25 Mistakes LDS Parents Make and How to Avoid Them

by Randal A. Wright

Author completed a research on students and asked them many questions, from which he took the common answers to determine the 25 mistakes commonly made by parents.

Genres: Parenting, Lds, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help, Adult

257 pages

First published August 28, 2006

About the author

Randal A. Wright has a Ph.D. in family studies with an emphasis on the impact of the electronic media. He is the author of several books, including Families in Danger: Protecting Your Family in an X-Rated World and Achieving Your Life Mission. He speaks frequently throughout the United States and Canada on family issues and self improvement topics. He and his wife, Wendy Bradford Wright, are the parents of five children and live in Austin, Texas.

from http://3wordjournal.com/about-the-aut...

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the way this book was written, but I still feel like I gained something from reading it. I got a little tired of reading the results of the "American Youth Survey" in almost every chapter. The survey correlated diffent behaviors, etc. with youth's willingness to have premarital sex. Interesting, but not my #1 worry with a one-year-old. I wish that the author had other research/evidence to back up his claims. Beyond this one study, though, the book was only based on common sense and personal experiences. Occasionally the author would use quotes from church leaders, but the author often re-used quotes throughout the book. I took awhile to read the book, and I would often stop and ask, "Haven't I already read this?" The author definitely could have condensed his points into less than 25 chapters. Nevertheless, despite the weaknesses in writing and lack of evidence, the book did have some good advice. There were some gems of wisdom I can apply even at this early stage of parenting. For example, even with a one-year-old, I can start building a positive home environment and spending quality "family fun" time. It wasn't the most amazing parenting book I've read, but it was filled with some good reminders.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this because I'm afraid I'm making lots of mistakes right now. The sweet insights in this book are helping me with the stage of parenting life I'm in right now. One of my favorites so far is the advice to never be the one to break the conversation. Let them talk as long as they want to talk to you. I've used this a lot with the girls this past week. Really--what could be more important anyway? A great book.

[Brett Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about finished with the book right now and it has been terrific. It was written in 2006 so the statistics shared or a little bit dated, but not terribly so and the messages and principles are still very much applicable.

I found the writing to be straight-forward and unsophisticated, which is perfect for someone like me. The stories and examples, as well as the quotes (some of which are repeated several times throughout the book) help to illustrate the principles well. I found that most topics were broken down into smaller elements that are easy to set goals to improve on as a parent.

It isn't really a long read, but is worth the time for all parents. I found it especially helpful as a parent of several children approaching 10 years of age or so. Still time to continue improving in areas where improvement is needed. For very young families, some of the issues he addresses may seem a long (long) way off, but establishing the foundation and habits he shares at that time go along way later on for most kids.

Definitely worth your time. I found the best place to pick it up (since it is generally out of print) is at a library in Utah.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The chapters were simple. Things I really liked, how no matter the age of your children (mine are still very young) there are things you can do to be a better parent especially in certain categories. Many of the chapters were geared more for parents of kids older, but I still found the information compelling. That being said, there was a lot of quoting the same studies that got redundant. I especially enjoyed the personal experiences and interviews with actual people. Overall, I'm not sure this is the most amazing parenting book ever, but several of the chapters made me think how I can be a better parent to my children. It was a book that was easy to read over several weeks, due to the chapter layout. I have never heard the author speak in person but I agreed with basically everything he said.

[Terrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basis of this book is a survey of 500 active LDS members nationwide, who were asked 'What mistakes do you feel your parents made when you were growing up in their home'. Kind of a depressing premise, but what I really liked about this book was that he gives specific steps that can be taken to prevent / remedy these mistakes.

Some of these topics are geared more for teenagers and pre-teens, so I'd love to have a copy of this book to reread later. I thought it was so interesting and helpful to see specific parenting actions that may not seem like a big deal, but have lasting consequences on a child's life.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having majored in Family Life in college, I usually take these kinds of books as a grain of salt. I must say that I agree with everything this book says 100%!! It corresponds exactly to what I have studied and how I feel personally about a lot of these issues. It is eye opening & life altering. I also love the way it is written with a personal experience or two, then statics about it, and then the spiritual side. I am so glad I read and bought this book, I have marked it up with highlights and notes and will refer back to it throughout my parenting days.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tbis book is broken down into easy-to-read chapters by topic. I was amazed at the statistics he included and appreciated all of the real life experiences he shared to illustrate practical applications. I was happy to know I am more on the ball as an LDS parent than not as far as the book is concerned. But I was also grateful for the way my eyes were opened to likely scenarios we have yet to encounter with our children when they reach future milestones and ages.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am halfway done with this book and have ordered two for myself. One to loan out and one to keep on my shelf. It is mainly geared for parents of teenagers - but we will all be that someday. I wish I read this before being released from YW. I even have my husband reading this - and he's hooked.
Thank you April J. for the recommendation. I don't read a lot of parenting books, but I might from now on.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book!! There are lots of quotes from prophets and apostles about being a good parent and how we need to avoid the world's view and teach our children the standards of the Gospel, and then NOT waiver from them. He has conducted many studies with LDS youth and their relationship with their parents. This book has helped me to see where I DON'T want to go with my girls. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any parent!!

