Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
Written by Justin Whitmel Earley and Troy and Ruth Simons
Narrated by Justin Whitmel Earley
5/5
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About this audiobook
Read by the author.
Discover simple habits and easy-to-implement daily rhythms that will help you find meaning beyond the chaos of family life as you create a home where kids and parents alike practice how to love God and each other.
You long for tender moments with your children--but do you ever find yourself too busy to stop, make eye contact, and say something you really mean? Daily habits are powerful ways to shape the heart--but do you find yourself giving in to screen time just to get through the day? You want to parent with purpose--but do you know how to start?
Award-winning author and father of four Justin Whitmel Earley understands the tension between how you long to parent and what your daily life actually looks like. In Habits of the Household, Earley gives you the tools you need to create structure--from mealtimes to bedtimes--that free you to parent toddlers, kids, and teens with purpose. Learn how to:
- Develop a bedtime liturgy to settle your little ones and ground them in God's love
- Discover a new framework for discipline as discipleship
- Acquire simple practices for more regular and meaningful family mealtimes
- Open your eyes to the spirituality of parenting, seeing small moments as big opportunities for spiritual formation
- Develop a custom age chart for your family to more intentionally plan your shared years under the same roof
Each chapter in Habits of the Household ends with practical patterns, prayers, or liturgies that your family can put into practice right away. As you create liberating rhythms around your everyday routines, you will find your family has a greater sense of peace and purpose as your home becomes a place where, above all, you learn how to love.
Figures and chapter outlines are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.
Justin Whitmel Earley
Justin Whitmel Earley is the creator of The Common Rule, a program of habits designed to form us in the love of God and neighbor. He is also a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in Richmond, Virginia. Justin and his wife, Lauren, have four sons.
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Reviews for Habits of the Household
331 ratings25 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be an impactful and practical book on parenting. It offers a biblical perspective on parenting, marriage, and the household, aligning them with the gospel. The author's examples and tips are highly appreciated by readers, who feel encouraged and challenged to improve their own parenting. Some reviewers mention that they wish the author would rely more on scripture rather than personal experience. Overall, this book is considered a valuable resource for parents seeking to raise their children in a Christ-centered home.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 12, 2023
The author has a lot of good ideas and encouragement. Only wish he would present ideas grounded in scripture rather than "experience" When he does use scripture it seems to be more to prove his point rather than for obtaining a principle in scripture that directly applies to the circumstance. He uses Proverbs 29:18 which says that without vision the people perish but he uses it to say that we need to have a vision. However, that verse is talking about "prophetic vision" which is God's word. That without God's word people lack restraint. Overall, I would say to read with discernment, take what is good according to God's word, and discard all worldly advice however appealing it may be.2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
This book contained practical tools for every family to use1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 21, 2025
A great reminder of the importance to pray for the Fruit of the Spirit. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2025
Profound, yet approachable. I have accepted it fully that we are constantly being formed into someone, regardless if we realize that or not. Habits are the key to that formation and the change agent that when applied with Jesus’ blessing in His Image, we and our families can confidently walk in the path to sanctification. Thoughts presented in this book give us very applicable way to think theough these habits and dial them in for the betterment of our families and our lives as a whole. Thank you Justin and company. It is a great pleasure to walk in your footsteps. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this book so much. It has convinced me to purchase it for my Son. The insight was beautiful and very well aligned with the way I raised my children. I am praying that your words are relatable to him as well. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 22, 2024
I recommend this book for every family who wants to raise children and disciple them to become followers of Christ. I hope to reread it often as my kids grow - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 8, 2024
Great book so far! Thank you Justin for being so practical and gospel-centered! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Feb 28, 2024
This powerful book on household habits is a must read for parents of kids of any age! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jan 29, 2024
Powerful and persuasive book that is a must read for any parent of young children - whether you are a Christian or not - you will benefit greatly from the very well explained ways of understanding your role as a parent and the habits needed to raise children well. There is much to be learned from this exceptional book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 24, 2023
Super interesting gave me a lot to think about! :) - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 31, 2023
My children are grown and on their own, but I’m a grandma to their children. My daughter told me about this book as she’s parenting very young children, finding her (& her husband’s) way to best love and care for the little ones. We often honestly talk about how my husband and I parented and she is always gracious in my failures as well as complimentary in successes. In reading this I am far more able to support her as she parents and to love and honor Jesus in this stage of my life. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 14, 2023
The practicality and realness that the author brings makes this truly one of my top 5 books I’ve ever read on parenting. I feel this writing is inspired by God to help all of us on our parenting and Christian journeys. Thank you. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Very practical and Gospel centered. Gave me lots of things to put into practice to point my children to Jesus! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Loved the biblical perspective on parenting, marriage, and the household. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
This is such an impactful book for parents! I highly recommend! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Like drinking from a fire hose! Will now re-read now… - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Great book! The application is helpful for many different seasons. Definitely a book to reread as we all desire to glean more wisdom about how important our habits are - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
I feel so encouraged after reading this book. I loved his perspective and tips for parenting boys in a Christ Centered home. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Great book definitely going to reread this one with my husband. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 12, 2023
The habit shared are awesome. Looking forward to trying them out - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
So practical and convicting. I loved the examples from his family and was challenged to be better in my own. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Such an amazing holy and practical book. I will be reading again and again. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
What an amazing book! I lack the right words to describe it but I’ll try. Every single aspect of the household that is mentioned here, is truly and practically aligned with the gospel. I personally struggled with understanding and agreeing with the concept of Christian discipline, but the author does a fantastic job at humbly explaining what that may actually look like. I enjoyed every minute of my listening to this book and I hope that what I learned will stay with our family for years to come.2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
This will be a book I take with me the rest of my life. A book that can never be read enough. I love this book because it will help me echo the gospel in all areas of my life. Especially in discipling my children. Thank you for this amazing book.2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 12, 2023
Holy liturgy, Batman! This book is EXACTLY what my generation of parents needs. I type that, holding back tears in my son’s closet as I go through the mundane task of organizing clothes he is growing out of, all while my toddler plays cars and peekaboo at the same time. Justin has such a way with words, and every single one of them will now be in my parenting canon.
I’m blessed that I get to go to a conference to hear him speak this weekend.
I am IMMEDIATELY starting this book over at chapter one, soaking up every single word and highlighting in my hard copy I decided I needed to have!2 people found this helpful
