"Successful adults don't happen by accident. It takes intentional effort to raise a child into an adult who has a strong sense of their destiny in God, a passion to serve Him, and a deep knowledge of His gifts and callings. Parents, we know our children better than anyone else. By partnering with God we can equip them to be all He called and created them to be. It's up to us to equip (not push or apply undue pressure ) our children to go after their dreams."
How does author Kate Battistelli know this? She and her husband, Mike, walked this very path with their daughter, Francesca. Francesca is a Dove Award winning recording artist and new mother.
In the very first chapter, in the "Mining the Greatness" section, Kate writes:
"What is God showing you about your child? What traits is he expressing? What most interests or intrigues him? Is he outgoing or introspective? Is he intellectual or athletic? Is he artistic and creative or mechanically minded and good with his hands? And what are the dreams you have inside for him? Do you have a knowing deep inside about his life? Has God given you a glimpse into his future? What do you see when you pray for him?"
There are many examples throughout the book in which Kate shares how she sought the Lord for her daughter and candidly shares what she and her husband did in raising a budding star.
Topics that stood out for me:
*The way we speak to our children impacts who they are. This is also goes for the way you speak to your spouse in front of your children.
*Excellence = 10,000 hours of practice. Practically translated is 10 years of training in an area before you reach the level of excellence.
*Don't allow your broken dreams to steal your child's dream for his life.
*Pursue purity in heart and mind.
*Value of setting goals.
*Phenomenon of Adultolescence.
*Encourage their walk with the Lord.
*Be proactive in keeping your marriage first and foremost!
I especially liked the chapter on "Timing is Everything" which covers seasons of: growth, preparation, maturity, multiplication, disappointment, humility, chastening, failure, success and acceptance. Equally as important are thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter which promote healthy introspection.
While there are many dimensions to rearing children, our ultimate goal must be to raise them to fulfill God's calling upon their live's and to live that life to their full potential. This book goes the distance in encouraging and directing your feet along that path.
You can purchase Growing Great Kids online at: Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnes&Noble
Kate Battistelli is a wife, author, speaker, former Broadway actress, and mom to one of Christian music’s most celebrated new recording artists—Grammy-nominated, Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli.
Kate currently volunteers at ESTHER Single Mothers Outreach and is thoroughly enjoying her newest role as grandmother to Francesca’s first child, Matthew Elijah.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew SPECIAL OFFER FOR Homeschool Circus SUBSCRIBERS through October 31: Use code LISAtips for a $19.99 discount when you buy any curriculum CD Library plus Spanish Empire library. This post written and property of Homeschool Circus and can be found at: www.upatdawnreadytowork.com.
