Book review of Intentional Parenting 101: Practical Strategies to Break Survival Mode

by Tamryn Bondsworth (Author) Joseph Bondsworth (Author)

Updated at: 19/02/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by parenthood? Intentional Parenting 101: Practical Strategies to Break Survival Mode, by Tamryn and Joseph Bondsworth, offers a lifeline. This essential guide provides a clear roadmap for parents seeking purpose and direction. Moving beyond reactive parenting, the book equips you with practical strategies to build a positive home environment, understand your children better, and proactively address future challenges. Learn to identify your parenting goals, acknowledge past influences, and develop essential skills for intentional parenting. Discover how to create a purposeful family life and lay the foundations for a brighter future for your children and generations to come. Start your journey towards mindful parenting today.

4.9 / 44 ratings

Review Intentional Parenting 101

"Intentional Parenting 101: Practical Strategies to Break Survival Mode" by Tamryn and Joseph Bondsworth resonated with me deeply, and I suspect it will with many parents feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind of raising kids. It's not a preachy, judgmental guide, but rather a supportive hand reaching out to pull you from the chaos of "survival mode" and into a more mindful, intentional approach to parenting.

What I appreciated most was the book's practical, down-to-earth advice. It doesn't delve into abstract theories; instead, it offers concrete strategies and actionable steps. The authors clearly understand the realities of modern parenthood—the sleep deprivation, the tantrums, the constant demands on time and energy. They acknowledge these challenges, offering empathy and reassurance alongside their suggestions.

The book's strength lies in its holistic approach. It's not just about discipline techniques or child development milestones (though it certainly touches on those); it's about cultivating a strong family unit built on mutual respect, open communication, and emotional intelligence. The emphasis on understanding your own values, beliefs, and past experiences as they impact your parenting style is particularly insightful. This self-reflection is crucial for creating a parenting plan that truly aligns with your family's goals and aspirations.

I found the sections on tailoring your parenting approach to each child's individual personality incredibly helpful. My children are as different as night and day, and this book provided me with the tools to approach each one with a personalized strategy, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method. It helped me understand their unique needs and temperaments, fostering a deeper connection and more effective communication.

The strategies for building positive family routines and creating a nurturing home environment were also invaluable. These aren't rigid, inflexible rules but rather suggestions for creating a sense of structure and predictability, which can significantly reduce stress for both parents and children. The book's suggestions on fostering independence while still providing support felt genuinely achievable, not idealistic.

While the book is undeniably helpful, I did find the cover design a little underwhelming. It could benefit from a more visually appealing and engaging presentation to better capture the positive and supportive nature of its content. Additionally, while the book offers a broad range of strategies, some parents may desire even more specific guidance on particular challenges. For example, parents dealing with significant behavioral issues might find they need to supplement the book's advice with additional resources.

However, despite these minor critiques, "Intentional Parenting 101" is a must-read for any parent looking to transition from reactive, survival-based parenting to a more proactive, mindful approach. It's a valuable resource that provides practical tools, supportive guidance, and a renewed sense of hope for creating a thriving, loving family. It's a book that acknowledges the messiness of parenthood while empowering you to navigate it with intention and grace. I highly recommend it.