If I had to describe this book to someone, I’d say it is a very practical guide to raising a child in a Christian mindset. Each section is a quick read, and the book itself is pretty short. They have good advice, paired with anecdotes from their own parenting on teaching your child to live like Jesus, with prayers about that specific topic. My only criticism about this book is that I think that it could apply to both boys and girls. There wasn’t really any gender specific advice in there, and it’s absolutely important to teach your girls how to live a Christian life as well. Overall, a practical, enjoyable read. 8/10

It would be difficult to find a more elementary, clear-cut introduction to parenting than this easy read by David and Julie Lavender. Although the book is tailored to sons, I find it likely that the authors would recommend the same advice toward parents of daughters. Each chapter, structured around an overarching Biblical principle, includes several actionable subpoints, reflection questions, and even a prayer. In my opinion, the book could be read straight through or used as a devotional. If you have teenage sons (or are raising older children in general), there are certainly more age-appropriate options out there for you. However, as a foundational read for new parents of boys, this is a great place to start.

Raising Good Sons by David and Julie Lavender is a short book full of advice for parents of boys. This was a good book, yet it is not really a book in a way as it is very short. The chapters all contain a story, usually to show how the authors managed to do whatever it was in their children's lives and then it gives instructions for what to do, what to talk about with your children. The format of this wasn't for me, although the advice given was good.

If you’re a diehard Southern Baptist like my mother, you will love this book. It’s organized in short, easily digestible sections for the busy parent.

If you’re me, raised by Southern Baptists following all of the principles in this book, yet I want to raise my own son differently, this is not the book for you. Why did I read this book then? I was curious if any of the religious advice translated to a family that isn’t at church every Sunday. Of course it does! Set a good example for your kiddo. Be kind to your neighbors. All solid advice.

One last thing: this book didn’t need to be gendered.

Thank you to Zeitgeist and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Good book
Wrong timing . I’ve recommended it to all my boy mom friends. This wasn’t for me , maybe timing

I am usually leery of parenting books, yet I thought this was a helpful and informative read for Christian based parenting. Helpful insights and ways to follow through suggestions. Definitely recommend for those raising boys in a Christian home. #raisinggoodsons #davidlavender #julielavender #netgalley #goodreads

Short and sweet, great for new parents. I appreciate the simplicity however I did not find extra information I had not read before in other Christian parenting books on boys. Thank you NetGalley for an arc copy.

As a mom of four, and three boys, I just SO needed this book. I have been really trying to figure out what to be teaching my boys to be men that God calls them to be, It was fabulously written and just wonderfully put together.

This is a short and sweet book. I appreciate that each section is a quick read (great for busy parents) and supported by a Bible verse. The best parts of the book are the reflection questions after each section.

The book has good reminders, even though there wasn’t really anything unique in the book (other than anecdotes about the authors’ family, some of which were deeper and more relevant than others) and it is sometimes a bit repetitive.

Despite the title, nothing in this book is specific to sons, so this book could provide encouragement and reminders to any Christian parent! (I would also add that perhaps “God-honoring” is a more apt description of the book’s goals than “good” :) )

Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and will be posted on Amazon and Instagram within a week of the book’s publication.