and to my incredible husband, Sam.
— Carrie Blackaby
Table of Contents
The Pitfalls of Popular Opinion
Land of the Free, Home of the Clones
Look Around You…Stupid Is Everywhere!
Not Now, Sweetie: Mommy Is Having a Meltdown