Book Review: Growing up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World


Things have certainly changed a lot from my first baby 16 years ago until now. Yes, I did set my first child in front of the TV from an early age; I worked the night shift in those days, and I often needed just a little rest while we cuddled in front of Barney.

Today, there are new challenges to deal with: iPods, tablets, video games, and cell phones are a big deal at our house. We use them for work, homeschool, and entertainment.  I admit, however, that there are struggles with this kind of lifestyle.  In fact, I have --on more than one occasion -- threatened to toss all the gadgets into the trash.  They are a major distraction and something to always be on the lookout for.

I'm not alone in my concerns, and one expert that I have learned to really trust over the years has written a book to address them.  Gary Chapman, the writer of the original "Love Languages" books, has updated his approach to teaching kids how to love and live within a Christian mindset with the new title "Growing up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World." He has co-written this book with Arlene Pellicane, and there hasn't been a better guide for parents to discuss the challenges and opportunities to bring up healthy kids in the face of so much technology.

Just looking at this year's "hot gifts", you'll see phone, tablets, and more for kids as young as 2. I love technology, so I'm not in any way interested in abandoning it entirely. I do, however, want my kids to learn to be social, have manners, and feel loved.  The book tells parents concrete ways to nurture and discipline in light of all the screen time.  It doesn't not tell you tech is evil or suggest that you get rid of it.  It's a very balanced and enlightened approach, based on the teaching of the "5 Love Languages", which I believe we are all wired to respond to.  (My 4-year-old, for example, has touch as his love language. He loves to cuddle more than anything. He actually says things like "I want to touch your face." or "I need cuddles." His love language is specifically written about when it comes to dealing with technology, as well as the other languages.)

You do not need to have read any of Gary's other books to get a lot out of this one.  If you have, you'll find much of the material familiar but not repetitive.  This book is 100% original and full of solid advice and research you can benefit from right away.  Great for a Bible Study or parent group, this is the perfect book to bring your family closer together -- even with all the distraction that technology is currently presenting to our kids and us!


You can get more information about this must-have family read at the official website.

Wanna Win?  You can win a copy of this book for yourself.  Simply use the form below. You have until November 30th at 11:59 pm EST to get your entries in. Open to residents of US and Canada 18+ only. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Comments

  1. Id say 10 or so, they don't have cell phones and are pretty limited on the internet.
    sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I got a computer when my daughter was in 9th grade. She was about 13 I think.Thank you for the chance :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment