Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Book Review & Giveaway

As the mom of a toddler, this title immediately caught my eye. Daily, I pray that my young son will come to know the Lord from a young age and walk with Him all the days of his life.

This decision will be completely his, but how can I model for him why following Jesus makes all the difference in the world? This is the type of question the author of this book seeks to answer.

My Thoughts on Raising Kids to Follow Christ

Lee Ann Manini grabbed my attention from the start with this visual: Imagine being in heaven looking for your kids and not finding them there. What a heartbreaking thought! In this book, she sets out to equip parents with the tools to help them point their children to Christ.

Some elements that I found valuable include:

• A nightly blessing example for parents to pray over their children
• Practical ideas such as using chalkboard paint on one wall of the playroom where children can write verses each week that they’re memorizing
• Apologetic Q&As for young children
• A list of 20 essential virtues to teach and model for your children
• Strategies for instilling the Fruit of the Spirit in your child

The only reason for my giving the book four stars instead of five is her vague guidance on discipline. She references discipline in several places, but I did not find clear-cut, helpful solutions. Calling time-out “a break” was not helpful to me. However, maybe other parents will appreciate her attempt to soften what can be a delicate topic for some.

That aside, I respect Manchini’s wisdom and insights into godly parenting and think this book will be a useful resource.

From the Back Cover

How can we raise the next generation to have an unshakable faith in God as they navigate the challenging terrain of modern culture?

Offering years of experience and countless success stories, author and parenting expert Lee Ann Mancini says what our children need is a heart change, not just a behavioral change, so that they become effective disciples. In Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, she inspires parents, grandparents, teachers, and others to teach their children essential Christian principles to enable them to navigate the world with grace, integrity, and an unbreakable bond with their heavenly Father.

This book goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the intricate matters of children’s hearts and minds and offering a blueprint for nurturing a deep and unwavering faith in Christ.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ offers:

• Decades of personal experience and training based on key essential principles in Scripture
• Practical strategies for addressing doubts, fears, and questions that arise in today’s culture
• Ways to help children control their emotions and actions in various situations
• Suggestions from some of today’s brightest Christian minds in children’s spirituality
• Empowerment for parents to become their child’s spiritual champion
• Easy-to-understand apologetics for children and adults
• Fun ways to connect your child’s heart to Christ
  Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a collaborative journey inviting parents to learn, grow, and flourish alongside their children as they become bold in their witness and committed to their faith rather than secular culture.

How to Win Your Copy

Simply add a comment to this blog post to enter. For example, you could share why you think this book would be an encouragement to you or someone you know.

A few considerations:

1. You must be over 13 years of age to enter (or have your parents’ permission).
2. You must have a US address. (Sorry to my international friends!)
3. The winner’s name may be posted on this site and/or social media.
4. While this contest may be shared on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with these entities.

The giveaway runs through Saturday, March 9, and I’ll announce the winner on the blog and Facebook the following week.

Blessings to you,

Kristen

Congrats to our giveaway winners!

Congratulations to Devon and Jennifer for winning copies of Raising Kids to Follow Christ! (I ended up with extra copies, so yay!)