Book Review: Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli

When my first child was born my husband and I had no idea what to do.  I mean, we had the common sense to love, feed, change, and basically keep her alive, but other than that we had no clue.  None. Zilch.  No parenting manual came hidden with this tightly swaddled bundle of warmth, cooing, and sweet smells.  There was no guide to instruct us on how to raise our precious baby so that she would one day have the best chances and make good choices.

We were as brand new as she was, and so we proceeded down the path laid before us and gratefully (though tentatively) embraced the roles of mommy and daddy, soon adding a son to the mix.  But for years I  wondered what nuggets of truth would have been found in the pages of that mythical parenting guide. Didn’t you?

Well wonder no more, friends! In the recently published book Growing Great Kids, Kate Battistelli weaves a true tale about how to raise our kids to grow into amazing adults. The parents of Dove Award-winning recording artist Francesca Battistelli (“It’s Your Life”, “This Is the Stuff”), Kate shares what she and her husband Michael learned about parenting while raising their daughter.  Fifteen jam-packed chapters cover the following topics: gifts & callings; pursuing purity; encouraging your child’s walk with God; growing integrity; and more.

Kate makes it completely clear that it’s up to us as parents, partnering with God, to raise our children in the way they should go.  We can’t afford to sit idly by hoping for the best.  It’s our job to follow God’s leading and take action.  Regardless of how we as parents were raised, it’s paramount for us to be proactive in raising our kids properly.

The Battistelli’s note the current “culture of drift” where young people lack their own goals and dreams, and instead are set adrift in a sea of mediocrity.  We parents are challenged to swim against the tide of lackluster parenting to instead be intentional in guiding our kids toward discovering and growing their gifts and strengths.  Speak words of affirmation.  Encourage and provide opportunities for their dreams.  Be the catapult that helps propel your child into success as an adult.

Whether or not your children may be headed toward the life of a recording artist like Kate’s daughter Franny, they will benefit greatly from the fabulous wisdom found on every page of Growing Great Kids.  I urge you to get this much needed book, read it, highlight it…and then act on it.  Align yourself with God’s calling on your heart: to raise your child with purpose to be a success for His kingdom.

Disclosure: Kate Battistelli generously gave me a copy of “Growing Great Kids” for this honest review.  You can see my complete Disclosure policy. 

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