By John and Helen Burns
Howard Books
www.howardpublishing.com
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Moms, do you want tips on how to reach the heart and train the character of your son? Dads, are you nervous that you won't provide your daughter with the protection and nurture she needs? In this single volume (two books in one), John and Helen Burns acknowledge that although "girls will be girls, and boys will be boys," God's perfect example as a loving Parent provides the answers parents need to meet the unique challenges of raising children of the opposite sex.
In an easy-to-read style, the husband and wife authors explore the differences between boys and girls and the ways that parents can lovingly provide the support children need to grow into healthy adults, ones equipped to be godly spouses and parents themselves. Using personal illustrations and examples from his own upbringing, John Burns suggests that moms are essential in helping sons learn to communicate, feel emotionally protected, and become affectionate. He offers practical tips and encourages mothers to be actively involved in the lives of their male children. In the second half of the book, Helen Burns declares that daughters need Dad to be a hero. She outlines the important role Dad plays in giving his daughter a proper view of herself and in keeping her safe. Like her husband, Helen uses examples from her own life and those whom she has encountered in ministry to encourage Dads to gently nurture their "princesses." Both authors encourage parents to "date" their children to build deep relationships and model godly behavior.
If you're looking for a quick read that highlights a few key parental qualities, this book delivers. However, I felt at times that the points were redundant and lacking the Biblical meat for which I'd hoped. Still, as a mother of three boys, I did come away with a handful of tools for guiding our maturing sons. If you need a refresher or just heard for the first time "It's a boy!" or "You have a beautiful baby girl!" this book is a handy little guide to have on hand for practically serving your specially created children.
Product review by Wendy Walker, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, July 2007
|
|
|
|
