Here for You: Creating a Mother-Daughter Bond That Lasts a Lifetime

If you have a daughter over the age of seven, you've probably already begun to wonder when that time is going to come. You know, the time when nothing you say is right, and most conversations turn into an argument? The ages of fourteen to twenty are not years that we have to write off as a difficult phase that we simply have to endure. With effort on both the mother's and the daughter's part, these years can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Here for You: Creating a Mother-Daughter Bond that Lasts a Lifetime is a perfect resource for you if you want to learn how to create this special bond. It will give you information on the reasons why a mom and daughter have "issues," as well as steps to overcoming or minimizing them. More importantly, you will learn what steps you and your daughter can take to help insure that a positive relationship develops in these years. The book is written in alternating chapters to mom and to the teen. So even if she doesn't want to listen to you, she might take the advice to heart if it comes from authors Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler. The book challenges moms and daughters to make a covenant with one another to do several things which will strengthen your relationship.

Raising a teenage daughter in today's culture is no easy task. The challenges of the roller coaster teen years can put on a strain on the mother/daughter relationship, leading to problems that last into adulthood. Susie Shellenberger, long-time editor of Brio magazine, knows what's on the mind of today's teen girls and has interviewed hundreds of them to find out what they really want from their moms. Teaming up with Kathy Gowler, mom of two, this book was created to help heal and restore tensions among moms and teen daughters. The focus of the book teaches moms and daughters about the sacred covenant relationship and how to make one between themselves and God. The Gospel is clearly explained to new believers who might pick up a copy, and I think this book would be great material for youth groups and women's Bible studies. The authors also lead a national seminar called "Closer" for moms and daughters, and there's an upcoming Mother-Daughter Cruise planned, as well as mission opportunities. As a mom with three daughters, I'm excited about this book! It's a much-needed resource that can reach hearts for furthering the Gospel and changing lives. --Christian Women Online Book Buzz

Mothers, do you want to create an unbreakable bond with your teenage daughter? Daughters, do you want to find a new friend--in your mom? In Here For You, Shellenberger and Gowler will show you how to create the relationship you've never had, but always wanted. Starting out with a description of what covenants are and Biblical examples of covenants, like the one between David and Jonathan, the authors help readers understand exactly what it means for a mother and daughter to make a covenant, and why they would want to make this lifetime bond. The authors also include questions to help readers make sure they are in a right relationship with God, stating that this is important before they try to make a covenant with anyone else. Next, the authors describe what it means to be in a mother-daughter covenant. It requires a big commitment from both mother and daughter. Through emotional stories of girls and their mothers, some in good relationships and some in bad, the authors deliver a powerful testimony for using a covenant in all mother-daughter relationships. Also, if you're one of the mothers or daughters who don't have good communication going on already, the authors give examples of conversation starters and things to do together. Each chapter in this book is filled with testimonies or real-life stories, Scripture and quotes from teen girls. Most chapters include a self-assessment so you can find out where you are in your relationships, and with God. Shellenberger and Gowler use a fast-paced writing tempo that keeps the reader engaged, even when the subject matter may be a little difficult. Real life examples also sprinkle the pages and keep the stories and situations from becoming a hypothetical "this-would-never-happen-to-me" read. Armchair Interviews says: The information in this book is timely and applicable to all mothers and daughters out there and offers a strong message of hope for building mother-daughter relationships.