Yesterday evening I was able to spend an hour or so working on some graphic projects for my wife’s blog. While I was working I also had on a parenting conference DVD by Paul David Tripp. The DVD is part of a series entitled, Getting to the Heart of Parenting. Rachel and I had ordered the set last fall but hadn’t watched it until now. (We seldom sit down to watch DVDs.)

So far I have worked my way through the first three sessions and I have greatly appreciated the material covered in each. The following is a list of the sessions and the topics:

Session 1 & 2: What is a Family?
In this session Dr. Tripps provides a theological foundation and working definition for a family.

Session 3 & 4: Getting to the Heart of Behavior
Building upon the theological foundation laid for a family, in these sessions Dr. Tripp covers the heart of a child’s behavior and more importantly, how do we as parents, by grace, shepherd our children’t hearts.

Session 5 & 6: Ages 0-5

Session 7 & 8: Ages 6-12

Session 9 & 10: Ages 13-?

In all three sessions I have appreciated Tripp’s warm and pastoral approach to these deep, theological truths. I assume that in session five and following the principles will be applied to each specific age range. It goes without saying that I am very interested in sessions 5 and 6!

When discussing the heart of our children’s behavior, I greatly appreciate the way Dr. Tripp continually turns back to the mercy and grace of God and our children’s need to hear the Gospel preached to them. The reoccurring theme of grace is interwoven all throughout the three sessions I have listened to thus far.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the DVDs (which include discussion materials and leader’s guide) you can purchase them through Westminster’s Bookstore or from Amazon.