This book genuinely surprised me. Being long past the stage of parenting small children or teenagers, I didn’t expect to find it particularly interesting–WRONG. Goff and Trevathan are two counselors with over 75 years of combined experience working with children. It shows. Their wise, common sense advice about the issues modern moms and dads face is refreshingly honest and practical.
The book is divided into three sections. The first, “Modern Parents” deals with the topics that are frequently discussed in their day-to-day counseling sessions (they are part of a counseling ministry called Daystar). It includes technology, entitlement, respect, anxiety and depression, eating disorders and more. If your children grew up before the ready availability of cell phones, personal computers and social media (mine did) this will be an eye opener in understanding what young people and their parents deal with today.
The second section introduces the idea of “Vintage Values.” Values such as compassion, gratitude, kindness, patience (sounds a lot like the fruit of the spirit, doesn’t it). Under each value the authors talk about what these values look like in teenagers and younger children and how to instill them in both age groups.
The final section is entitled “Timeless Truths.” Here you will find some comfort in contemplating Who it is that enables us to parent, especially in difficult times.
At the end of each chapter in the first two sections there are useful ideas and suggestions for activities for families that will help them experience and reinforce the ideas discussed.
VERDICT: 5 Stars. I’m passing this book along to my daughter who works with teens in a group home setting.
If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/modern-parents-vintage-values-revised-and-updated-P005823954
For more on parenting, see these posts:
A Mother’s Love from the (in)courage community–Book Review
Nothing is Wasted by Lore Cottone–Book Review
eat, sleep, save the World by Jamie Sumner–Book Review
The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR part 255.
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