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Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely
This revised and updated edition of The Fight of Your Life features a new title, refreshed design, and 70% new content.
From every side--the Internet, social media, interactions with friends, in both their public and private lives--teens are persuaded to follow the world's way over God's every day. Culture's mantra "live for today" has become the slogan of this generation! But, one thing remains true--mom and dad are still the greatest influence in the life of their child.
Based on timeless biblical truths, Raising Successful Teens equips parents with positive, encouraging, and practical advice. A family and teen culture expert with more than 25 years of ministry experience, Jeffrey Dean gives parents the street-level approach they need to help their teens wisely and safely navigate technology, friendships, dating relationships, social media, and more. Parents will learn how to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in their teens' lives.
From every side--the Internet, social media, interactions with friends, in both their public and private lives--teens are persuaded to follow the world's way over God's every day. Culture's mantra "live for today" has become the slogan of this generation! But, one thing remains true--mom and dad are still the greatest influence in the life of their child.
Based on timeless biblical truths, Raising Successful Teens equips parents with positive, encouraging, and practical advice. A family and teen culture expert with more than 25 years of ministry experience, Jeffrey Dean gives parents the street-level approach they need to help their teens wisely and safely navigate technology, friendships, dating relationships, social media, and more. Parents will learn how to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in their teens' lives.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2019
9 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 12, 2021
Straightforward and simple, Raising Successful Teens is a must-read for Christian parents. It has excellent insights from the author's experiences working with teens but mostly it's about the parents: how we absolutely must nurture a friendship with our teens, and how we need to model a healthy and vibrant relationship with God. A book that is worth revisiting every year or two. It doesn't shy away from hard topics like porn, peer pressure and cell phone use
August 25, 2019
In Raising Successful Teens, Jeffrey Dean provides parents with practical suggestions to build a firm foundation that allows for open communication and better relationships with their teens. He reminds readers that they are the most influential person in their teenagers life and provides quotes from teenagers he has worked with, along with verses in Scripture, to back up each of his ideas. He touches on topics that are so important to consider when you have teenagers at home (friendships, dating, sex, pornography, social media, etc). Throughout each chapter, he offers questions to consider and/or to ask your child. It made me a lot more comfortable with the idea of discussing some the topics because I had examples of how to approach them.
Even though Dean acknowledges the difficulties associated with these topics, I still felt as though they were presented in a way that didn't fully recognize how challenging they can be. For example, when talking about why teenagers don't share God's message with their peers, he says that teens often feel ill-equipped or insecure. While this is true, I think there are a lot more reasons related to peer and societal pressure. I would have liked a little more depth with some of the ideas.
While I would have liked it to dig just a little deeper, I still enjoyed this book, and found it to be informative and encouraging. I am grateful that I read this while my children are still younger; I feel a lot more prepared to step into the world of teenagers!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Even though Dean acknowledges the difficulties associated with these topics, I still felt as though they were presented in a way that didn't fully recognize how challenging they can be. For example, when talking about why teenagers don't share God's message with their peers, he says that teens often feel ill-equipped or insecure. While this is true, I think there are a lot more reasons related to peer and societal pressure. I would have liked a little more depth with some of the ideas.
While I would have liked it to dig just a little deeper, I still enjoyed this book, and found it to be informative and encouraging. I am grateful that I read this while my children are still younger; I feel a lot more prepared to step into the world of teenagers!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 3, 2019
I feel like I only survived adolescence. I was exposed to every bad thing you would never want your child to encounter. It came from teachers, peers, parents, and church members. It was horrible. I was in therapy. I went to church. The problem was that my parents were in no way invested in my life, they took no responsibility for their own actions, and I had no one to lovingly direct me toward truth. I collapsed.
As a parent, I have desperately sought to know how to love and guide my kids in truth. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. The more you care, the harder it is. The enemy hates family. Our kids come in with this broken DNA. We have broken DNA. What we need is the DNA of Heaven. It’s complicated and confusing to navigate the waters of biblical parenting. So many voices are coming at you telling you that you are wrong.
Then this. This book comes alongside you and resonates what you know to be true. It speaks life to everything the enemy wants to steal from us and our kids. There is beauty and hope to be had. The enemy wants to cripple our children so that they can never experience it. This is war.
Jeffrey tackled some tough subjects. Sex, homosexuality, lying, friendships, school, & mental illness to name a few. It was encouraged me to keep my head and my heart in the fight. Pray for your kids. You haven’t come this far to give up. Read the book. Take notes. Ask hard questions. Speak life.
As a parent, I have desperately sought to know how to love and guide my kids in truth. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. The more you care, the harder it is. The enemy hates family. Our kids come in with this broken DNA. We have broken DNA. What we need is the DNA of Heaven. It’s complicated and confusing to navigate the waters of biblical parenting. So many voices are coming at you telling you that you are wrong.
