While The Joy of Letting Go~Releasing your Teen into the Big World is promoted as a devotional, the pages flow so seamlessly you'll find it absolutley impossible to read only one excerpt at a time. I'm a mother of six, and my oldest three children are 16, 15, and almost 13. I've read many Christian parenting books over the years, and this book is truly one of THE BEST I have ever read. It's specific focus is on the importance of you--as a parent--understanding how critical it is for you to raise up your kids in a way that releases them to their own independence. This independence includes: having their own personal walk with Christ outside of your family routine, learning how to prioritize and time manage school work, independent problem-solving skills, and having the opportunity to fail and learn from their mistakes.Author Vicki Caruana uses stories from her own life and examples from other lives as she explains the importance of truly releasing your kids to their own adulthood. She doesn't write in a 'preachy' way, but in a way that is extremely approachable and helpful. I highly recommend this book to any mom who has children in junior high, high school, or even college....and the earlier in your child's life you can read it the better.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*
The Joy of Letting Go: Releasing Your Teen into Real Life in the Big World (David C. Cook, April 2017)
With readings of encouragement and inspirational quotes, this devotional helps parents prepare their hearts for their children’s independence, whether their kids are just starting kindergarten or graduating from college.
Parents let go of their children every day, even in ways they don’t realize. The 52 devotional readings within shine a light on all the times readers have loosened their grip on their children and encourages them to continue to let go in life-giving ways. Written by a parenting and education expert, The Joy of Letting Go will comfort and inspire parents in all seasons of parenting.
Dr. Vicki Caruana is the author of 20 books and the blog Apples & Chalkdust—named after her bestselling book that has touched the lives of a million educators around the world. Caruana is one of four parenting experts on "Starting Points," Focus on the Family’s parenting DVD series. Formerly a public school teacher and a homeschooling mom, Vicki is now an assistant professor of education at Mount Saint Mary College in New York. She lives with her station wagon loving husband, Chip, in Newburgh, New York and has two grown sons in Colorado Springs.
