The structure and format of Parenting with Purpose makes it easy for parents, grandparents or caregivers to follow and implement strategies to help children develop values and vision.  The book begins by asking parents, grandparents and other care givers to plan their parenting by first looking at experiences that were significant in their own lives; next, the reader is asked to determine the values that are important to them so they can emphasize those values while raising their children.  Finally, the five keys to making it happen (Security, Identity, Belonging, Purpose and Competence) are introduced.  An observational checklist helps parents determine where to start in raising children with positive values and a sense of the future. 

The over 150 “Activities to Consider” help build and develop positive parent-child relationships and close family ties.   These bonding activities are extensions of the specific concept being introduced to the child and help the child to internalize the concept.  This nurturing from “the inside out” promotes the development of the child’s own inner strengths.  

Designed for tots to teens, the activities help to reinforce those qualities that parents feel are most important.  Helping a child develop scenarios for his/her future, talking about qualities he/she would like to be known for as an adult, and discussing what he/she can do to contribute to making a better world are just a few of the suggestions included.  The authors also offer insights into the underlying causes of inappropriate behavior and how changing the way we parent can change those behaviors.

Of special value, readers will find chapters that focus on specific needs and situations such as parenting the gifted child, the foster child, and the child with learning disabilities, special physical needs, ADHD, or the spectrum of Autism.

“This book provides an exciting new way to approach parenting, based on years of practical experience and research. It really demonstrates how parents can develop those human qualities most of us would like to see in our children. The ideas and suggestions provided are practical, helpful and sound. The chapter on helping children with unique problems and needs is especially valuable.”
—Jack Canfield, M.Ed., Self-Esteem Seminars, Coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series

“Reasoner and Lane have undertaken the challenge of drawing upon research and professional experience to write a book, not about discipline or achievement, but rather the more rewarding task of increasing the chances that your child will become a responsible young adult with the traits and characteristics you value most.  I strongly recommend this book not only for parents, but also for teachers, school administrators, and all those interested in the growth and maturity of young people.”
—Dr. Jack McKay, Professor Emeritus
University of Nebraska at Omaha

“The most profound responsibility we human beings ever undertake is to parent a child. Yet how little precious preparation we are given to ready us for this challenge. Bob Reasoner and Marilyn Lane’s “Parenting with Purpose” is the most deeply insightful parenting handbook I have seen. It smartly grounds the process in a parent’s own sense of self, identity and self-esteem, and in that parent’s awareness regarding the values and virtues they hope their child will grow up to embody.  In fact, it amounts to a blueprint for the most healthy and valuable parenting—parenting from the inside out!”
—Senator John Vasconcellos
California State Senate

“Parent with Purpose offers warm and readable suggestions to help you reach your parenting goals in a mindful and deliberate way.  Here ae simple and practical ways to build your children’s internal controls and self-discipline, while encouraging the development of all those wonderful qualities you want in your children.”
—Author Jane Bluestein, Ph.D., author of Parents, Teens & boundaries, The Parent’s Little Book of Lists: Do’s and Don’ts of Effective parents, and Creating Emotionally Safe Schools

“Bob Reasoner and Marilyn Lane’s years of research and experience make them uniquely qualified to write this book for parents. Their ideas are based on solid theory and offer sound, effective ways for developing what matters most: raising our children to become capable and competent human beings.  I’m certain that this outstanding guide will become a valuable resource for parents.  It’s certainly a most-needed one.”
—Author Michele Borba, E.D, author of “Don’t Give Me that Attitude, Building Moral Intelligence, and others

“Not just another book on parenting… the wisdom and practical ‘how to’s Parenting With Purpose provides will help you become the parent you’re capable of becoming. The insights of these two authors have been field tested and proven. By applying these principles you will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime.
—Bob “Hope” Moawad, Founder and CEO of Edge Learning Institute

“After over 40 years of working with children, teachers and parents I believe that no one is doing a good job of helping parents teach their children—not schools, not churches, not adult education programs, not colleges, not anyone. This book is a complete and comprehensive guide for parents.  It is conceptually well founded. It has been personalized with the authors’ own experiences and it includes many suggested activities for parents to use with their children. I wish such a book had been available when we raised our children and that I could have recommended to parents in the many schools and districts where I served.”
—William D. Grafft, Ph.D., Retired Superintendent, Mountain View School District, California

“Parenting With Purpose conveys so much practical wisdom in a very easy-to-understand manner. It is action-oriented, with specific suggested activities to help the reader-parent apply the authors’ principles. Frequent review of this book and putting the methods in practice should help parents, grandparents, and others caring for children be effective and raise their children with the qualities most valued.”
—Polly Peters, Parent and Grandparent

