No More Jellyfish, Chickens or Wimps: Raising Secure, Assertive Kids in a Tough World

by Paul Coughlin

Break the Cycle of "Nice" Parents Raising "Nice"--but Weak--Kids Today's children are more worried and fearful than children of previous generations, and well-intended parents are raising some of the culture's wimpiest kids. Overprotective mothers and fathers teach their kids to live passively; kids, in turn, become less and less able to make decisions, to strengthen their minds, and to cultivate courage--upon which, wrote C.S. Lewis, all other virtues depend. Paul Coughlin, father of three school-age children, longtime youth soccer coach, calls parents to bring up sons and daughters who will live out the whole spectrum of the abundant life Jesus came to give us. These children will not only know right from wrong, they will also embrace the integrity and courage to do what's right. Insightful and practical, No More Jellyfish, Chickens, or Wimps will challenge you to spark a change for good in your children.

Genres: Parenting, Family

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Amy Koons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book (a friend wanted to discuss it) thinking, "I don't need this book" and skimmed the first few chapters but then it dawned on me the importance of raising kids who will stand up for truth and be bold and there's much I can learn about this topic. This book might challenge you, as it did me, when it comes to how I interpret the "turn the other cheek" passage in scripture and how I am raising my kids. Am I raising kids who would stand up for those oppressed or am I raising mild children? What is needed in today's culture? This book has so many provocative insights, I think I need to revisit it again at some point. I recommend it.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do we develop morally courageous children in a world that doesn't necessarily reward that? This is probably the main theme of the book. I enjoyed reading it, though it took me a bit to get into it. Bullying, overprotective parents, and predators are some of the other issues covered in this book. We want to be able to help our children not only to recognize what's bad about the world, identify it, not do it, but also replace that with action that will recognize and step into injustice, replace bad with good, and make a difference through action not inaction. Where he ends up is where I want my children to be - strong in faith and courage, willing to stand up against injustice, willing to sacrifice comfort or safety in order to do what's right, integrity, loyalty, commitment, etc. Where does that start? With us...

[Legacy Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book addresses raising internally moral children versus external "nice" children. Many parents today strive to raise "nice" kids and in doing so also open children up to bullying and co-dependency. This book strikes a middle ground on tough love, permissive and democratic parenting styles.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had research behind the philosophy and then offered suggestions and even an evaluation for parents. Perfect for our times when we must have moral courage or we will border on falling victim to tyrants once again. I asked myself some hard questions about my own moral courage while reading. Worthy read. Best chapter is the last one.

[Marcelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

He makes some good points about how to raise children who are courageous and independent. My problem is Coughlin acts like this is the recipe for all children ... as if this is some fix to solve all of society's problems.

[Heather Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 6 "Spotting and Repelling Adult Predators" is worth the read if you don't have time for anything else. Eye- vopening and my reason for selecting this book.