The goal of parenting is not obedience. The goal of parenting is relationship, because it is through relationship that lives are shaped.
Parent with confidence.
Parenting is the Great Equalizer
Let’s face it. No matter our education, culture, background, or experience, we can ALL feel lost as parents at one time or another. Raising kids is unpredictable, and it's normal to have moments of uncertainty. But in those moments of uncertainty, we also find opportunities to grow, connect, and experience incredible joy.
So let’s talk about it.
In this book, mom and parent educator Rachel Gunn dives into parenting in all its chaotic, messy glory. You'll discover principles that will help you transform your parenting and encouragement that will build your confidence as you navigate each stage of your child's growth. Plus, she shares some of her own parenting stories along the way—because what better way to learn than from someone else’s mistakes?
We’re all in it together.
Whether you're a new parent or navigating the teenage years, you’ll feel right at home. Grab a friend (or a few), and dive in. You’ll find yourselves laughing along the way as you share stories and explore the ups and downs of parenting together.
Parenting is a journey.
With the stages of parenting as a roadmap, Rachel will help you transform your parenting approach with principles proven to make a positive impact. Impact Parenting is not just a book; it’s a companion that supports you through the beautiful, complex, and rewarding journey of raising children. You can come back again and again as your children grow and challenge everything you thought you knew.
Praise for Impact Parenting
Rachel's book is a beacon of hope for parents seeking to nurture their families. With a profound understanding of parenthood rooted in compassion, Rachel offers invaluable insights for navigating the beautiful journey of parenthood. Rachel has a unique ability to meet parents where they are and empower them to grow alongside their children, and it shines through every page. Her book provides encouragement, support, and essential guidance, sure to inspire every reader to embrace the joys and challenges of parenting with confidence and grace.
Kristen Bagwell
Co-Pastor, Palm City Church
Impact Parenting is a phenomenal tool for all parents! It is a must-read for anyone who desires to parent with an everlasting impact. Like Rachel’s mother, I wish I had this book while raising my children. It has so much valuable information laid out so that it is easy to understand and apply. The format makes it applicable and practical to do as a small group or by yourself.
Melinda MeGahee
Executive Director, The Lovelady Center
Impact Parenting is practical and moving, insightful and biblically founded. I love how this book is a journey through the many lives as a parent. Rachel’s stories are nostalgic to me as I am sure will be for others who read them. I appreciate that the questions Rachel poses throughout the book challenge parents to evaluate their parenting styles and encourage them to pursue healthy paths in rearing their children. They truly are springboards for action. Parents who read this will walk away better equipped, refreshed, reminded and armed with practical ways to deepen their parenting skills. Well done sister.
Rev. Mark Long
Pastor to Families of Youth, Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL
Rachel’s Story
When I became a mom, I had no idea how hard parenting would be—or how unprepared I felt for it. I remember the first time I left the house after my oldest was born and realized she had to go with me… everywhere. My life changed instantly. The combination of overwhelming love, fear, and doubt left me frozen more often than I like to admit.
At the same time, I was a teacher, and in the classroom, I felt confident. I knew how to get my students’ attention, keep order, and reach their hearts. I could lead. I could guide. I could teach. It felt like I was living in two completely different worlds.
Then one day, during a professional development training, the speaker said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“Your job as a teacher is to teach yourself out of a job.” I immediately connected it to parenting. My job as a parent is to parent myself out of a job. That realization changed everything.
I began to parent for the future instead of reacting to the moment. I started looking beyond the toddler years and into the teen years—and even adulthood—asking myself what kind of person I was ultimately raising. As my perspective shifted, my parenting became more intentional. The things I focused on changed. And surprisingly, my stress level dropped.
Instead of trying to control outcomes, I began planting seeds.
That mindset shaped the way I raised my own children and eventually led me to write this book. It also became the foundation of my work with parents—helping them move from fear to clarity, from reaction to intention, and from burnout to trust.
This book isn’t about quick fixes or perfect parenting. It’s about raising our kids with purpose and learning how to release the outcome with faith. Because I don’t believe we’re responsible for how our children turn out—I believe we’re responsible for showing up faithfully.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or tired of just putting out fires, my hope is that this book helps you step back, breathe, and parent with the long game in mind.
Connect with Rachel
I’d truly love to hear from you.
Whether you have a question, need encouragement, or just want to share where you are in your parenting journey, this is a safe place to land.
I read every message and care deeply about the stories moms and dads carry. Sometimes connection starts with a long conversation—sometimes it’s just a note to say, “I needed this today.” Both are welcome here.
Let’s connect and encourage one another.
I read every message and respond as I’m able.