“I believe this book will be a significant contribution to all who read it. I especially enjoyed the personal vignettes. The concepts and suggestions are sound and will be of great value to parents.”
—Rita Hemsley, Ph.D., Director,
ORCA Christian School

”Parenting with a Purpose is the definitive “instruction book” for families.  Like a well-written travel guide, this book pinpoints the roadblocks and provides the maps to help your family choose the destination and truly enjoy the parenting journey.  If there is room in your library for only one parenting guide, this should be it!”
—Kate Gamble, Parent

“This is the most comprehensive guide for parents and other adults
responsible for the care of children that I have ever seen. Beginning with the crucially important question ‘What do your really want for your children?’ the book moves from creating a sense of security to strengthening a sense of identity, to inspiring a life purpose—to meeting the needs of unique children. This is a very important contribution.”
What others have to say
—Psychologist Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D.

“This book provides an exciting new way to approach parenting, based on
years of practical experience and research. It really demonstrates how parents can develop those human qualities most of us would like to see in our children.  The ideas and suggestions provided are practical, helpful, and sound.  The chapter on helping children with unique problems and needs is especially valuable.”
—Jack Canfield, M.Ed., Self-Esteem Seminars,
Coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series

“Reasoner and Lane have undertaken the challenge of drawing upon
research and professional experience to write a book, not about discipline or achievement, but rather the more rewarding task of increasing the chances that your child will become a responsible young adult with the traits and characteristics you value most. I strongly recommend this book not only for parents, but also for teachers, school administrators, and all those interested in the growth and maturity of young people.”
—Dr. Jack McKay, Professor Emeritus
University of Nebraska at Omaha

“The most profound responsibility we human beings ever undertake is to parent a child. Yet how little precious preparation we are given to ready us for this challenge. Bob Reasoner and Marilyn Lane’s Parenting with Purpose is the most deeply insightful parenting handbook I have seen. It smartly grounds the process in a parent’s own sense of self, identity, and self-esteem, and in that parent’s awareness regarding the values and virtues they hope their child will grow up to embody. In fact, it amounts to a blueprint for the most healthy and
valuable parenting—parenting from the inside out!”
—Senator John Vasconcellos
California State Senate

“Parenting with Purpose offers warm and readable suggestions to help you reach your parenting goals in a mindful and deliberate way. Here are simple and practical ways to build your children’s internal controls and self-discipline, while encouraging the development of all those wonderful qualities you want in your children.”
—Author Jane Bluestein, Ph.D., author of Parents, Teens & Boundaries,
The Parent’s Little Book of Lists: Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Parents,
and Creating Emotionally Safe Schools

“Bob Reasoner and Marilyn Lane’s years of research and experience make them uniquely qualified to write this book for parents. Their ideas are based on solid theory and offer sound, effective ways for developing what matters most: raising our children to become capable and competent human beings.  I’m certain that this outstanding guide will become a valuable resource for parents. It’s certainly a most-needed one.”
—Author Michele Borba, E.D, author of Don’t Give Me that Attitude, Building Moral Intelligence, and others

“Not just another book on parenting… the wisdom and practical how-to’s
Parenting with Purpose provides will help you become the parent you’re capable of becoming. The insights of these two authors have been field tested and proven. By applying these principles you will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime.
—Bob “Hope” Moawad, Founder and
CEO of Edge Learning Institute

“After over 40 years of working with children, teachers and parents I believe that no one is doing a good job of helping parents teach their children—not schools, not churches, not adult education programs, not colleges, not anyone.  This book is a complete and comprehensive guide for parents. It is conceptually well-founded. It has been personalized with the authors’ own experiences and it includes many suggested activities for parents to use with their children.  I wish such a book had been available when we raised our children and that I could have recommended to parents in the many schools and districts where I served.”
—William D. Grafft, Ph.D., Retired Superintendent, Mountain View School District, California

“Parenting with Purpose conveys so much practical wisdom in a very easy-to-understand manner. It is action-oriented, with specific suggested activities to help the reader-parent apply the authors’ principles. Frequent review of this book and putting the methods in practice should help parents, grandparents, and others caring for children be effective and raise their children with the qualities most valued.”
—Polly Peters, Parent and Grandparent

“I believe this book will be a significant contribution to all who read it. I especially enjoyed the personal vignettes. The concepts and suggestions are sound and will be of great value to parents.”
—Rita Hemsley, Ph.D., Director,
ORCA Christian School

”Parenting with Purpose is the definitive ‘instruction book’ for families. Like a well-written travel guide, this book pinpoints the roadblocks and provides the maps to help your family choose the destination and truly enjoy the parenting journey. If there is room in your library for only one parenting guide, this should be it!”
—Kate Gamble, Parent