MY FIRST EVER BLOG GIVEAWAY!
Read to the bottom of this entry to find out how to win your own copy of For Parents Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice.

For Parents Only: Getting Inside the Head of Your Kid

By Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice

Click here to purchase this book at Amazon.com

I am delighted to review this book. Having read Shaunti's book, For Women Only, and successfully applying much of what I learned to my own marriage, I have come to respect Ms. Feldhahn's unique insight into the minds of her readers, and the relationships that mean the most. Lisa A. Rice is the associate editor of Christian Living magazine, a screenwriter and producer.  She and Shaunti have also coauthored the book For Young Women Only.

REVIEW:

In December, I will become the mother of a teen. We've already had the power struggles and identity issues that are typical of this life stage. My daughter usually makes good decisions, so watching her struggle with difficult choices has been eye opening to say the least. This book will be worn and frayed by the time my youngest leaves childhood. I will be passing a copy of this book along to my friends and to all three of my children as they enter "Preteen Parentdom" someday. 

Shaunti and Lisa gathered responses from two specifically written surveys given to teens throughout the United States. They also used their travels to talk one on one with teens and preteens to discuss at length what these children want and need from their parents. Many of the responses were eye opening. It was a relief to know that my child still loves me, even when she says she doesn't. I was glad to know that she really does want the rules we set for her. I understand her need for freedom a little more these days, and feel more prepared in helping her discover who she is through this journey. I'm not nearly as afraid to let go, bit by bit.

There is also excellent insight into parenting teens who are the opposite sex as the parent. My oldest son won't be a teen for three more years, but I can already start to tell that he is quickly heading to that abyss. I am starting to use some of the suggestions found in the book, so that I can open the trust with him early.  I want my children to come to me, and this book offers insight into helping guide these conversations.

Even if you aren't the parent of a teen or a preteen yet, you need this book now. It isn't too early to set the foundation for good communication and understanding of the teenage years. I'm already using some of the suggestions to help me work with my 7 year old son.

This book is bound to become another "must have" book for parents.

GIVEAWAY:

My birthday gift to you:

Would you like to have a chance to win your very own copy of For Parents Only?  I have two copies to give away! Simply leave me a comment, and I will draw two random names on my birthday, next Saturday, December 8. Please feel free to forward the link to this blog on to your friends and family.