“Building a Family Legacy” is a remarkable and inspiring series that instructs families on how to live and survive difficulties in today’s problem-filled society. It features America’s best-loved family advocate, Dr. James Dobson, and his wife Shirley, in addition to their adult children Danae and Ryan.
Using humor, many true-life incidents, and armed with Biblical principles, Dr. Dobson and his family spell out what it takes to deal with the problems that come with raising a family. There are eight sections in this series: 1. Your Legacy; 2. Love for a Lifetime; 3. Bringing up Boys; 4. Straight Talk to Men; 5. Dare to Discipline; 6. The Strong Willed Child; 7. Bringing up Girls; 8. Wanting to Believe.
In the first, “Your Legacy,” Dr. Dobson focuses on the fact that our stories, not possessions, are our legacies to our children and grandchildren. He asks this question of the audience: What do you want to pass on? Dr. Dobson tells the story of his grandfather who planned to kill a man and how he walked by a brush arbor revival meeting and found the Lord instead. Future generations were changed because of that decision, including Dr. Dobson’s father and his own life, and now that of his son Ryan. Dr. Dobson mentions how his dad wanted to be an artist, not a preacher, but God called him and then used his art as well.
In the second episode, “Love for a Lifetime,” Shirley Dobson shares how Jim stole her heart in college, and how they were married and had children. Times were sometimes tough, such as the time she broke her leg and he had to take on the major portion of childcare for a time. The DVD moves on to episode three, “Bringing up Boys.” Dr. Dobson shares that a few trips to the ER were needed and that boys are “aggressive little machines.” He shares funny stories including one about him playing Tarzan as a boy and falling hard to the ground because his rope was too long. He offers practical advice, such as dads having a race with their sons to finish the milk first in order to get the “non-thirsty” boy to drink his milk.
Dr. Dobson talks about the differences between boys and girls, and this leads into episode four titled “Straight Talk to Men.” Dr. Dobson talks about the song “Cat’s in the Cradle” and how time moves fast and fathers must take time to be with their children and influence them while they can. He emphasizes the spiritual heritage fathers can have. In episode five, “Dare to Discipline,” he speaks about action as a motivating factor, not anger. He encourages parents to follow through on setting limits. He refers to boundaries and letting a child know when action is going to take place.
In the next episode, “The Strong Willed Child,” he shares a funny story about the time his son Ryan was quiet in the house for two minutes, and in that case “silence is not golden!” He speaks of spanking only for defiance, and not abusing the child. He speaks about other discipline methods that can be helpful in keeping a balance between authority and love. His steps include defining boundaries, responding with confident decisiveness, distinguishing between willful disobedience and childish irresponsibility, teaching after confrontation, not making unrealistic demands, and letting love be the guide.
Finally, the last two episodes are “Bringing Up Girls” and “Wanting to Believe.” In “Bringing Up Girls” he speaks of how girls need a father’s affirmation and how important it is. He says that self esteem will be built with it. Ryan Dobson finishes off the series with “Wanting to Believe,” in which he talks about the importance of having a specific plan for family goals. For example, not saying “I plan to lose weight,” but “I plan to lose ten pounds.” When it comes to family goals, specifically saying “I plan to take my daughter out to breakfast,” not just say you’ll spend more time with her. He emphasizes the need to pursue daughters and wives and to let them know they are loved. He also talks about the importance of letting the whole family know what the family plan is, as well as its goals.
This is a tremendous series and is recommended for ages twelve and above, due to the maturity level of the themes. It truly arms parents with ammunition that can make a difference in raising a healthy and mentally happy family. We are happy to award “Building a Family Legacy” five Doves, our best rating.