Parents' Guide to the Spiritual Mentoring of Teens (Heritage Builders)

Though the book is titled, "Spiritual Mentoring of Teens," that specific subject is only a small portion of this volume's material. It is really a thorough, positive book about rearing teens, including matters like communication, choosing what to fight over and what to let slide, practical do's and don'ts, tons of relational stuff--a wealth of good, realistic advice for parents who want to encourage their children toward godliness without creating a backlash through over-control.The front cover of the book identifies it with James Dobson's, "Focus on the Family," and it is in line with Focus on the Family's general philosophy. This would make a great textbook for a class and wonderful reading for serious parents.As with any book of this nature, there is bound to be a point or two readers will disagree with. For me, it was the author's advice to assure that teens are in a church with "lively worship." Sounds like a theological bias toward charismatic/seeker sensitive approach to me. There is a lot to be said (but is usually unsaid) about the importance of building stability and convictions beyond the superficial and entertaining. Teaching children that church is about things like relationships, growth in grace and knowledge, and faithfulness (rather than being entertained) has gone the way of the record player.Despite my personal soapbox, I highly recommend this volume as one of the better ones available.