Recommended Reading- August/September

These are some of the books I've read over the past couple months. I haven't read as much with school starting and all, but here's what I accomplished.....

Parenting Isn't For Cowards by Dr. James Dobson-This book was really good, but it had alot of repeated information from his other book Parent's Answer Book. Parenting Isn't for Cowards (PIFC) was written first and I think Dr. Dobson used it for reference in the Answer book, lots of times it was word for word. The answer book was like snipits of PIFC, just in Q&A format. PIFC had more info that wasn't in the Q&A book but I think you could read one or the other and get the gist of what he wanted to convey. I personally like the Parent's Answer book the best. It was an easier read.

Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy- This book was very interesting and very funny. I really enjoyed it. It's all about letting your kids have the freedoms we did as children but not letting worry get the best of us while doing it. I read this book with an open mind, but I knew I wouldn't agree with everything in it. The author wrote the book in response to the public outcry of her letting her 9 yr old boy ride the subway alone in NYC. Most American parents think what she did is crazy (I don't think she is crazy but I certainly wouldn't have done it!) but after reading the book, I see her reasoning behind it. The author discusses typical parental fears like letting your kids play outside alone, walking to the bus stop and running errands- alone. She talks about why it's good for kids and parents as well, but some of it, I just wasn't buying. I am the typical "helicopter mom" she talks about but I, too, have my reasons for why I do what I do. I know she talks about how the fears we have really aren't warranted, that the world is actually a safer place than it used to be, but I am just not willing to take that chance and risk my kids's safety. That said, I am trying to give the kids more freedom so they will gain some confidence. I can tell that as the kids are getting older, they are feeling they should be able to do more things like ride their bikes (on the sidewalk) up and down the street instead of just in the driveway. (: I am also letting them outside on their own for short periods of time (we don't have a fenced in yard and they are only 5 and 7!) while I watch from a window. They know I am there but not hovering over everything they do or say. I've also let them go play at a neighbors house (outside) which was very hard for me. Anyway, I have to say that this book did give me some pointers on how to stop worrying so much about things and just to let my kids have some fun! I am still thinking of different ways I can let them try new things that are age and ability appropriate. It is hard because it seems like nowadays every one is letting their kids run rampant in the neighborhood. I am literally the only parent I see outside during the day watching their kids. Granted, most kids in our neighborhood are age 9 and above so it's hard to compare, but it still makes me wonder if I am doing the right thing by sheltering my kids so much. I ask God everyday for wisdom on what to do in this area. I don't want to be overprotective, but I feel it is my responsibility to take care and protect my children. The trick is finding the balance and that is what I am always striving to do.

The Gift of Grace and A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston- These books are from an author I had not read before but the cover caught my eye since it was another series that takes place in Amish country. This author is very similar in style to Beverly Lewis who writes many other Amish fiction stories. I really enjoyed both books and can't wait to read the third book, hopefully coming out soon!