Write It On Their Hearts

Kristen Wetherell

In Write It on Their Hearts, Chris and Melissa help parents like me (a mom who feels like I have no idea what I’m doing) to navigate a tough and weighty calling. They cut through the fog of nebulous ‘I shoulds’ and stick to Scripture, offering ways for us to engage with our kids over the long haul. What a gift this is for parents like me, who need biblical wisdom and practical ideas.

Jerrad Lopes

Write It on Their Hearts isn’t just a great book; it’s a necessary read for every parent. In a world demanding your attention, you’re reminded to chase after what matters most—what matters for eternity. A must-read for every parent who is serious about raising Jesus-loving disciples.

“A privilege to read”

It really is an enormous privilege to have this resource to read. Chris had clearly done an amazing amount of thinking and praying about the topic and his wisdom is much appreciated. Well done to Melissa for making sure it got into the hands of grateful parents! I would particularly recommend this for Christian parents who are just starting to think about how to disciple their children. For others, it was a good reminder of how vital it is that we prioritise our children's discipleship and that our quality time spent with them is never a waste.

“A privilege to read”

It really is an enormous privilege to have this resource to read. Chris had clearly done an amazing amount of thinking and praying about the topic and his wisdom is much appreciated. Well done to Melissa for making sure it got into the hands of grateful parents! I would particularly recommend this for Christian parents who are just starting to think about how to disciple their children. For others, it was a good reminder of how vital it is that we prioritise our children's discipleship and that our quality time spent with them is never a waste.

“Incredible parenting book full of practical Biblical wisdom!”

This relatively short (145 pages) book packs a big punch with practical application and conviction. Throughout the entire book, the emphasis is building a relationship with your children based on the gospel and personally modeling Christlike behavior to/for/with them.

While the introduction seemed a bit strong with the message of “vulture culture” (which admittedly I’m a bit sensitive to this topic from conversations I’ve had with other people), there several good points that kept me reading. And I’m so glad that I did because this book was super convicting for me and encouraging as I pursue to disciple my children well.

Each of the 7 chapters is full of Scripture, vulnerable personal stories, and advice. And each chapter ends with a bulleted list of practical ways to apply what you’ve read. There are a few acronyms throughout the book which is a helpful way to remember and apply the principles of the book.

I love and appreciate the author’s vulnerability and passion for Christ. He shares personally from his own life in a relatable way without lacking the emphasis for Jesus. He points to Jesus in His own weaknesses and encourages the reader to rely on Jesus themselves and to point their child(ren) to Jesus. The book contains just a ton of valuable information - Scripture, explanations, personal stories, practical tips…my book is full of markings which is a personal indicator for me that it’s a good book!

Paul David Tripp’s book “Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family” holds top position in my favorite book on parenting. “For the Love of Discipline” by Sara Wallace is a close second. And now, “Write It on Their Hearts” by Chris and Melissa Swain has just secured spot number 3, bumping the rest down a notch.

“Incredible parenting book full of practical Biblical wisdom!”

This relatively short (145 pages) book packs a big punch with practical application and conviction. Throughout the entire book, the emphasis is building a relationship with your children based on the gospel and personally modeling Christlike behavior to/for/with them.

While the introduction seemed a bit strong with the message of “vulture culture” (which admittedly I’m a bit sensitive to this topic from conversations I’ve had with other people), there several good points that kept me reading. And I’m so glad that I did because this book was super convicting for me and encouraging as I pursue to disciple my children well.

Each of the 7 chapters is full of Scripture, vulnerable personal stories, and advice. And each chapter ends with a bulleted list of practical ways to apply what you’ve read. There are a few acronyms throughout the book which is a helpful way to remember and apply the principles of the book.

I love and appreciate the author’s vulnerability and passion for Christ. He shares personally from his own life in a relatable way without lacking the emphasis for Jesus. He points to Jesus in His own weaknesses and encourages the reader to rely on Jesus themselves and to point their child(ren) to Jesus. The book contains just a ton of valuable information - Scripture, explanations, personal stories, practical tips…my book is full of markings which is a personal indicator for me that it’s a good book!

Paul David Tripp’s book “Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family” holds top position in my favorite book on parenting. “For the Love of Discipline” by Sara Wallace is a close second. And now, “Write It on Their Hearts” by Chris and Melissa Swain has just secured spot number 3, bumping the rest down a notch.

“A wonderful book”

Write It On Their Hearts is a wonderful, Christ-centred book specifically aimed at parents, families, people with young children, and those who may not have children of their own, but who have children in their lives and around them. It offers a unique look at the topic and delves into the question of ‘who is discipling your children?’

