Disclosure: I received this book to review; the post and entry form contain affiliate links. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! This event is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer. Each blog on the linky below is offering a book-related prize worth $10 or more.
***NOTE: The hop officially starts on October 15. I’m starting it early to make sure I get it posted. Be sure to stop back on Oct. 15 when every giveaway is updated on the linky!***
One reader of Savings in Seconds will win a copy of Their Name Is Today (US/CAN).
Think back to a meaningful moment you remember with the special adults from your childhood. It could be with your parents, teachers, spiritual leaders, or maybe an older sibling. What were you doing in that moment? More importantly, what was that adult doing? For most of us, I’d say that it involved a conversation or interaction of some kind. We don’t necessarily look back with fondness and see everyone huddled around the TV. You see, it’s tough to remember that children depend on the adults in their lives to model and demonstrate love for them. Love is a verb (thanks, DC Talk). We generally have to do something to show love. As the adults, we must interact with our children. The book Their Name Is Today: Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World sends a huge message in this respect. When you read this book, it’s tempting to be on the defensive. You might want to say, “Yeah, but, I work” or “What about my own needs?” Try to keep an open mind. Remind yourself that the kids are the priority here. Sadly, for some parents this has never been the case.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are times when my kids watch TV and play video games without a speck of interaction from me. This weekend, when our house was inundated with the stomach bug and I was doing the thousandth load of laundry to get rid of the germs, my kids watch TV hour after hour. Those days are not frequent, though. We’re outside enjoying the fresh air, walking in the park, or singing along to the radio together. My kids know that I’m going to ask about their day and they know they’re not turning on any devices until I get my fill. Do they like it? Not always. That’s okay. I’m the adult, and I’m here to help them become strong individuals, not mindless robots who only know how to power up a box.
I’m definitely not mom of the year, but I try to show my kids that I love them by spending time with them. We discuss the important parts of life. Those big moments are defined by fishing poles and flashlights, not iPads and earbuds.
Johann Christoph Arnold has written 12 books on children, families, and relationships.
The book sounds like one that needs to be read by most adults, giving us clues how to make childhood a bit more less intimidating.
Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund
i learned he the author is a pastor and a peace maker and has written 12 books so far
i learned he the author is a pastor and a peace maker and has written 12 books so far
It’s talking about revolutionizing education and life for kids. I’m not sure I agree with someone publishing something like that. Every child is different, and that’s what needs emphasizing. When I was in school, I wanted to be pressured. I wanted to not be bored. Everything was easy for me. However, with standardized testing and high drop out rates, schools backed off and started kind of doing enough to do well on testing but not much more. Some school districts aren’t like that and do probably push too hard, but that’s not a bad thing for every kid. Maybe the book gets into that point some, so I guess reading it would let me know if me initial irritation is off base or not.
Although my son is grown now, I would like to read it and pass it on to him for when his child enters school. It sounds very eye-opening.
I learned the author is a pastor with 12 other books.