What I like about this book:
- The focus of the book- equipping caring adults to connect to our teen's heart and disciple them, as we seek to develop life-long faith.
- Biblical concepts infused in the suggestions and strategies- this book is grounded in the Deuteronomy 6 concept- "bind them on your heart" share through your life- heart, soul, and mind.
- Organization:
- quotes that open each chapter
- book is organized into four sections and then chapters with a table of contents
- headings throughout the chapters
- Practical perspective-where does life happen in your family?
- conversations happen where life happens! Car, dinner table, eating out, vacation, games, events...
- focusing on the job of the parents to disciple our kids, we are their primary investors
- asking good questions but also make sure and have fun.
- Beware of conversation killers
- speed
- close-mindedness
- We are too busy, we are too polarized, and we must take the time to engage with our kids, encouraging Dads especially to make the time.
- determine if your parenting emergencies/crises for your kids- are really actual emergencies or perceived emergencies?
- Be aware of their perspective. Hear them. Be curious as you interact. Continue- repeat regularly.
- Become a cultural translator- like Jesus, like Paul model for us.
- pray, learn with research and asking questions, and then analyze.
- Find how to share the gospel through the lens of this culture. To show the love and the goodness of God- a redemptive parenting approach- the long haul
- Topics that we need to engage with our teen about- a whole section of the book.
- this section will soon be out of date but yet the concepts and themes are the same as well as how a parent can learn and interact.
- themes like sex talk, smartphones, video gaming, anxiety/depression/suicide are teen issues. They will change with the culture and times, but the issues always go back to heart issues.
- Hope and a reminder that Parenting is hard. But it's worth it, and we are not alone.
- Heart focus- being sensitive, seeking the Word to balance your thinking, focusing on the gospel, and hearing your child, and responding in dialogue, not a one-sided conversation.
- resource list by topic at the back of the book
What I wonder:
- some parents will have issues with the examples and stories from families of what a teen has gotten into being too far gone or too specific, but I believe the exposure is needed.
- will parents really catch and focus on the underlying theme for parents- connect, engage, ask questions, participate, don't be shocked, keep the teen's perspective heard and discuss it with your teen, not melt or argue defensively.
Thankful to partner with Bethany House and review this book valid in my parenting life today.
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