Then this. This book comes alongside you and resonates what you know to be true. It speaks life to everything the enemy wants to steal from us and our kids. There is beauty and hope to be had. The enemy wants to cripple our children so that they can never experience it. This is war.
Jeffrey tackled some tough subjects. Sex, homosexuality, lying, friendships, school, & mental illness to name a few. It was encouraged me to keep my head and my heart in the fight. Pray for your kids. You haven’t come this far to give up. Read the book. Take notes. Ask hard questions. Speak life.
September 3, 2019
Perhaps I am not the right person to review Raising Successful Teens by Jeffery Dean was my first thought when beginning to read this book. I have already raised two children. They are both married and responsible adults. I work in a public high school as Targeted Assistance Support and I am surrounded by teens every hour of my workday. Yet I received this book free from Waterbrook & Multnomah for an honest review so here goes.
Dean's book definitely fills a niche for Christian parents who have not already completed the process of rearing their children. Dean emphasizes the need for devotion time, open communication, setting boundaries on technology, curfews, knowing their teenage child's friends and families and staying involved in their lives while giving them enough freedom to become the individuals God intends them to be.
For parenting assistance, I feel the best time to read this book would be during your child's late elementary, early tween years. Setting boundaries and expectations with teens are most effective when done before the events become a problem and Dean's book gives excellent advice on what Christian parents should consider when setting those limits. Overall I think Dean does a competent job of informing parents what to look for during the teen years and how to keep a God-centered focus in their lives as well as the entire family life.
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
#RaisingSuccessfulTeens
#JeffreyDean
Dean's book definitely fills a niche for Christian parents who have not already completed the process of rearing their children. Dean emphasizes the need for devotion time, open communication, setting boundaries on technology, curfews, knowing their teenage child's friends and families and staying involved in their lives while giving them enough freedom to become the individuals God intends them to be.
For parenting assistance, I feel the best time to read this book would be during your child's late elementary, early tween years. Setting boundaries and expectations with teens are most effective when done before the events become a problem and Dean's book gives excellent advice on what Christian parents should consider when setting those limits. Overall I think Dean does a competent job of informing parents what to look for during the teen years and how to keep a God-centered focus in their lives as well as the entire family life.
#Waterbrook&Multnomah
#RaisingSuccessfulTeens
#JeffreyDean
May 26, 2019
I received an arc of this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so this book can give some good guidelines and stuff to help you, but I don't know if I personally would want to use all of its advice.
Okay, so this book can give some good guidelines and stuff to help you, but I don't know if I personally would want to use all of its advice.
September 3, 2019
I have two teen boys. This book title caught my attention as the subtitle truly is the goal before my husband and I-- we want to raise men who honor God and live wisely. So I was hooked on reading the book.
I'm not sure the intended reader for this book- other than parents- at times the author spoke like it was for parents who were living wisely and honoring God themselves with assumptions of their spiritual maturity, and at other times the author would make statements that inferred you need to be doing this yourself before you expect it of your teen.
When the book arrived, I found it hard to get going after the introduction which did encourage and motivate me to read on. I think it may have been the approach the author took sharing the struggles and reality of parenting before sharing the hope and provision God makes for parents. It struggled because it was often the authors expectation of how a family or teen functions, and if
that isn't how our family functions, it gave me the impression I might not succeed. But before long, the author would come alongside and provide hope or ideas of what to do or how to change the dynamic if you have been doing it differently. Maybe the issue was that the book wasn't deep enough and needed more connected solutions and examples of how to respond, plan, parent, than what teens want from the parents- but examples of parents who are doing this well. The author shares more of the struggling teens perspectives, and maybe in my mind- people who are reading this already have a teen struggling or know the problems but need clearer ideas on how to show up, how to start conversations-- maybe it's my philosophy as an educator that we focus on what behavior needs to start and being positive rather than what behavior we need to stop. And the way we figure out with challenging kids what to start- -is by stopping and analyzing the why the child/teen is doing something we don't prefer. I think this book is written with the stop behaviors as what I heard and that disconnected me for when the author got to start behaviors to train.
The other aspect that I struggled with was often the book didn't seem as optimistic or possible to respond to such daunting concerns. Often the focus was on problems that teens have, culture has, parents checking out, etc. This angle or perception was hard for me a former college professor married to a high school teacher, actively involved in our boys lives, family dinners daily with grandparents present, our home is unique. We know what we are up against, we seek the Holy Spirit's help, and I was expecting the book to have a tone of how to successfully raise teens- I felt like it focused on educating me on the problems, the short comings of humans, and then before the chapter ended, it shared the hope, the help,wisdom to move beyond this things- and the last 10 chapters took on many of these problems and concerns. Perhaps the book needs to share an intro that it can be read different ways- and explains the layout. But I felt like as a parent who has been checked in my child's whole life, and who has laid a biblical foundation in our home with regular conversations, questions, interactions, time one on one, etc. That the layout and key information I wanted was lost or disjointed. I had a hard time focusing in and found myself skimming on for the real message of this chapter. This was a struggle in the first 7 chapters, but when I pressed on chapters 8-18 were much more focused and practical.
