Keepers of the Children [Paperback]

Laura M Ramirez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2004

"Keepers of the Children" (subtitle: Native American Wisdom and Parenting) uses little known Native American secrets to teach parents how to raise children who know their nature and use their strengths to create lives of meaning and contribution. By raising children to unfold the uniqueness in their hearts, parents touch the depths of their own. By teaching children the secrets of genuine fulfillment, they grow up to lead purposeful lives and cherish their parents for this gift. ("Keepers of the Children" is the first in a trilogy of parenting books.)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In an exquisite blend of Native American ideals, child development and human psychology, Keepers of the Children presents a child-rearing guide based on balance and mutual respect.

--Lynda Lukow, MyShelf

Laura Ramirez writes knowledgeably and with passion about the necessity of having a clear vision for our children and of understanding the sacred nature of
our part in their lives. --Bob Collier, Parental Intelligence

This book teaches how to support your child's quest for identity. It is a lack of identity that are behind most of the teen problems we are seeing today. Insight into these concepts is invaluable. --Dr. Asoka Selverajah, Self Growth

Regardless of your personal beliefs in Native American culture, this book is strewn with nuggets of valuable information ANY parent can use to raise balanced, sensible, loving and independent kids. --Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian, Pediatric Heart Surgeon

This book will not only benefit children, but parents and grandparents as well. I've gotten direction from the book's wisdom that I will be able to draw from in relating
to my grandchildren, especially my three-year old grandson. --BruceAnn Yellowega

Overall, this is an interesting book. The frequent insertions of Native American practice are a welcomed innovation. -- Compleat Mother Magazine

From the Back Cover

"Laura Ramirez is a natural teacher who proclaims that being a parent is a sacred gift and the noblest of enterprises. Contrary to conventional wisdom, she demonstrates that parenting is the decisive influence on children--not genetics or peers or media. Keepers of the Children is destined to contribute to our national dialogue on what it really takes to raise integrated, self-efficacious and joyful children."

--Joe Santoro, Ph.D. Co-Chairman of SLS Health, psychologist and author of The Angry Heart: Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder

"Keepers of the Children is an example of a non-Indian application of Native American philosophy to raise children in a multicultural society. We all benefit through shared vision and worldview for balance and wellness."

--Jim Warne, Ogalala Lakota, Director of the Center for American Indian Rehabilitation

"I found this book delightful to explore. There are endless passages which echo the principles of good discipline. Laura Ramirez' poetic articulation of human development and selfless nurturing, however, deliver instruction in an eloquent and fascinating way."

--Laura Marineau, Community Education Coordinator for The Children's Cabinet

"In Keepers of the Children, Ramirez combines her own sound convictions about parenting and child development with ancient wisdom of Native Americans. The result is a powerful little guide, that, I am sure, will help many parents and educators. I recommend it."

--Johann Christoff Arnold, author of Endangered: Your Child in a Hostile World

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Walk in Peace Productions (August 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974866105
• ISBN-13: 978-0974866109
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States > Native American
  • #78 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Native American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A parenting book for every parent's bookshelf, September 23, 2004

By 

Bob Collier (Canberra, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keepers of the Children (Paperback)

In her book Keepers of the Children, Laura Ramirez has combined her expertise in child development with her understanding of Native American perceptions and the customs and rituals that have grown from them to produce an analysis of the art and science of successful parenting that's both comprehensive and highly original.

This is much more than a 'training manual' for the aspiring parent. It's a deeply spiritual book that explores important issues of human nature and development that transcend both Native American and 'western' cultures. It will appeal to parents of all races and creeds who desire to expand their abilities beyond the mere mechanics of 'child management' to the attainment of true parenting success.

Laura Ramirez writes knowledgeably and with passion about the necessity of having a clear vision for our children and of understanding the sacred nature of our part in their lives; of the importance of honouring our children as unique individuals and of constantly promoting their wellbeing and development even as we work on ourselves to become the best role models for them that we can be.

This book, once read, can be referred to again and again for good ideas, for comfort and support, for hope and inspiration. Virtually every page is a reminder of something we can do as parents to make the world a better place for our children and for ourselves and others.

A work of meaning with its heart very much in the right place, Keepers of the Children is a very welcome addition to my personal library of parenting books and I'm sure it would be to yours, too.

Buy yourself a copy and join Laura in her mission: to raise a generation of children who use their strengths to create a sense of belonging, meaning and contribution. "Such children will grow up to be adults who are lights unto our world."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book of Wisdom for All Ages, August 6, 2006

By 

Kathleen Jacoby "Writer, consultant" (www.grailvision.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keepers of the Children (Paperback)

There are many books on the market that give advice on parenting, but Keepers of the Children is much more than that. It is a book that expresses a living wisdom meant for nurturing the soul of every human being, child or adult. Laura Ramirez writes words that are like a flowing river. They move through us and impart a remembrance of who we really are and why we are here - to see the wondrous potential in one another, and to help bring that seedling to healthy growth and full bloom. In the process, she reminds parents that we are entrusted with a sacred mission, and in that we do not impose what we believe our children should be, but learn to listen and see the clues they provide to help us guide them to their own highest and best good. As we do this, we are given the opportunity to observe ourselves and grow with the children.

The chapters within the book are full and satisfying.(read them on Amazon's look inside the book). You can see from the headings alone that this is more than a "how to" book. It is full and rich in texture and content. I highly recommend Keepers of the Children to all parents, grandparents, relatives, teachers, and caregivers. This is a book about living a worthwhile life, and the wisdom within is relevant for all of us.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raising children and parents, September 20, 2004

By 

D. Ingram (Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keepers of the Children (Paperback)

As a father of three boys (ages 11, 9 & 7), I have often struggled with the best approach for raising my sons. This book not only contains insights in my quest to raise productive boys in our society, but also contains insights for me as an adult to live my life better. For the most part, our society has failed in our parenting duties. Laura gently reminds us that raising children is a gift, one that we should not take lightly. She does an excellent job demonstrating that being a parent is a honor, and that we are blessed with the responsibility of being a parent.

Laura provides concrete examples of her experiences in being a mom that drives home points she is making in every chapter. The book is scattered with words of encouragement that are very refreshing. I've read so many parenting books over the years, and have found only nuggets of wisdom in each of those books. However, after reading "Keepers of the Children", I find that the entire book itself is one healthy nugget to advance me on my parenting quest. Even if you are not a parent, I implore you to read this book to gain unique insights into the parenting process espoused by Laura Ramirez, insights that help people overcome their past and become adults.