Never Say No {book review}

 

Never Say No (David C. Cook, May 2015)

 

The question Mark and Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids?Mark and Jan Foreman’s adult sons Jon and Tim Foreman of Switchfoot have influenced their world not only by a successful music career but also through their positive impact on communities around the globe. The Foreman parents instilled in their sons a belief that they could make a difference by living beyond themselves.

This powerful book gives readers an inside look at the process. It begins with both parent and child finding their identity in God. It then explores practical ways to encourage holistic learning while cultivating specific gifts, nurturing creativity in a media-saturated culture, and balancing structure with individual choice. Never Say No inspires readers to raise children to live in the wonder of life by loving others well. Parents will find encouragement for their own parenting journey as they guide their kids to live out God’s purpose in radical ways.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PL7VrW

 

About the author:

 

Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus, and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher, artist, and she also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.

 

 

My thoughts:

 

Now, before you shake your head and say that you can’t never say no to your kids, you should read the book.  I know because I thought that when I first heard the title.  I mean we have to tell our kids no.  If they want to touch a hot burner on the stove we can’t just say yes do it.  That’s not good parenting!  But trust me when I say that that is not what the authors of this book are talking about.

 

It’s more making your child feel loved and accepted by acknowledging what they want and how they feel and saying yes to the fun things.  Make those memories.   They’re not going to look back and say gee I wish my parents would have told me no that they wouldn’t play trucks with me or no we couldn’t do this fun thing.  But if you tell them no, they will eventually stop asking.  And that will damage your relationship.

 

Never say no is a powerful book about how to cultivate a loving relationship with your children both for now and for the future.  It doesn’t mean always doing what your child wants.  It doesn’t mean you can’t say no, but it does mean thinking and listening.  I think this is a good book for all parents to read and should be something given to new parents.  Definitely check it out.