As kids grow up, they hear many conflicting messages about how they can define themselves. For example, they are told that they can define themselves by their achievements, popularity, sexuality, morality, or gender, or by how they feel.
This warm, realistic, and sympathetic book, written by father of three and founder of Faith in Kids, Ed Drew, provides much needed biblical help for parents on this topic. It shows parents how to encourage their kids to find their identity in the fact that they are made and loved by Jesus, and it explores the implications and applications of this truth.
Whether they are happy or anxious, whether they have messed ...up or achieved great things, children will gain a positive and realistic view of themselves, based on God’s amazing love for them, giving them confidence to live by faith in a secular world.
The foundational principles in this book mean it is ideal to read in advance of or during the early stages of parenting, but it is a useful resource at any stage of a child's life.
It was biblically solid and a quick read, so I would still recommend it, if you are new to the subject.
(Review written for 'Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World')
{See the full post here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/raising-confident-kids-in-a-confusing-world-book-review}
In a cultural environment that’s evolving faster than light-speed, the weight of parenthood is overwhelming. It’s not merely the hip new slang to learn, but clearly and confidently answering the deeper existential questions about our identity and purpose.
There’s a rivalry for our children’s attention and formation from the world around us. Movies, video ...games, books, social media, and education systems clamour for position to make the most of their influence. As parents, we want to be proactive in shaping our children's worldview and not leave it to the last minute. If we do, we’re cast among the restless, noisy crowd of sources.
Ed Drew's book, Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World, is a valuable resource that can guide us.
This book helps you, the parent, understand your identity in Christ, then in turn teach your children. The author shows you how gospel truths shape your parenting, equipping you to lead your children confidently in who they are in Christ.
The author weaves in stories with biblical examples of how the believer’s identity is found in Christ. You’ll find 4 questions for reflection at the end of each chapter to help you process the material.
This book is best suited for parents of younger - middle years children, although any stage would benefit, particularly if you’re beginning your parenting journey, to help give you a firm foundation of the gospel and how to instill a biblically faithful mindset for your young ones.
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
(Review written for 'Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World')
Funny, relatable, and encouraging. While I didn’t agree with everything the author said, and would’ve liked more clarification on a few points, overall it was a good read. The first half was actually quite excellent. Great practical advice for parents from a Biblical standpoint. I wish the second half of the book was as good as the first.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
Pg 37 …our greatest aim and highest ambition for our kids must not be ...that they be well-behaved, well-liked, or well-educated, but that, by faith in Jesus, they be children of God.
Pg 57 And that means our kids need to have a sense that they are sinners, but they also need to know that grace is always available, always triumphs, and always brings a joy that cannot be found anywhere else.
Pg 68 These moments are not simply irritations that disrupt my life (though they do). These are opportunities when God is calling us to something bigger than our own comfort. These are the moments when God calls us to love our children and not give in to the quick (shouted, angry, impatient) solutions but rather to address the sin as sin and point them towards restoration and forgiveness and a fresh start.
Pg 75 So our parenting needs to focus on the heart, not on the behavior. This may sound obvious, but it is harder, it is more frustrating, and it required deliberate effort. We will always tend towards modifying our kids’ behavior rather than helping them think about their heart.
Pg 157 In God we have a rock—and unshifting solid and secure foundation on which to build our lives. Every storm and turbulence in our children’s lives is an opportunity to invite them to stand on the rock next to us.
Pg 158 Leaving our children to discern their identity from their inner selves is to leave them in a situation that is unsayable, uncertain and even arbitrary. We need instead to show them who God says they are, how God has made them, and who God calls them to become.
