Being a parent in this day and age is pretty scary sometimes. Just the way this world is heading is enough for me to pray that Jesus returns sooner than later! I try to raise my kids to respect their elders, help those in need, and pray like never before.
I don't even know where to begin with my review of this book. My children were homeschooled until I found a small, private, Christian school that we liked. Next year we will be homeschooling again. I really do miss having them at home with me, and all the hands on fun we had while learning. I love that his description of what kinder was developed for is exactly how my daughter's class is. She would come home and say, "My teacher said my homework is to play." How wonderful is that....none of that writing stuff. They do enough work in class.
Loved the part in the book when he talked about silence being important to children and that they thrive on it. You know, I have always been a fan of nap times and quiet time in their rooms. They spent that time singing to themselves and looking at books. I agree that it is necessary. It helped not only them, but it was good break time for me too.
Material Child: Such a great chapter! I'm not a perfect parent,but that was one thing we never allowed. My kids learned from an early age that they are not allowed to ask mama or daddy for anything from the store. If it's something we need then we already know to purchase it. I have never (thank the Lord) had to deal with temper tantrums in the store.
I have seen many parents struggling with their children in that area though. I remember one particular event at a Target store. I had run in to grab a birthday gift and this little boy (looked about 4) was throwing a huge fit. This young boy was calling his mom names and screaming. She gave in and picked something out for him after asking him repeatedly what he wanted. He was not happy with what mom chose and continued with the crying and screaming. She threatened that if he didn't stop that she would put it back. He didn't stop...she put it back...she walked away from the aisle and told him to follow her. She was visibly upset as he stood his ground and continued to scream. I really felt the Holy Spirit at that moment. I approached her and told her that she is doing a great job, she's doing the right thing and don't give in. He WILL learn that mama is the boss. I gave her a pat on the back and she smiled and said she was trying. I usually don't approach people about their kids, but I think it's just what this mom needed to hear right then.
I may be the only one with an 11 yr old who has no phone or iPad or iPod or iAnything. He hasn't asked for any of those things, but I do not want my children's world to be filled with electronic time consumers. I'm a big believer in uninterrupted family time.
I could go on and on, but I will not because there is not enough room on this page. You MUST read this book! If you have children in your life you should read this book. It is full of wonderful stories and important information that we can all take notes from. I learned a lot attending my mommy ministry classes and a lot of what he wrote is what we were taught. It was good to refresh my memory because sometimes I've found myself not to be as patient with my youngest. She is a lot more different than her siblings, so it has taken me a little longer to see what works for her as far as communication, play, discipline, etc. This book has really helped get my perspective on things back where it needs to be.
About the Book:
Softcover / 192 pages
“If you want to glean insights into how to raise and influence children to be more compassionate and considerate, more courageous and confident, more independent, secure, and unselfish; if you want your children to be more loving and joy-filled, then get reading!” —excerpt from Mark K. Shriver’s Foreword (President of Save the Children Action Network)
Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that threaten to deny children a healthy, happy childhood, courageous parents and teachers can turn the tide. Yes, we can reclaim childhood, says Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books have helped more than a million readers through the challenges of education and family life. In Their Name Is Today, he highlights drastic changes in the way our society treats children. But he also brings together the voices of dedicated parents and educators who are finding creative ways to give children the time and space they need to grow. Cutting through the noise of conflicting opinions, Arnold takes us to the heart of education and parenting by defending every child’s right to the joy and wonder of childhood.
About the Author
A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counseled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years, as well as serving as an advisor at several innovative private schools. Arnold’s message has been shaped by encounters with great peacemakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, Cėsar Chavez, and John Paul II. Born in Great Britain in 1940 to German refugees, Arnold spent his boyhood years in South America, where his parents found asylum during the war; he immigrated to the US in 1955. He and his wife have eight children, forty-four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They live in upstate New York.
Acclaim for the author:
“A much-needed message not only for South Africa, but for the whole world.” -Nelson Mandela, on Why Forgive (one of Arnold’s books)
“In this book we find a message needed today in every part of the world.” -Mother Teresa, from her forword to Sex, God, & Marriage (one of Arnold’s books)
“Written in a way that is easy to grasp…indeed, very beautifully.” - Pope Benedict XVI, on A Little Child Shall Lead Them (one of Arnold’s books)
GIVEAWAY TIME
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” VALID IN USA & CANADA ONLY
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