Every parent wants to know how to be an outstanding parent and raise great kids. But often we don’t know how or don’t want to take personal responsibility for making that happen.

The Premise

The major premise of John G. Miller’s book Parenting the QBQ Way is that

Parenting is all about you, the parent! (<-tweet this)

Yes, that’s right. It’s all about you. When you, as the parent begin to ask the right questions, eliminate blame, complaining, and procrastination from your own life, it will affect your children, and quite possibly all other areas of your life.

QBQ stands for “the Question Behind the Question”. John G. Miller has spent the last two decades teaching the principles of personal accountability to all kinds of people, companies, and organizations. In this book, in short, easy to read chapters, he teaches parents how to change those “who did it” questions into “What can I do” questions. “What can I do to change this situation, to be a better parent, to get to know my child better, to model good listening, to encourage obedience.” Etc. It is a tool, a strategy, a lifestyle that anyone can learn and apply to make a difference in their home.

The Upside

I recently read Parenting the QBQ Way in just a couple of hours during a trip. I couldn’t wait to get back home and begin asking the QBQ questions with my kids. I wasn’t long before I was amazed to see the difference of a seven year old’s reaction when I said “would you please help Mommy with picking up toys in the living room.” instead of “Who made this mess? Whoever did this needs to clean it up quickly.” I was also amazed to see the difference in my own feelings and parenting frustrations when I started asking myself things like “What can I do to communicate my expectations better?” Or “How can I build a better relationship with my child?” instead of blaming them or excusing my own lack of consistency. The QBQ principles are making a difference in our home!

The Downside

Those who are expecting this book to be full of Bible verses are going to be disappointed. While the principles at their core are Biblical principles of personal integrity and accountability, the book hardly mentions Scripture references. However, because of this it would also be a great book to share with a person who is new to the faith, or whom you are trying to reach for Christ. It could be a great lead in to sharing with them that these principles, proven to work even in the marketplace and secular world, are based on God’s Word.

The Giveaway

QBQ has graciously given me a copy as well as three (3) copies of Parenting the QBQ Way to give away to my readers. The giveaway will run for one week and the winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced by email and then on blog on Thursday, March 21, 2013. If you don’t want to wait, you may purchase a copy in many different formats here. Want to win a copy of the book in Spanish? Educando en el Hogar (Home Educating) Blog is giving away QBQ’s Spanish book this week too.

Don’t forget to share this with your friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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About Katie Hornor

Katie is a busy missionary wife and mommy of four. In her free time she writes, blogs and speaks to encourage you and to promote the Spanish Homeschool Movement. Katie is author of Loving You Long Distance and the Lemonhass Homeschool Curriculum for Spanish speakers. Did you like this post? Don't forget to enter your email in the subscribe box at the top right of the page.