Culture-Proof Kids: Building Character in Your Children [Paperback]

Jeannie St. John Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 2007

Worried your children might suffer low self-esteem, fall in with a bad crowd

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JEANNIE ST.JOHN TAYLOR  lives in Portland, Oregon. She is a professional artist, children's book author (two time Gold Medallion finalist), part-time writing coach, full time wife to Ray, and mother of three adult children, but her first love honoring the Lords with her writing, Jeannie is the author of Prayers for Troubled Times, 101 Stories of Answered prayer, The Guilt-Free Prayer Journal for Moms, and numerous children's books including God Loved Me So Much He created Me, Together Forever, and a series of six books starring "Erik".

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 333 pages
• Publisher: AMG Publishers (April 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899571166
• ISBN-13: 978-0899571164
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #893,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biblically Based, Building Plans for Parenting, June 16, 2007

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Culture-Proof Kids: Building Character in Your Children (Paperback)

Jeannie St. John Taylor's "Culture-proof Kids" offers parents practical pointers for building character into their children. These suggestions are presented in easily adapted steps for easy assimilation and application.

The book is formatted in short topical subjects classified under headings related to following an architect's plans for building a house. It begins by emphasizing the need for a solid foundation. The concluding chapters deal with providing locks and a security system. Each chapter opens with Scripture verses setting the pace for building "Culture-proof Kids." A brief incident from the author's life, a story from one of her family members experiences, or an application illustrating the principle being developed leads into the section called "What Parents Can Do."

These practical "how to" suggestions for parents are rich in positive Biblically based, time tested, principles. Each chapter concludes with a reflective "Prayer for Myself", seeking wisdom, strength, and guidance, and an intercessory "Prayer for My Children."

A favorite example of Taylor's sage advice is, "Give them abundant physical affection. If you aren't a hugger, take hugging lessons from them. And smooching lessons . Kids need affection."

Jeannie St. John Taylor is a natural communicator. She articulates well and demonstrates a genuine concern for problems of Christian parenting in today's culture.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for all Parents and Grandparents!!!, September 7, 2007

By 

Gail Welborn "Review Columnist" (Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Culture-Proof Kids: Building Character in Your Children (Paperback)

After reading Oregon author, Jeannie St. John Taylor's new book on how to raise children I wish I could nominate it book of the year. Her focus comes from Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builder is wasted." The analogy points to God as the Master Builder, the Bible his instruction book that instructs parents in partnership with Him to build their families on a foundation of rock (God) instead of sand, (material values).

Most everyone agrees character is forged in the home. With that in mind, Taylor continues the analogy in one hundred thirty-one short chapters organized into eight sections. Some include:
* Set a Foundation of Godly Principles
* Follow the Architect's Plan
* Frame with Strong Values
* Build a Sturdy Floor
* Install locks and an Alarm
Short, to the point topics are formatted under headings related to framing a house, such as framing materials--values, to installing locks and alarms--how to cope with peer pressure and exposure to media. She encourages parents to set a good example by starting each day with Scripture and prayer to strengthen faith, seek God's will, and become a good role model. The responsibility to build moral values lies with the parent, and can be accomplished in single parent as well as two-parent homes, if parents partner with the Lord and pray.

Chapters open with Scripture that re-enforce each topic followed by a brief incident or personal illustration from Taylor's life that leads to "What Parents Can Do." This section includes biblical principles, practical tips, and specific suggestions.

Chapters conclude with examples of "Prayer for Myself," and "Prayer for My Children." For example, from the chapter about love as a goal she writes, "Lord, sometimes I am not as loving as I should be. I think negative thoughts and I hold a lot of wrong attitudes. Heal me by letting me experience your love. Teach me how to communicate your love to my kids."

The prayer for children states, "Help them understand that I love them deeply even when I fail to show it as I should."

This book encourages parents to enlist God's help to raise children of character, because, as the author notes, "If you parent well, the rewards are immense..." for you and for them. Taylor's book spells out how to raise godly children in today's culture of mixed messages and equip them with strong Christian character. I feel this book was inspired by the Holy Spirit and I rate this as a must read for every parent, grandparent, or those becoming a parent.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vitally Important, June 28, 2007

By 

Gloria Penwell "Author-mentor" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Culture-Proof Kids: Building Character in Your Children (Paperback)

This is a very important book. Many parents are confused and concerned about raising their children in today's culture. Experts are giving them multitudes of mixed messages. Mrs. Taylor's book spells out the foundations for raising kids that are able to get along in today's world.
I highly recommend the book for parents, those thinking of becoming parents, and grandparents. It will guide you in dealing with your children, helping them to become the adults you hope for them to be.