These quotes represent the intended concepts for the book to portray to the parent reader:
“You are the most influential person in your teen’s life. How are you influencing your teen?”
“The truth is that your ability to lead your family begins with your willingness to let God lead you.”
“We need to integrate God’s Word into our everyday lives so these truths shape us in ways that are honoring to God.”
The best part of the book (which was in every chapter) were the tips on what to start or continuing doing, questions to make sure you know your teen's answers too, and areas to help your teen process like their purpose, in order to live wisely and learn to honor God. I find the author's website and blog posts even more pointed and practical in shorter doses.
This book is needed- and I think helpful. Maybe a man would appreciate the style more of the author.
I was given a copy of the book by the publisher.
I'm not sure the intended reader for this book- other than parents- at times the author spoke like it was for parents who were living wisely and honoring God themselves with assumptions of their spiritual maturity, and at other times the author would make statements that inferred you need to be doing this yourself before you expect it of your teen.
When the book arrived, I found it hard to get going after the introduction which did encourage and motivate me to read on. I think it may have been the approach the author took sharing the struggles and reality of parenting before sharing the hope and provision God makes for parents. It struggled because it was often the authors expectation of how a family or teen functions, and if
that isn't how our family functions, it gave me the impression I might not succeed. But before long, the author would come alongside and provide hope or ideas of what to do or how to change the dynamic if you have been doing it differently. Maybe the issue was that the book wasn't deep enough and needed more connected solutions and examples of how to respond, plan, parent, than what teens want from the parents- but examples of parents who are doing this well. The author shares more of the struggling teens perspectives, and maybe in my mind- people who are reading this already have a teen struggling or know the problems but need clearer ideas on how to show up, how to start conversations-- maybe it's my philosophy as an educator that we focus on what behavior needs to start and being positive rather than what behavior we need to stop. And the way we figure out with challenging kids what to start- -is by stopping and analyzing the why the child/teen is doing something we don't prefer. I think this book is written with the stop behaviors as what I heard and that disconnected me for when the author got to start behaviors to train.
The other aspect that I struggled with was often the book didn't seem as optimistic or possible to respond to such daunting concerns. Often the focus was on problems that teens have, culture has, parents checking out, etc. This angle or perception was hard for me a former college professor married to a high school teacher, actively involved in our boys lives, family dinners daily with grandparents present, our home is unique. We know what we are up against, we seek the Holy Spirit's help, and I was expecting the book to have a tone of how to successfully raise teens- I felt like it focused on educating me on the problems, the short comings of humans, and then before the chapter ended, it shared the hope, the help,wisdom to move beyond this things- and the last 10 chapters took on many of these problems and concerns. Perhaps the book needs to share an intro that it can be read different ways- and explains the layout. But I felt like as a parent who has been checked in my child's whole life, and who has laid a biblical foundation in our home with regular conversations, questions, interactions, time one on one, etc. That the layout and key information I wanted was lost or disjointed. I had a hard time focusing in and found myself skimming on for the real message of this chapter. This was a struggle in the first 7 chapters, but when I pressed on chapters 8-18 were much more focused and practical.
These quotes represent the intended concepts for the book to portray to the parent reader:
“You are the most influential person in your teen’s life. How are you influencing your teen?”
“The truth is that your ability to lead your family begins with your willingness to let God lead you.”
“We need to integrate God’s Word into our everyday lives so these truths shape us in ways that are honoring to God.”
The best part of the book (which was in every chapter) were the tips on what to start or continuing doing, questions to make sure you know your teen's answers too, and areas to help your teen process like their purpose, in order to live wisely and learn to honor God. I find the author's website and blog posts even more pointed and practical in shorter doses.
This book is needed- and I think helpful. Maybe a man would appreciate the style more of the author.
I was given a copy of the book by the publisher.
October 6, 2019
In Raising Successful Teens, Jeffrey Dean has written an updated edition of the book, The Fight of Your Life. He explored different topics that teenagers are facing in today’s times including acceptance, addictions, drugs, sex, homosexuality, pornography, dating, cell phone usage, social media, suicide, and much more. He began the book by looking at the story of Moses and how he was forced to be abandoned by his mother. Pharaoh ordered male Hebrew babies to be killed and his mother’s put Moses in the river in order to save his life. As we know, he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as an Egyptian. Moses was raised with a purpose to save God’s people. Jeffrey shared how parents are chosen by God to fulfill a purpose and how their teenagers are chosen for a purpose. He explained that God could have chosen anyone to be their parent but He chose them to be their parent. As parents, we want our kids to follow their God given dreams and to fulfill their purpose in life. He also revealed the real truth of how satan doesn’t like our teens and how he uses social media and peer pressure to try and lure them into following the traps of society.
