Parenting Today's Adolescent Helping Your Child Avoid The Traps Of The Pre-teen And Early Teen Years

by Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey, Bruce Nygren

Normally confident moms and dads grow weak-kneed when their children enter--gasp!--puberty. Barbara and Dennis Rainey, parents of six teenage or older children, map out the unfamiliar, demanding landscape of both pre-adolescence (ages 10-12), as well as the teen years that follow."Preadolescence is when convictions are shaped; adolescence is when convictions are tested," they advise parents. In Parenting Today's Adolescent the Raineys help children and parents build a satisfying relationship while forging a vision for a productive, God-honoring life-before, during, and after adolescence.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Family

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Dennis Rainey is president and CEO of FamilyLife, a division of Cru. Dennis and his wife, Barbara, have spoken at Weekend to Remember conferences around the world. Dennis serves as the daily host of the radio program "FamilyLife Today". He and Barbara have authored more than two dozen books, including the bestselling "Moments Together for Intimacy" and" Moments Together for Couples". The Raineys have six children and nineteen grandchildren.

Reviews

[Bro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book. Nothing earth shattering for me, but good honest dialogue about parenting and great tips about how to actually implement the ideas/ not just a bunch of preaching about what you are not doing. I highly recommend you read this before you have pre-teens. If they are already past that then read it anyway. I have no kids and I read it. I care enough about the kids I work around daily to find out how to help them. If you have kids of your own you should be interested enough in their success that you read this and I know you will follow at least some of the ideas if not most. I like all the helps that go along with the book as well. They are not perfect and say so, They give tips to single parents as well. I think they really want to help your family.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I have two adult children, and this book was incredibly helpful in helping them develop godly character. The best thing about it is the second part, where the Raineys write about fourteen traps that adolescents may fall into. These include dating, sex, and peer pressure. When our son was 13, he saw this book in our home, picked it up, and read some of these "trap" chapters. Each one includes convictions that teens will (prayerfully) develop in their own minds and hearts. I read through some of the convictions regarding dating and sex out loud with him, one by one, and in each case, I asked him if he agreed with it. Without fail, he responded affirmatively. My son has maintained sexual purity in his life, in large part because he decided in advance to do so with the help of this book. (My daughter has also, even though she hasn't read the book.)

While having these convictions does not guarantee that your teen will live by them, they will go a long way towards him becoming a godly man (or her becoming a godly woman).

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though a bit dated, this book gives much biblical and practical information regarding raising our children. Many examples of the Rainey family throughout. A solid and helpful work.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I'm not a parent, I read this book mainly because I'm beginning to have an increasing role in the lives of adolescents. They are spending more time at my house, and I'm wanting to be prepared so that I can do whatever I can to lead them in the right direction. Many of these kids do not have any other Christian influence in their lives so I take my responsibility very seriously.
The Rainey's did an excellent job with this book. It was so refreshing to hear from another family who has strong and high standards. It really re-vitalized my faith in the sense that there are people out there raising the next generation in the way of the Lord.
They cover 14 possible traps in the adolescent's life, and they give scripture, personal experience, and convictions that need to be held by both parents and children. They often offer advice for single parents, object lessons to teach your children, and many recommended resources.
Most of all I think it was encouraging--encouraging to know that you don't have to be the status quo parents and your children don't have to be just like everybody else. I know I will be more pointed and hopefully more helpful with those that I have been entrusted with to provide spiritual guidance.

[Wendi Klaiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I decided that each month it is a good idea to read either a parenting or marriage book because we all need encouragement and prodding to do the "right" thing. It's not easy being a parent or a spouse, so we need someone kicking us in the butt! This book helped me to focus on those conversations in the car about friends, mediocrity, false gods, and such. It's just a great encouragement to keep pressing on and having those conversations.

[Barb G · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVING this book! I have an 8 year old boy and it gives concrete suggestions on how to prepare yourself for the preteen and teenage years that are just around the corner. It also outlines how to discuss certain topics with your teens, as well as offering guidelines for behavior expectations Aim high! I find many of the concepts applicable already. Highly recommend!

[Danna Dykema · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is still a very practical book even though it was published in 1998. Child and parent- centered parenting never brings about the desired outcomes. Only God-centered parenting brings about the child or the relationship that we desire.

[Zyonese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well written. I thought it was a good book, with plenty of insightful information. However, the book mentions "living with Christ or having teens center their adjustment in understanding who they are in Christ." This turned me off and I found it may do the same for others.

[Steve Savig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A study with our wonderful small group of the Fields, Trouts, Solomons, Wells, & Hailes plus many years of teaching our boys and Ken & I teaching 5th & 6th grade Sunday School. What a practical resource.

[John Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book and some very nice practical applications for parents and teens. My wife read this last year and I'm just catching up to her. Best done together since parenting is a more than full time job...and NOT for wimps!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book from the same couple who made the Passport to Purity curriculum.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

such great insights and ideas.

[Peter Sebastian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Membekali para orang tua yang bingung dan khawatir akan hidup anak-anaknya yang akan dan sudah memasuki dunia remaja.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for Christian parents approaching the teen years with their children.