Children are a beautiful gift from God, and as their parents, guardians, family, friends and people who the children around us look up to, it’s important for us to help, encourage, inspire and share the goodness of God, alongside with a biblical approach to discipleship, teaching and nurturing. After all, they are the next generation, and what we teach the children in our lives, how we act, what we do and how we use the time we spend with them now, can have a powerful life-long impact on their lives.

Chris, together with his wife Melissa, have written this beautiful book, sharing their tips, advice and knowledge, underpinned by a biblical approach. I have found this book to be incredibly engaging, fascinating, educational and inspiring. It’s a book I highly recommend reading. Although I do not have children of my own, this book is still an amazing read. There are still many children who I know of, and I can put into practice what I have read, to help other children, to help parents and to gain a greater knowledge of discipling children.

“A wonderful book”

Write It On Their Hearts is a wonderful, Christ-centred book specifically aimed at parents, families, people with young children, and those who may not have children of their own, but who have children in their lives and around them. It offers a unique look at the topic and delves into the question of ‘who is discipling your children?’

Children are a beautiful gift from God, and as their parents, guardians, family, friends and people who the children around us look up to, it’s important for us to help, encourage, inspire and share the goodness of God, alongside with a biblical approach to discipleship, teaching and nurturing. After all, they are the next generation, and what we teach the children in our lives, how we act, what we do and how we use the time we spend with them now, can have a powerful life-long impact on their lives.

Chris, together with his wife Melissa, have written this beautiful book, sharing their tips, advice and knowledge, underpinned by a biblical approach. I have found this book to be incredibly engaging, fascinating, educational and inspiring. It’s a book I highly recommend reading. Although I do not have children of my own, this book is still an amazing read. There are still many children who I know of, and I can put into practice what I have read, to help other children, to help parents and to gain a greater knowledge of discipling children.

“Great Resource for Parenting as a Christian”

Written for Christian parents to get excited and equipped to show their children Jesus each day, this is a great blend of theology and practical tips. The majority of books I've read on the subject before have done one or the other well, but rarely have they done both! The theology is blended throughout the chapters and is both easy to read and full of detail.

A particular highlight for me is the plan that Chris and Melissa give to try different approaches to learning about God and living out faith. For example, they share their template for "HEAR" journals, working through a passage to establish not only what the passage says but also how it applies to our lives today. They set out a schedule for family devotional times together in order to strike a balance between getting used to the different activities and having enough variety to keep them interested.

If you're interested in thinking through your parenting as a Christian, whether you're about to have a baby or have teenagers, this will give you some practical tips to make a real difference.

“Great Resource for Parenting as a Christian”

Written for Christian parents to get excited and equipped to show their children Jesus each day, this is a great blend of theology and practical tips. The majority of books I've read on the subject before have done one or the other well, but rarely have they done both! The theology is blended throughout the chapters and is both easy to read and full of detail.

A particular highlight for me is the plan that Chris and Melissa give to try different approaches to learning about God and living out faith. For example, they share their template for "HEAR" journals, working through a passage to establish not only what the passage says but also how it applies to our lives today. They set out a schedule for family devotional times together in order to strike a balance between getting used to the different activities and having enough variety to keep them interested.

If you're interested in thinking through your parenting as a Christian, whether you're about to have a baby or have teenagers, this will give you some practical tips to make a real difference.

“True Connection, Challenges and Encouragement”

What is your plan as a parent for the spiritual formation of your children? In Write It On Their Hearts, Chris and Melissa Swain give practical help for discipling your kids.

The Great Commission and Your Children

In 7 chapters and less than 150 pages, this book is a guide to fulfill the Great Commission in your children. Using the helpful word picture of discipleship as a crockpot, not a microwave, the Swains share their wisdom on six key elements that Jesus modeled in his discipleship: love, prayer, connection Scripture, accountability, and rest.

What the Swains do exceedingly well is making their points memorable. By using the acronym TIME, we see that we can best love our children by giving them Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness, and Empathy. I saw how I need to try to see things from their perspective, whether they are right or wrong, and still understand how they see the world.

True Connection, Challenges and Encouragement

What I was most fascinated by is how we, as parents, can connect with a moment while not necessarily connecting with our child. We might feel connected because of a shared event, but true connection comes with CARE: Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance, and Engagement. Scheduling time together for connection, not necessarily for memorable moments, is something I want to do better.

The Swains aim high with their vision for discipleship, and they give you the tools to help you get there. You will feel challenged as a parent, but also encouraged to give your children your best. With practical tips and a plan in place, you will be equipped to train your children up in the way they should go. Disciple your children and they will not depart from it.

I received a media copy of Write It On Their Hearts and this is my honest review.