I would recommend this amazing book to all parents and parents to be. I immensely like how he covered all of the topics with an updated look about how social media is bringing even new challenges to our teenagers. Most of our teenagers love the attention they get from their friends and strangers with their posts, likes, and snaps. It’s affecting both girls and boys, they are struggling with facing sexting pressure and pornography . Most of it comes down to how our teenagers see themselves and their desire to be accepted. Boys are desperately trying to work out and be toned to get the likes from the girls. Jeffrey also shared how he was praying for a group of high schoolers and the boys shared how much they have an obsession with working out and being fit. Girls are posting and sexting in order to get the attention from the boys. He also shared some of the apps the teenagers are using and how editing photos is becoming the norm. I liked how he included scriptures throughout the book to assist parents in having important discussions with their teenagers. I believe most readers will be able to learn how to raise their teenagers in a worldly environment that is ever changing. This book will help you in setting a Godly foundation to influence your teenagers in the years to come.
"I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook book review bloggers program."
I would recommend this amazing book to all parents and parents to be. I immensely like how he covered all of the topics with an updated look about how social media is bringing even new challenges to our teenagers. Most of our teenagers love the attention they get from their friends and strangers with their posts, likes, and snaps. It’s affecting both girls and boys, they are struggling with facing sexting pressure and pornography . Most of it comes down to how our teenagers see themselves and their desire to be accepted. Boys are desperately trying to work out and be toned to get the likes from the girls. Jeffrey also shared how he was praying for a group of high schoolers and the boys shared how much they have an obsession with working out and being fit. Girls are posting and sexting in order to get the attention from the boys. He also shared some of the apps the teenagers are using and how editing photos is becoming the norm. I liked how he included scriptures throughout the book to assist parents in having important discussions with their teenagers. I believe most readers will be able to learn how to raise their teenagers in a worldly environment that is ever changing. This book will help you in setting a Godly foundation to influence your teenagers in the years to come.
"I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook book review bloggers program."
September 15, 2019
This is the book that I never thought I would need at this phase of my life with not yet being a mother and definitely not raising teens. However, this book is so applicable to anyone who wants to connect and relate to Generation Z. My biggest takeaway from this book is:
-Teenagers want you to be involved in their lives and you have to be willing to enter into discussions that make you uncomfortable. This requires TIME & COMMUNICATION
So many parents simply do not communicate with their teens. Often times, teens don’t understand why parents don’t engage and long for their parents to talk with them about how to navigate life. To Generation Z, culture is life. Social media, self-obsession, and popular culture are the norm. Discussing some particular topics that are very relevant to a teenager’s life may be uncomfortable, but it’s vital to engage because the culture often fills in when parents and mentors are silent.
I really enjoyed how this book addresses and answers the hard questions teenagers are undoubtedly asking. It is deeply rooted in God’s Word and the authority of God’s Word. It is both practical and holistic. There are lots of examples of questions that can be asked at dinnertime to better understand one’s teen, addresses pornography & sexting, how to respect women, how to help teens find wise friends, practical ways to talk about sex, ways to put limits on media and cell phones, and guidelines for dating. Towards the end of the book, the author addresses the top ten questions teens are asking. This is a really helpful resource to have on hand.
I honestly believe that this book is for everyone and will help adults engage with the next generation. There are many differences even now between Millennials and Generation Z so I believe this book is also ideal for those only a decade older who may be mentoring teenagers. I love that this book is practical and addresses the overall importance of spending time with God and cultivating a relationship with him. Pray. Try. Engage. Prioritize God. Be all-in.
I was given an advanced uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. -HBR
-Teenagers want you to be involved in their lives and you have to be willing to enter into discussions that make you uncomfortable. This requires TIME & COMMUNICATION
So many parents simply do not communicate with their teens. Often times, teens don’t understand why parents don’t engage and long for their parents to talk with them about how to navigate life. To Generation Z, culture is life. Social media, self-obsession, and popular culture are the norm. Discussing some particular topics that are very relevant to a teenager’s life may be uncomfortable, but it’s vital to engage because the culture often fills in when parents and mentors are silent.
