Culture-Proof Kids: Building Character in Your Children

it is very easy to read. i love that it gives you bible verses and the real application in parenting. it will enlighten your path and fill you with blessings. i wish i had read it while i was a mom, but i will definetely apply it as a grandmother. an excellent gift for young christians parents.

The author has taken the idea of constructing a house and has used each segment such as building a firm foundation, proper framing, placing a sturdy roof overhead, etc. to illustrate in short chapters how to build wise qualities of character into a child. This book is so practical in teaching the various desirable character traits to children as well as, I have found, to students in a classroom environment. The author frequently includes in each 1-4 page chapter, a short story from real life which very clearly illustrates the concept being communicated. I find it inviting, entertaining, and very useful, and I can clearly see the wisdom of the concepts throughout the pages of the book. I would love to have had the opportunity to learn these character traits as I was growing up in the way the author shares them. I am finding it is not too late, however, as in reading the book, I am learning new ways, for example, of forgiving, how not to quit, and having integrity through the compelling stories and the "what parents can do" segment in each chapter. I plan to use the wisdom of the book in teaching my upcoming classes and expect to see some changes in students (and in myself!) because of that.

After reading Oregon author, Jeannie St. John Taylor's new book on how to raise children I wish I could nominate it book of the year. Her focus comes from Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builder is wasted." The analogy points to God as the Master Builder, the Bible his instruction book that instructs parents in partnership with Him to build their families on a foundation of rock (God) instead of sand, (material values). Most everyone agrees character is forged in the home. With that in mind, Taylor continues the analogy in one hundred thirty-one short chapters organized into eight sections. Some include: * Set a Foundation of Godly Principles * Follow the Architect's Plan * Frame with Strong Values * Build a Sturdy Floor * Install locks and an Alarm Short, to the point topics are formatted under headings related to framing a house, such as framing materials--values, to installing locks and alarms--how to cope with peer pressure and exposure to media. She encourages parents to set a good example by starting each day with Scripture and prayer to strengthen faith, seek God's will, and become a good role model. The responsibility to build moral values lies with the parent, and can be accomplished in single parent as well as two-parent homes, if parents partner with the Lord and pray. Chapters open with Scripture that re-enforce each topic followed by a brief incident or personal illustration from Taylor's life that leads to "What Parents Can Do." This section includes biblical principles, practical tips, and specific suggestions. Chapters conclude with examples of "Prayer for Myself," and "Prayer for My Children." For example, from the chapter about love as a goal she writes, "Lord, sometimes I am not as loving as I should be. I think negative thoughts and I hold a lot of wrong attitudes. Heal me by letting me experience your love. Teach me how to communicate your love to my kids." The prayer for children states, "Help them understand that I love them deeply even when I fail to show it as I should." This book encourages parents to enlist God's help to raise children of character, because, as the author notes, "If you parent well, the rewards are immense..." for you and for them. Taylor's book spells out how to raise godly children in today's culture of mixed messages and equip them with strong Christian character. I feel this book was inspired by the Holy Spirit and I rate this as a must read for every parent, grandparent, or those becoming a parent.

This is a very important book. Many parents are confused and concerned about raising their children in today's culture. Experts are giving them multitudes of mixed messages. Mrs. Taylor's book spells out the foundations for raising kids that are able to get along in today's world. I highly recommend the book for parents, those thinking of becoming parents, and grandparents. It will guide you in dealing with your children, helping them to become the adults you hope for them to be.

Jeannie St. John Taylor's "Culture-proof Kids" offers parents practical pointers for building character into their children. These suggestions are presented in easily adapted steps for easy assimilation and application. The book is formatted in short topical subjects classified under headings related to following an architect's plans for building a house. It begins by emphasizing the need for a solid foundation. The concluding chapters deal with providing locks and a security system. Each chapter opens with Scripture verses setting the pace for building "Culture-proof Kids." A brief incident from the author's life, a story from one of her family members experiences, or an application illustrating the principle being developed leads into the section called "What Parents Can Do." These practical "how to" suggestions for parents are rich in positive Biblically based, time tested, principles. Each chapter concludes with a reflective "Prayer for Myself", seeking wisdom, strength, and guidance, and an intercessory "Prayer for My Children." A favorite example of Taylor's sage advice is, "Give them abundant physical affection. If you aren't a hugger, take hugging lessons from them. And smooching lessons . Kids need affection." Jeannie St. John Taylor is a natural communicator. She articulates well and demonstrates a genuine concern for problems of Christian parenting in today's culture.