[Yvonne swinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this discussion of some of the challenges LDS parents face in raising their children with high standards in a morally-faltering world. The author interviewed and collected information from grown children asking what they wished their parents had done differently - the 25 most common answers are each addressed in one chapter - you'll find great insights on dating, TV, communication, church activity, and so forth.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every parent should read this and take notes (even if you are not LDS). It's nothing new, but a huge reminder and wake up call. If you have kids, whether they are little or teenagers or even older, this is a must-read! I think I'm probably making about 23 of the 25 mistakes. There are so many great quotes from apostles and prophets...I really did end up taking about 6-7 pages of notes for easy reference because I don't want to forget!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was stunned by the results of many of the research studies cited in this book, particularly the ones relating to media. Even though the 25 mistakes talked about throughout the book have grave consequences in a family unit, you're left with a clear understanding of what you need to do to avoid making the same mistakes. This booked earned its place on the "parenting handbook" shelf in our home.

[Rachel Robins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aother winner, fantastic book for LDS parents (really any parent who had Judeo-Christian values). I came away grateful for the amazing parents I had and a greater awareness of what I need to do as a parent. A lot of these addressed parents of teens which is why it was so helpful now why my kids are younger. Wonderful book, read this one, it's worth it!!!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book. It mentions 25 areas where parents can focus to help their children. Areas include TV, friends, expressing love, peer pressure, music, quality time, peer pressure, dicipline, dating, communication, etc. Each topic only has about 10 pages and usually includes quotes, stories & statistics. Well worth the time to read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Bro. Wright did a Doctorate dissertation on this topic. He surveyed thousands of LDS young adults and asked them what mistakes they thought their parents made. He picked the top 25 and gives quotes from GA's and personal examples. This book I'd like to give to all my teenager's friend's parents!

[Alissa Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a study on teens and premarital sex so most of these 25 mistakes are ones that can lead to premarital sex. The main thing I took away from this book is that as parents we need to be involved and aware of the culture surrounding our youth and then provide an environment where they can learn truth and feel appreciated as well as have a place to feel they can talk and be heard.

[Crystal Rustic-Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. Many of you who know me, probably have heard of Randal Wright. He really knows how to talk about important subjects with a bit of humor added in. I really enjoyed this book and should make a commitment to read it every year.

[April Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome, it is my #1 parenting advice book. It is overwhelming at times but eye opening and has great ideas. I think this should be in every parent's library, and read once a year. Another one that should be read while your children are young.

[Kristi Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this. Practical advise with great suggestions and lots of data and quotes from prohpets to back him up. I would recommend this book to everyone I know. If your kids are raised, give it to them so they can read it for their own families.

[Janey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Initially, I gave this five stars, but four years later I realize how destructive it had become for my parenting. I've put a halt on all my strategies I used from this book. I'm glad I realized only four years later instead of twenty.

[BreAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

We did this for Book Club. Not my typical book but I gained a lot from it. Most were things that I already know but sometimes you have to experience them through others to make it click. I Know as my kids get older I'll be pulling this book out over and over.

[Shara Ogilvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flavor of the book was outside of what I generally enjoy reading, but the content was excellent. The writer originated a lot of original parenting research and then wove LDS church teachings into his exegesis. Timely advice as my children are on the cusp of adolescence....

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My home teacher wrote this book. I loved it (and needed it). GREAT reminders of what's most important as parents!!! I'm also taking an Institute class (D & C) taught by him and a Marriage/Family Relations Class from him. He's a great teacher (and author)!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. I read it a few months ago from the library and loved it.

Update: Cedar Fort Publishing has done an updated version called Power Parenting in the LDS Home: Avoid the 25 Most Common Mistakes

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some great ideas in here. Some of them seem obvious, but I've seen good members of the Church overlook them. I highly recommend to my LDS friends (or anyone, really who is raising a child with Judeo-Christian values).

[Patti Seffker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best parenting books I have ever read. I took notes and reread. I recommend this to anyone who has teenagers. It is not just for LDS families. It is based on strong values and good principles. Great instructional manual.

[Beth A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good parenting advice. It is well researched and yet enjoyable reading. I really liked it.

[Katieb (MundieMoms) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. I had him as a teacher at Institute for and he was awesome! Most of the things in this book where things he taught at institute or talked about it. He was a great teacher!!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful to read and then re-read, and each time I've read it, I've found something new!

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had some really good advice, i would recommend this to anyone that has kids!