I really enjoyed how this book addresses and answers the hard questions teenagers are undoubtedly asking. It is deeply rooted in God’s Word and the authority of God’s Word. It is both practical and holistic. There are lots of examples of questions that can be asked at dinnertime to better understand one’s teen, addresses pornography & sexting, how to respect women, how to help teens find wise friends, practical ways to talk about sex, ways to put limits on media and cell phones, and guidelines for dating. Towards the end of the book, the author addresses the top ten questions teens are asking. This is a really helpful resource to have on hand.
I honestly believe that this book is for everyone and will help adults engage with the next generation. There are many differences even now between Millennials and Generation Z so I believe this book is also ideal for those only a decade older who may be mentoring teenagers. I love that this book is practical and addresses the overall importance of spending time with God and cultivating a relationship with him. Pray. Try. Engage. Prioritize God. Be all-in.
I was given an advanced uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own. -HBR
August 31, 2019
Raising Successful Teens
By Jeffery Dean
A great read for parents …
Raising Successful Teens is filled with nuggets of great life lessons and principles.
Jeffery states, “knowing God has chosen me, I do not take the call to parenting lightly. You shouldn’t either.”
If I had to pick a few statements as a standout statements, they would be these three:
“You are the most influential person in your teen’s life. How are you influencing your teen?”
“The truth is that your ability to lead your family begins with your willingness to let God lead you.”
“We need to integrate God’s Word into our everyday lives so these truths shape us in ways that are honoring to God.”
Reading Raising Successful Teens will will provide the reader with tools and ideas to begin implementing into your family. This book is packed with reminders of raising teens as well as new ideas to help parents navigate the teenage years.
I enjoyed the material presented. It is well written and obviously tested in Jeffery’s family.
I highly recommend Raising Successful Teens. It is a book for seasoned parents as well as parents just getting started in their journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
By Jeffery Dean
A great read for parents …
Raising Successful Teens is filled with nuggets of great life lessons and principles.
Jeffery states, “knowing God has chosen me, I do not take the call to parenting lightly. You shouldn’t either.”
If I had to pick a few statements as a standout statements, they would be these three:
“You are the most influential person in your teen’s life. How are you influencing your teen?”
“The truth is that your ability to lead your family begins with your willingness to let God lead you.”
“We need to integrate God’s Word into our everyday lives so these truths shape us in ways that are honoring to God.”
Reading Raising Successful Teens will will provide the reader with tools and ideas to begin implementing into your family. This book is packed with reminders of raising teens as well as new ideas to help parents navigate the teenage years.
I enjoyed the material presented. It is well written and obviously tested in Jeffery’s family.
I highly recommend Raising Successful Teens. It is a book for seasoned parents as well as parents just getting started in their journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 31, 2019
Parenting teenagers has never been easy, but in today's culture of social media, it is difficult to keep teens focused on God and making wise decisions. Teens are pressured not only by their peers but also by social media to do what feels good. It is very important for parents to continue to be the main influencers in their teen's life.
In "Raising Successful Teens", Jeffrey Dean alerts parents to the questions teens need answers to the most and teaches them how to navigate their teen's world so that they can help them make wise decisions that affect their future.
Parents should be reading this book before their children become teenagers to prepare them for what lies ahead. Dean helps parents focus on the important issues and respond with wisdom and understanding.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s “Raising Successful Teens” Launch Team. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In "Raising Successful Teens", Jeffrey Dean alerts parents to the questions teens need answers to the most and teaches them how to navigate their teen's world so that they can help them make wise decisions that affect their future.
Parents should be reading this book before their children become teenagers to prepare them for what lies ahead. Dean helps parents focus on the important issues and respond with wisdom and understanding.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s “Raising Successful Teens” Launch Team. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 11, 2019
This book was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. While I don't currently have teens, I thought it would be good to read ahead and maybe start implementing some things in our family's rhythms that would help my wife and me prepare for the 'teen-years.' Overall, this is a pretty solid book, filled with insights, super helpful suggestions, and a good mixture of encouragement and challenge. While some passages of Scripture seem to be taken a little outside of what it was most likely intended (as is the case by a lot of books I read/people I listen to around today), the main practical application can still be gleaned and benefited from. Of the parenting books that I've read so far (which hasn't been a WHOLE lot), this one is certainly in my top 3, if not my favorite. I recommend giving this a read if you're looking for a good, practical book on raising teens within a Christian context.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
This book will definitely inspire you to have real conversations with your kids. I started asking my kids some of the question the author suggested. They kind of laughed at me, like I’m weird but I’m okay with that.
As much as I liked this book I wonder how realistic some of the suggestions are. The author sounds like a perfect parent, doing all the right things, having all the right conversations. It made me feel like a failure at times. I’m sure that wasn’t the author’s intent, but that was how I felt. I wonder, does anyone have those kind of conversations regularly with their kids without their kids thinking you are pushing it on them?
