When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress (Ask the Christian Counselor)

“Imagine parenting without fear, regret, shame, or guilt. Lauren brings experience and wisdom to make that a realistic goal. You will be more creative, less frustrated, and might even find joy as you care for your children.”

“The ordinarily difficult work of parenting is made even more challenging when parents feel like they are failing at their calling. Lauren Whitman understands the toxic brew of fear, guilt, shame, and regret that parents too often experience as they raise their children. With biblical clarity, gospel-centered hope, and compelling examples, she shows how Jesus quiets the voice of parental failure with his own powerful voice of love.”

“There is a lot to like about Lauren Whitman’s book—she knows our parenting struggles and understands today’s complexities in raising our children. This book helps us be honest about our mistakes and the churn of emotions we feel. But what I love most is the way it takes weary and discouraged parents to Christ and quiets them with his words of grace. Reading this book will be good for your soul.”

“Fear, guilt, social pressures, and more threaten to discourage us as parents, as well as reroute us to all forms of unhelpful responses. Often these struggles stem from the desire to control outcomes with our children. Our children do not need perfect parents—they need humble ones. Lauren offers great freedom in trusting that God has the outcome and will guide us in the process.”

“I’ve always admired my friend and colleague Lauren Whitman’s ability to connect Scripture with our deepest struggles. In her book, When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress, she tenderly addresses parental feelings of inadequacy and perceived failures and guides us to rest in Jesus by sharing stories of him meeting his people’s doubts and fears. With honesty and insight, Lauren will help you navigate your parental distress, giving you more confidence in Jesus’s sweet grace.”

“As a parent, I have often felt like a failure. I’ve felt weighed down by my sinful responses to my children, my weaknesses, my limitations, and countless regrets. But Lauren’s new book, When Parents Feel Like Failures, is a fresh breath of gospel encouragement that speaks right to my soul. She reminds me of my Father’s love and my Savior’s mercy and grace. She reminds me that Jesus does indeed quiet my distressed heart with his love. When Parents Feel Like Failures is a book for all parents. Read it and be encouraged.”

“As I read this book, I noticed the familiar ‘churn’ of past failures and present inadequacies I have experienced as a parent. But for once, the churn is good, because Lauren Whitman leads us to the Christ of the Gospels who meets real people and real burdens with real love—more than enough to settle the soul.”

““I can think of no better guide for discouraged parents than Lauren, whose tender heart and counseling experience blend so beautifully together in this book. As she helps readers to identify the common emotions, thoughts, and expectations that underwrite feelings of failure, Lauren shows how Jesus consistently offers himself as both a refuge and Rescuer.”

“If you’re an imperfect parent, this book is for you. Instead of offering more ‘how tos’ for the already weary parent, this short but wisdom-packed book will offer you a refreshing dose of encouragement wrapped in the freeing gospel of grace.”

“Are you a distressed parent facing the weighty calling to raise your kids? When Parents Feel Like Failures provides wisdom and gentle guidance for moms and dads weighed down by fear, guilt, shame, or regret. Lauren Whitman’s humility as a mom and her saturation in God’s Word make this book an effective discipleship guide and a balm for parents’ hearts.”

“Lauren Whitman is a wise and gracious counselor who knows Scripture, the noisy hearts of stressed parents, and how to gently connect the two in a way that leads us to rest in the satisfying love of Jesus. My heart was helped by this book, and I enthusiastically recommend it.”

“Being a good parent is hard. Feeling like a good parent is even harder. Lauren is a voice of encouragement in the hard moments of parenting. This book gets to the heart of the matter by offering understanding, personal reflection, and scriptural guidance. Both parents and soon-to-be parents will see Jesus, find hope, and gain wisdom from this resource.”