Children are Wet Cement: Make the Right Impression in Their Lives

Children Are Wet Cement There are very few books that I've read more than once. I've read this book on parenting at least a dozen times in the 22 years I've been raising children and it is helpful, challenging, and insightful each time. I can honestly say this book has made me a better parent. This is not a book with an extensive outline of techniques to employ. Anne Ortlund has one message she wants to get through to you- what you say to your children and how you say it makes all the difference in the world. If that sounds too simple to you, I will say that it is only "too simple" if you've already done the difficult, soul-searching work of evaluating your attitudes and communication toward your children. I highly recommend you add this book to your parenting collection.

Wow! I am so excited to see this book back in print. I read this book 20+ years ago when my kids were young and it provided the best advice I have ever read for what children 3-5 years old need (advice for other age levels is also provided). A few years ago, I ordered used copies of the book to use for a Sunday School class on parenting young children. I have recommended this book to many young parents over the years. I am a Gifted Coordinator in public schools and see parents wanting to help their children get a head start on school by trying to `teach' their preschool age children academics. However, recent brain research shows it is not knowledge (numbers, letters, etc.) that helps grow the brain - but experiences - that grow dendrites in the brain. Children need to play, explore and be curious about their world. Anne Ortlund does a wonderful job expressing these ideas in the book. Children 3-5 do not need flash cards to make them smart. Rather, as the book suggests, children 3-5 need to feel sand sifting between their fingers, the feel of morning dew between their toes, and other types of experiences!

This is a wonderful book for parents! It's written in 2-3 page chapters so it's easily readable even if you just have a few minutes. It's full of important reminders and stories that emphasize the power of encouraging words, appreciating children's feelings and lots more! I only have a few parenting books that I've kept and this is one of them. I even bought an extra copy for a friend.

This book explains how it is never too late to accept God through the Son He sent to bring us to Him. We all can be Wet Cement in the Creator's hands. This book really pointed me in the right direction!