Families blend together for a variety of reasons. Widowed or divorced parents choose to remarry. An ailing or elderly relative can no longer live alone and moves in with his son’s family. A family chooses to adopt a child. Economic circumstances force family members to combine households. Regardless of why it happens, creating a blended family is a process of transition that takes time, patience, humor, compassion, and a whole lot of conversation. In Growing Into a Family, author Cynthia Geisen guides children and the caring adults in their lives through the many questions and mixed feelings that blended families face. In the end, it is love, compassion, persistence, and a large dollop of humor that are really the tools that will help young readers find peace and joy in their family’s new realities.

Lifting one’s head up to view the family landscape can transpire questions such as, “Where am I?” “How did I get here?” “Why am I here?” and “Where am I headed?” observing the loved ones growing alongside. This may also form questions to which we reflect on the status of their formation. Take a short journey with this parenting handbook, Growing a Family. This will give inspiration to parents and family supports to obtain essential tools to help cultivate the roots of your garden. In it, you will travel through parenting subjects that are attached to personal stories orchestrated with experience and wisdom intended to surface an emotional rainbow. Uncover the gems hidden within your ancestry, gaining knowledge of the “why” when turning through the chapters on the foundation of yourself as well as the precious soul of your child. Dig into the importance of family values and stitching supports to add individual and family strength. You may find comfort in a greater power as you read spiritual happenings written with an open heart poured out in the “Power of Prayer.” Parents and caregivers of children all ages can find tools to use in the unexpected storms of life. Helpful strategies and observations are to be considered when reading about boundaries, babies to youth, and the importance of how we communicate when turning through the “Talk to Me” section of the book. Learn how to look for safety issues that may arise when leaving your children in the care of others with the “Working Parent” chapter. Grow knowledge of things that may cause harm to a family if the unexpected happens, causing a shift of unbalance uncovered in the “Blended Family” section. Laugh, cry, and internalize the creativity told through the words to inspire all of us to nurture our future gardens.

Expanding on the stories in her popular column for the website Waging Nonviolence, Berrigan has crafted a welcome antidote to the various parenting fads currently on offer from French moms and tiger moms and mean moms. She offers a unique perspective on parenting that derives from hard work, deep reflection, and lots of trial and error.

Inspirational stories of survivors leaving their abusive households—and drawing on the wis-dom gained from adversity to transform their lives. So many people have experienced bleak childhoods in which degradation, pain, and neglect were common. But as survivors of toxic families, their triumphs are not only powerful but inspirational. This book follows twenty-four stories about finding happiness after surviving a dysfunctional family. With enlightening honesty, humor, and apt quotes, you’ll experience the transformative effects that hope and resilience can have. Thriving means more than just letting go of the past and its hardships; it means becoming your own silver lining. Karen Casey and our narrators explore how your worst experiences can help you create meaningful skills for building a new, fulfilling life. With each narrator sharing the moment they decided to thrive instead of giving up, this self-compassion book will show you that no matter how dysfunctional life can be, you can emerge stronger than ever from it. Promises and positive affirmations to live The importance of nourishing your emotional strength Beginning your healing journey by putting your heart first Forgiving your family’s pain to avoid repeating it, and more “Explores the benefits that result from surviving in a dysfunctional family, including resiliency, perseverance, a sense of humor, forgiveness, kindness, and the ability to discern real love. Simple but authentic points are enumerated at the conclusion of each chapter. With unrelenting optimism and a solid faith in God, Casey helps readers learn to let go of judgment and embrace acceptance. New readers as well as followers of the author’s earlier works will be uplift-ed.” —Publishers Weekly “You just can’t go wrong with Karen Casey.” —Earnie Larsen, author of From Anger to Forgiveness

Many parents of a teenager or young adult feel as though they're guessing about what to do next--with mixed results. We want to stay connected with our maturing child, but we're not sure how. And deep down, we fear our child doesn't want or need us. Based on brand-new research and interviews with remarkable families, Growing With equips parents to take steps toward their teenagers and young adults in a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform them all. By highlighting three groundbreaking family strategies, authors Kara Powell and Steven Argue show parents that it's never too early or too late to - accept the child you have, not the child you wish you had - work toward solutions rather than only identifying problems - develop empathy that nudges rather than judges - fight for your child, not against them - connect your children with a faith and church big enough to handle their doubts and struggles - dive into tough discussions about dating, career, and finances - and unleash your child's passions and talents to change our world For any parent who longs for their kids to keep their roots even as they spread their wings, Growing With offers practical help and hope for the days--and years--ahead.

Is it okay to share details about my child's life on social media? What kinds of pictures should I avoid posting? Am I taking away my kids' ownership over their future online footprint? In the digital age, parenting has evolved into a new dimension, with social media becoming an integral part of our daily lives. In Growing Up Shared, Stacey Steinberg delves into the complex landscape of social media sharing and offers advice for parents who want to embrace the benefits of technology while safeguarding their family's privacy. Steinberg presents a balanced perspective on the positive aspects of social media, empowering parents to foster genuine connections and build an online community of support. Uncover innovative ways to use social platforms responsibly, and gain valuable insights into the impact of online sharing on your children's digital footprints. With Growing Up Shared, you'll discover: Proven strategies to safeguard your family's privacy in a no-privacy world. How to set healthy boundaries and establish a safe digital environment for your children. Tips for cultivating a positive online presence that aligns with your family's values. Navigating challenges like cyberbullying, oversharing, and the potential consequences of social media posts. Techniques for fostering open conversations with your kids about online safety and responsible sharing. Incorporating real-life stories and expert guidance, Growing Up Shared sheds light on the crucial intersection of parenting and social media. Empower yourself to make informed decisions that prioritize your family's well-being in the digital age.

Veteran evangelist Larry Moyer has spent ten years researching the most common issues and problems in personal evangelism. This handbook will lead believers step-by-step into a thorough understanding of the Gospel message. Practical and easy-to-follow, this definitive introduction to spiritual growth will help new believers who may be overwhelmed by their new relationship and the pressures of fitting in the Christian life. With group discussion questions in each chapter, this is a great resource for new Christians, discipleship groups, or small group study. "...For any pastor or layperson who takes the Great Commission seriously. . . . I think you'll come away with a fresh appreciation for the salvation we have in Christ and a renewed desire to present the gospel to others."-Luis Palau