What do you think about GBD?

[~Megan~]

http://gentlechristianmothers.com/ar...rystal/gbd.php

[mamasadie]

Not what I've chosen for my family (we're more along the lines of UP/TCS/consent-based parenting), but a million times better than Dobson, Tripp and other Christian 'experts'.

In fact, even comparing GBD to that punitive crap isn't fair. I think for Christian parents coming from 'spanking is Biblical' backgrounds, GBD is a genuine blessing and a chance to not pass along the pain and violence to their own children.

ETA: On a practical application level, it borrows liberally from Positive Discipline/Adlerian psychology. It's pretty much the same thing as PD, but packaged for Christian parents.

[luv my 2 sweeties]

I don't subscribe to the religious beliefs of this group, but the parenting beliefs listed on the "what we believe" page are almost identical to my own ideals. (Minus the "as unto the Lord" and pro-life stuff. ) I haven't read the book or looked beyond a few pages of the website, but so far I see nothing objectionable where parenting practices are concerned.

For women who are fundementalist Christians, I think it is a wonderful resource. I have a newly married cousin who is very deeply into "Biblical" living. I think I'll suggest this website to her when/if she becomes pregnant.

[gentle_mama04]

I love it. I totally agree with it. It is what my dh and I use. I think it's great for Christian parents to read about and study.

[canadiyank]

I've been GBDing for over 4 years. It's very much a non-punitive yet non-permissive way to discipline. Crystal spoke at my church a couple years ago and her family stayed at my house...it was fantastic to see GBD in action and IRL.

luv my 2 - there are a wide variety of Christian practices represented on the site...in fact Crystal is a pastor, so already some people will have a prob with that, if you kwim. She happens to have her ministerial license from my denomination, interestingly.

mamaotwo - what sort of questions did you have about GBD?

[luv my 2 sweeties]

Originally Posted by canadiyank

luv my 2 - there are a wide variety of Christian practices represented on the site...in fact Crystal is a pastor, so already some people will have a prob with that, if you kwim. She happens to have her ministerial license from my denomination, interestingly.

I understand. When I said I don't subscribe to the beliefs, I was refering to the official statement of beliefs on the website. While I hold the Bible in great esteem, I don't believe in Biblical inerrancy, for example. And while I call myself Christian because I follow Christ, I also believe in universal salvation. Those were the kinds of beliefs I was refering to. The GBD stuff is right up my alley, however. I poked around the message boards a little after I posted here. Seems like a very nice community of people.

[JamesMama]

I LOVE GBD. DH and I follow that more than GD since we are Christians. It's such an about face from what we are used to "Spare the rod" junk to a way where we look at showing the love and understanding of Christ to our child(ren). It's really beautiful.

I haven't yet got Chrystal's book but I want it very badly...might have to beg DH some more. I do have another book called "Grace Based Parenting" that I really like.

[canadiyank]

Originally Posted by luv my 2 sweeties

I understand. When I said I don't subscribe to the beliefs, I was refering to the official statement of beliefs on the website.

Oh yes, ITU! I was referring to the "fundamentalist" comment...but perhaps we define that differently...

It IS a great community. And I find GBD very gentle and respectful. It has changed *me* more than anything, though!

[KA29]

It's basically what we do. And for Christian parents leaving a punitive mindset that is a great site. Really I wish there were more Christian AP sites. I only know of a couple. Most are highly punitive.