My review: "Growing Kids" by Kate Batistelli
Let me just start out by saying, I don't think there was any way this was a coincidence that I signed on to review this book, Growing Kids by Kate Batistelli. We have way too many things in common. From the little girls we both have who wanted to dance and perform, to the singers that they are, to the transition and struggles that come in between teen-to-adulthood.. but wait. Here's where my story continues, and Kate has already journeyed.
Kate Batistelli is a wife, author, speaker, blogger, former Broadway actress, and mom to one of Christian music’s most celebrated new recording artists—Grammy-nominated, Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Francesca Batistelli. She provides much needed focus and insight for any parent. She not only tells the story of raising her daughter, Francesca, but dives into important reasons why we should be strong in our own walk with the Lord.
ISBN: 967-1-61638-654-2 | List Price: $14.99 | Format: Softcover | Page Count: 238
purchase here on Amazon or her website
purchase here on Amazon or her website
Kate has made it through the years of raising a child, and has so much to share that will work in your hearts continuously. It made me laugh as there were stories for all of us to relate to, and yet there were plenty of tears as I reflected on my parenting skills. Not that I've done it all wrong, in some ways I think so, but who doesn't think that as a parent? She gives much insight to drawing on God's promises, and finding ways to deliver them to your kids. And above all? Pray. Speak truth over your kids! Be an example for them to follow even when it's not the easiest.
I planned on reading this in couple days, but distractions and family matters deterred me. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I could take one chapter at a time and digest it. There are so many amazing verses and thoughts that will keep your mind going all day and week long. I not only felt the emotion of the stories from Kate and some of her friends, but I was overwhelmed with God's grace and love towards me.
Chapters that really spoke to my heart were:
The Power of a Parent's Words: “If you could see your words come to life as they came out of your mouth, what you would say, and just as importantly, what wouldn’t you say?”
Be Available: Parents have precious few years to inluence their values, help shape their dreams, and model the moral code and work ethic we live by. We shouldn’t let anything take precedence over spending time with them. Our priorities must include our children, especially while they still live under our roof, absorbing the most important inluence in their young lives—ours!
...and so much more!
I love the way Kate ends her chapters with a special prayer. This chapter talked about being specific in prayer. Here is one that struck home with me.
Prayer
Father in heaven, I know Your Word is truth, and it guides me, inspires me, and delights me. Help me to share this truth with my child. Enable me to teach her that her gifts and talents come from You alone. Give me the tools to guide her to develop them to the full. I pray she will become a good steward of the gifts and talents You’ve given her. Teach me how to pray specifically for my child. I know You care deeply about every detail of my child’s life, and I trust You to show me how best to pray for her. I want to teach my child about You day in and day out so she knows You even better than I do. Help me to model to my child what I want her to become. Let me instill these words deeply into my child, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Growing Kids, by Kate Batistelli would be perfect for any parents-to-be, parents of young and old.. I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Kate. God bless you and your family.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