I definitely think these conversations need to take place, you need to know you kids and what will push them away and what will open the doors of communication. Read with an open mind and know that every family is different.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
As much as I liked this book I wonder how realistic some of the suggestions are. The author sounds like a perfect parent, doing all the right things, having all the right conversations. It made me feel like a failure at times. I’m sure that wasn’t the author’s intent, but that was how I felt. I wonder, does anyone have those kind of conversations regularly with their kids without their kids thinking you are pushing it on them?
I definitely think these conversations need to take place, you need to know you kids and what will push them away and what will open the doors of communication. Read with an open mind and know that every family is different.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
Currently reading
December 4, 2020I read this book while waiting for my oldest son to get out of his music classes. I read it in Caffe that was inside a supermarket store. I saw all kinds of families there. I saw a lot of examples of things I don´t want to live, and a lot of sweet moments that I want to treasure too. What I want the most is to take care of this relationship we have. I found the chapter on technology interesting because I still don´t deal with it, my children don´t have intelligent smartphones or social media. I think we are going to deal with worse and worse things in the future, that is why we need to read and understand their temptations and problems. Success for me is not career and money, popularity, and friends but my children knowing God-loving Him and His Word, and then loving and serving others, enjoying their identity and gifts God gave them to build his kingdom. I think you must define what success will be for you before reading this book, it is going to be helpful.
September 5, 2019
Raising Successful Teens is a wonderful book. We have children ranging in age from 10 to 19, so I wish I had read this book a few years ago, actually, but I’m glad it’s here now. While I think we have done fairly well in communicating with and teaching our children biblically, I think all parents have room for improvement when it comes to raising children and I, for one, want to always remain teachable. This book offered some great resources and ideas and strategies that I hadn’t thought of and while all children are different with very different personalities, I look forward to using some of these techniques with the two that are still at home and even with the 19 year old.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
September 5, 2019
You'll learn, The ten ways teens think about culture. This section is valuable to all parents and teachers of teens. They think different. They live differently. Adults need to understand their world.
You'll also learn, The five questions every teen should answer. It's important to know what your teen believes. From every side, the internet, social media, interactions with friends.
I have raised several teens and have one in the home now. It's not an easy job and it seems to be getting worse. As a parent I need all the help I can receive. Raising Successful Teens is a huge help. There are things within the covers that I will definitely use. The author gives biblical advice and it's very valuable.
I highly recommend this book. This is one I'll definitely be reading again and again.
You'll also learn, The five questions every teen should answer. It's important to know what your teen believes. From every side, the internet, social media, interactions with friends.
I have raised several teens and have one in the home now. It's not an easy job and it seems to be getting worse. As a parent I need all the help I can receive. Raising Successful Teens is a huge help. There are things within the covers that I will definitely use. The author gives biblical advice and it's very valuable.
I highly recommend this book. This is one I'll definitely be reading again and again.
October 23, 2019
The book I had the opportunity to review is “Raising Successful Teens” by Jeffrey Dean. Raising Children is a challenge and is a life lesson daily. But raising successful teens in a Godly way, requires a relationship with God and not just with the family.
It requires communication and bonding time, building a relationship with your teen. This generation has more devices that draws their attention away from face to face interactions, social skills, and etc.
The author detailed in the book about setting aside family time by
• Eating at the table, not in the living room
• No television
• No Cell Phones
• Pray before you eat
• Talk about your day
The shaping of this book is great and should be shared with parents with children. I would recommend this book.
I receive this book from the publisher through their book launch program. @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner
August 30, 2019
I really appreciated Dean's advice in all areas of raising teens, but especially the areas of technology and social media. This quote on page 122 in the chapter entitled Navigating Our Media-Driven World really resonated with me, "Your mission is not to hide the world from your teen; rather, it is to help her filter the messages of the world through a God-focused lens. Jesus didn't run from the world; He went to the world. He lived in it, teaching us how to see and do life from His perspective. You need to teach your child discernment, which is the ability to distinguish good from evil, to categorize what's helpful and what's harmful, and to make decisions that lead to a life of walking with the Lord regardless of the path taken by the world."
June 8, 2021
As with all parenting books, this has its gems and its downfalls. However, I really appreciate the attention to social media, suicide and porn which most Christian parenting books tend to gloss over.
May 3, 2019
“… God could have chosen anyone to be the parent of your teen. But He didn’t choose just anyone; he chose you. This is no coincidence.”
Raising teenagers has always been a hard, but rewarding part of parenting. In today’s world, it’s even harder and scarier, but can be even more rewarding. Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely by Jeffrey Dean is a book that parents of teens can look to for guidance and support. The author raises current difficulties parents having raising teenagers and looks at how parents can not only address those from a Biblical perspective, but help the teenager develop a Biblical perspective about that topic in their lives.
