The world desperately needs parents who care deeply about parenting, who embrace their God–given role with humility, grace, commitment, a sense of stewardship, love, and a healthy dose of humor. This book takes a practical, biblical–theological approach to what a mom and dad can do together to parent in a realistic, relational and responsible way. A great read―practical, biblical, and spiritually challenging. -- Josh Moody Andreas and Margaret give a biblically robust yet simple framework to keep us on track as parents. Our family has been encouraged as we’ve watched them become more like Christ while their children have become more like them and so have become more like Christ. May this be true for each of us who read and apply the experiences they share in this book! -- Dave Miller … positive, detailed, and exceptionally insightful teaching that is always supported by Scripture. There are specific suggestions, helpful summaries, and good questions for further consideration in each chapter, so a small group could study the book together with great benefit. -- Gary and Ann Wooley My parents wrote this parenting book. Spoiler: they’re regular parents. And while they aren’t perfect, they sure did care for and invest in me. I turned out alright if I may say so myself – so give this book a read. I think you’ll find it to be an invaluable resource for you as you cope with your crazy kids. All that said, I give this book the official child–approved stamp! -- David Köstenberger Sleep–deprived, anxious, and uncertain about the daunting task of successfully raising a child to adulthood, new parents can’t help feeling overwhelmed. And that’s just in the first week. The glut of advice online only adds to the insecurity. Enter Parenting Essentials , a practical, readable, faithful guide through the sometimes perplexing, often fulfilling, and always sanctifying work of parenting. -- Steve and Candice Watters We wrote this book primarily for young couples preparing for marriage and having children, for young couples ready to start a family, or for those with young children who would like to gain a better perspective on parenting. In our own 25-year experience as parents of 4 now-grown children, we've found that parenting involves what we call the "Rs" of parenting: realism, relationships, and responsibility. We hope you find our book practical and helpful as you parent your children for the glory of God! Andreas Köstenberger is Research Professor of New Testament & Biblical Theology and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and founder of Biblical Foundations. Margaret Köstenberger is Associate Professor of Theology & Women’s Ministry and Faculty Coordinator of Women’s Ministry Programs at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.