Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile World [Perfect Paperback]

Johann Christoph Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2000

There are more than enough books on parenting. That's the admission Johann Christoph Arnold makes right out of the gate. "A father of eight and grandfather of twenty-four, I have had ample opportunities to experience parenting in action," he writes in the opening lines of Endangered. "Rightly or wrongly, I sense that what today's parents lack most is not expertise or ideas, but daring. They simply lack the courage to put their children first - before their jobs, their houses, their cars, hobbies, and dreams - and to love them for what they are." Endangered, then, is not so much a parenting manual as it is a blueprint for a bold new alternative to the "way things are." It's no secret, Arnold writes, that we live in a culture hostile to children, that society needs to change, education needs revamping, culture needs a moral framework. If our children are ever going to be whole adults, they need an environment in which they can be children. But how, with the pressing demands of life, can we make time and space for our children? How can we protect them from the onslaught of influences and pressures that rob them of their innocence? It's a dilemma every caring mother or father knows. Arnold puts the ball squarely in the parent's court. What are you willing to give for your child? Where have we sacrificed their childhood for our own interests? Why are we so keen to mold them into successful adults and contributing citizens, instead of treasuring and learning from their carefree innocence? "Endangered" challenges and encourages every parent, grandparent, teacher, and policymaker to rediscover and defend the preciousness of childhood. Because in the end, if we are willing to put them first, our children can give us something greater than we could ever give them.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Parents and societies around the world, says family counselor and father of eight Arnold (Why Forgive?; Seeking Peace, etc.), are hypocritical when it comes to their children. Declaring 2000 the Year of the Child does not put children first, nor do parents who work harder and longer to give their children everything they believe they need yet don't spend enough time with them. Children require the quality of love that comes with "reverence," he asserts. Teachers and caregivers are underpaid, schools are in dire need of resources and parents delude themselves by thinking they're spending time with their kids, when, in fact, they're watching TV while the kids are surfing the Web. With references to famous advocates (Jonathan Kozol, Mother Teresa and Mary Pipher), as well as everyday moms and dads who are changing their lives to put kids first (such as the father who quit his lucrative job at a prestigious law firm to spend more time with his daughters), Arnold presents a strong case for recovering the spiritual aspects of child rearing, such as "the power of a hug." ("Without such breadAthat is, without warmth, humor, kindness, and compassionAthe most carefully considered discipline will eventually backfire.") In our quest for greater meaning in our lives, let us not forget the children, begs Arnold in this lovingly written book, which is less a how-to than a bold instrument of advocacy for America's kids. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This book's title makes it sound more ominous than it is. Arnold's harshness eases as chapters progress, and he again emerges as a passionate advocate for a civil society, one that loves children and allows them to be children. A pastor and counselor within the Bruderhof community, Arnold (Seeking Peace; Cries from the Heart) here concentrates on the ills facing American children, mainly materialism and the lack of stable, loving families. Child abuse, guns, consumerism, drug abuse, Ritalin, ruptured families, social pressure, overstimulationDthese all rally against healthy, humane childhoods. Arnold praises black sheep, disdains divorce, asks anti-abortionists to live peaceably under the law, and pleads for a return to reverence for life. An excellent choice for public libraries, this is inspiring reading, and not just for parents.DLinda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Plough Publishing House (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874869978
• ISBN-13: 978-0874869972
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is Your Child Endangered?, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile World (Perfect Paperback)

Do not answer this to quickly. This book gives insight to the heart of a child where no other book that I have read has. Arnold brings out the best in parents to help them in the raising of children. Arnold challanges the ME centered life and shows the way to real parenting. This book should be read by young and old.

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parents, don't miss this book!, June 28, 2000

By 

joemck (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile World (Perfect Paperback)

As a father of four teens and a youth counselor I would like to recommend this book highly to other parents and anyone who works with kids. Arnold not only draws on his own experience but weaves in dozens of stories told by parents and children from all over the world. He challenges many of the well meaning but potentially harmful norms that we parents fall into. We only have one chance with each of our children this book will help us make the most of it.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provative thoughts on Children's Education, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile World (Perfect Paperback)

The book "Endangerd" confronts us exciting problems that usually our Culture is afraid to face. It ask's questions like: "Is Ritalin Mind Control? Should Kids Sue Divorcing Parents? It chalenges the Reader to think about different issues such as: How to Raise Clones. Your kids want you,not your Money. Burn those Parenting Books. Bad Kids are people too. Good Children are Fakes. Children want your love and your time. "Endangerd" calls on parents to take drastic measures to counter bankruptcy in society and public policy.