Raising Successful Teens was sent to me as part of a book launch for Multnomah books. The book is a revision of The Fight of Your Life and will be released on Sept. 3, 2019. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The book starts off establishing the importance of the relationships a teen has with his or her mother and father and how important family and communication are in a teenager’s life. Then, the book addresses specific topics: healthy cell phone boundaries, pornography, dating and social media. The book ends by discussing how important faith is in helping a teen develop a good view of their purpose in life. One of my favorite chapters is “The Top Ten Questions Teens Are Asking.” It gives insight into what teens really worry about – their family, their identity and their faith. The author does a good job of relating stories from his own parenting and counseling experiences and does not come across as being a perfect parent at all. There are also concrete tips at the end of each chapter for parents to try out.
Raising Successful Teens is a good resource for every parent to read and have on a bookshelf. It is a book I will use as a reference as we are just about to enter the teenage years. Christian parents will especially find the faith-based aspect of the book helpful in looking at today’s issues from a Biblical perspective.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/raising-s...
Raising teenagers has always been a hard, but rewarding part of parenting. In today’s world, it’s even harder and scarier, but can be even more rewarding. Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely by Jeffrey Dean is a book that parents of teens can look to for guidance and support. The author raises current difficulties parents having raising teenagers and looks at how parents can not only address those from a Biblical perspective, but help the teenager develop a Biblical perspective about that topic in their lives.
Raising Successful Teens was sent to me as part of a book launch for Multnomah books. The book is a revision of The Fight of Your Life and will be released on Sept. 3, 2019. I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The book starts off establishing the importance of the relationships a teen has with his or her mother and father and how important family and communication are in a teenager’s life. Then, the book addresses specific topics: healthy cell phone boundaries, pornography, dating and social media. The book ends by discussing how important faith is in helping a teen develop a good view of their purpose in life. One of my favorite chapters is “The Top Ten Questions Teens Are Asking.” It gives insight into what teens really worry about – their family, their identity and their faith. The author does a good job of relating stories from his own parenting and counseling experiences and does not come across as being a perfect parent at all. There are also concrete tips at the end of each chapter for parents to try out.
Raising Successful Teens is a good resource for every parent to read and have on a bookshelf. It is a book I will use as a reference as we are just about to enter the teenage years. Christian parents will especially find the faith-based aspect of the book helpful in looking at today’s issues from a Biblical perspective.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/raising-s...
September 1, 2019
RAISING SUCCESSFUL TEENS is a great resource for Christian parents. While the book didn’t discuss any any topics that blindsided me, it does raise awareness of the importance for parents to keep the lines of communication open with their teens and to routinely discuss “hard” subjects like sex, use of social media, pornography, and suicide. The author gives tips on how to initiate and create opportunities for discussion. As a parent of 2 teens (with more on the way), I found this book to be very useful!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. I was happy to provide an honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. I was happy to provide an honest review.
February 18, 2022
In Raising Successful Teens, Jeffrey Dean exposes the pressures of today's teens and the challenges of today's parents. Social media, texting, and cell phones all represent new dimensions of parenthood that are unique to this generation. We find ourselves in uncharted territory, while the world fights to drive a wedge between teens and parents. The author addresses these issues and more with sound Biblical truth and practical advice, as well as insight into today's teens based on years in ministry and counseling.
Raising Successful Teens opens with a reminder that God has matched each parent with their specific child. He has a plan for each family and the makeup of that family is no mistake. Dean encourages parents to dig in and be prepared to fight for their children. Sometimes parenthood is hard, and parenting teens can be particularly hard. Dean reminds parents that the fight is worth it. That no matter how much teens push back, they desperately desire to have a deep, loving relationship with their parents. The author then reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to raise children and teens who love the Lord and love others. While practical issues are addressed in this book, they all start from the basis that loving the Lord and others is our end goal in Raising Successful Teens.
Later chapters touch on such issues as identity, technology, cell phones, dating, friendships, purpose, and more. Much of the information is unique to this particular generation and filled with practical advice. While I would consider my husband and I to be involved parents, even we have been overwhelmed by some of the issues of today's teens. This book provided a fresh perspective of how to encounter these issues and work through them. And it was a huge encouragement to be "all-in parents" as our kids need us now more than ever.
Raising Successful Teens is finding a permanent place on my bookshelf as we're just beginning to navigate the waters of this new stage in life. But I can already see that it has provided much needed encouragement, perspective, hope, and practical tools. This book is quickly rising in my list of top parenting books that I will reach for time and time again.
