Real life. It's rarely smooth and predictable. It can even get downright messy. When it does, parents often seek quick and easy solutions for their daily problems. While short-term parenting tips might change a few behaviors for a while, in today's turbulent, high-risk culture, that's just not enough. To grow a peaceful and purposeful family in the stress and strife of modern society requires a whole new way of thinking.about life, about God, and about you and your kids. Parenting for REAL LIFE explains this new way of thinking in four simple but powerful principles based on Biblical wisdom for parenting. They were developed by authors Jim and Lynne Jackson during their twenty-five combined years of experience working with the families of at-risk adolescents and children with special needs. The four principles of Foundation, Connection, Direction, and Correction are presented through clear teaching and authentic, engaging stories of Jim and Lynne's own family and their professional experience. Assembled in a memorable framework, these principles can guide your journey through life with your children. You can learn to build a solid, connected family that is able to withstand the inevitable difficulties and cultural influences that real life holds. But so much more than that, you can grow to be a family that knows God's love deeply, and that shares the "REAL LIFE" of Christ at home and with the world around you.