*Disclaimer: This book was provided free from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Raising Successful Teens opens with a reminder that God has matched each parent with their specific child. He has a plan for each family and the makeup of that family is no mistake. Dean encourages parents to dig in and be prepared to fight for their children. Sometimes parenthood is hard, and parenting teens can be particularly hard. Dean reminds parents that the fight is worth it. That no matter how much teens push back, they desperately desire to have a deep, loving relationship with their parents. The author then reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to raise children and teens who love the Lord and love others. While practical issues are addressed in this book, they all start from the basis that loving the Lord and others is our end goal in Raising Successful Teens.
Later chapters touch on such issues as identity, technology, cell phones, dating, friendships, purpose, and more. Much of the information is unique to this particular generation and filled with practical advice. While I would consider my husband and I to be involved parents, even we have been overwhelmed by some of the issues of today's teens. This book provided a fresh perspective of how to encounter these issues and work through them. And it was a huge encouragement to be "all-in parents" as our kids need us now more than ever.
Raising Successful Teens is finding a permanent place on my bookshelf as we're just beginning to navigate the waters of this new stage in life. But I can already see that it has provided much needed encouragement, perspective, hope, and practical tools. This book is quickly rising in my list of top parenting books that I will reach for time and time again.
*Disclaimer: This book was provided free from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2019
In the book, Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely, author Jeffrey Dean offers valuable insight into the challenges that teens face today and how parents might effectively guide their teens through these challenges. With chapters devoted to important topics like self-esteem, peer relationships, dating, social media, etc., Mr. Dean expounds on issues that are extremely relevant to parents and their children.
Within every chapter, there is an emphasis on brave, consistent, open communication between parents and their teens. Practical strategies for facilitating communication and a variety of meaningful questions and conversation starters are included throughout the book. For parents, there is an additional focus on being intentional and wise in interacting with their teens, deliberately using teachable moments to instill truth into the hearts and minds of their kids.
Overall, I found this book to be worthwhile, helpful, and encouraging. Shortly after beginning this book, I already had strategies that I was prepared to implement with my teens. The myriad sample questions are simple to remember and easy to use in everyday conversations with my kids. I will certainly be revisiting and reviewing this book in the years to come. I truly believe this book is a significant resource for all parents of tweens and teens, and I highly recommend it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Within every chapter, there is an emphasis on brave, consistent, open communication between parents and their teens. Practical strategies for facilitating communication and a variety of meaningful questions and conversation starters are included throughout the book. For parents, there is an additional focus on being intentional and wise in interacting with their teens, deliberately using teachable moments to instill truth into the hearts and minds of their kids.
Overall, I found this book to be worthwhile, helpful, and encouraging. Shortly after beginning this book, I already had strategies that I was prepared to implement with my teens. The myriad sample questions are simple to remember and easy to use in everyday conversations with my kids. I will certainly be revisiting and reviewing this book in the years to come. I truly believe this book is a significant resource for all parents of tweens and teens, and I highly recommend it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
March 27, 2019
In his latest book, Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely, Jeffrey Dean offers parents of millennial and post-millennial teens excellent and practical advice for parenting in today's world. I wish I'd had this book sooner, but I'm grateful to have it now!
Dean starts off by encouraging parents with the idea that God has uniquely matched parents with their children, meaning, I am the best parent for my child. When I often feel like a failure, it's good to remember that our sovereign God has matched me and my teen!
Dean also covers things like ways today's teens think about culture, five critical questions teens need to answer, how parents can focus on what matters most, and the critical roles of fathers and mothers. Dean also addresses specific issues like keeping communication lines open, making the most of dinnertime, setting healthy boundaries for technology, dating, pornography, sex, friends, and finding purpose.
Dean does all of this in practical and biblical ways, helping parents navigate some difficult topics. I appreciate the evaluation questions Dean asks along the way, helping parents to see where they are and how to get there. He also includes a special section on teen suicide. This book is a wealth of knowledge and practical help for parents of today's teens--the perfect handbook for parents seeking to do their best to raise kids to know and love God and to live wisely in today's world.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Dean starts off by encouraging parents with the idea that God has uniquely matched parents with their children, meaning, I am the best parent for my child. When I often feel like a failure, it's good to remember that our sovereign God has matched me and my teen!
Dean also covers things like ways today's teens think about culture, five critical questions teens need to answer, how parents can focus on what matters most, and the critical roles of fathers and mothers. Dean also addresses specific issues like keeping communication lines open, making the most of dinnertime, setting healthy boundaries for technology, dating, pornography, sex, friends, and finding purpose.
Dean does all of this in practical and biblical ways, helping parents navigate some difficult topics. I appreciate the evaluation questions Dean asks along the way, helping parents to see where they are and how to get there. He also includes a special section on teen suicide. This book is a wealth of knowledge and practical help for parents of today's teens--the perfect handbook for parents seeking to do their best to raise kids to know and love God and to live wisely in today's world.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 17, 2019
Wish I could've read this when my children were teens. As a great granny I will be buying for my children to read. Very insightful reading!
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