I was very excited to receive this book for review! I am always looking for a good devotional to use with the family. And this book did not disappoint!
Written by a father/son duo, this devotion really brings plenty of opportunity for family learning, growing, and discussing. I have a 7 year old, and the book was just slightly above what she can comprehend. But with a little tweaking from myself, or my husband, it’s still a great resource! If I had to put an age on this book, it would be 9 years old and up. However, if you have younger kids, don’t fret! This is still a great resource! You just have to put a little more time in explaining. So let’s get to it!
What did I like about the book?
1) I love how each devotion is deep, yet short. Being deep is so important. Kids need to see how their faith works in the real world, they need answers to questions, and they need to be able to defend what they believe. This is important. If kids don’t get these answers from their parents, they will seek them out from other places. So, I find it VERY important for devotions to be deep.
However, as a busy mom and a kid with a small attention span, I also want it to be short. That way, it can actually get accomplished. You can do this in the car, at a meal, before bedtime, … literally anywhere! The reading is one page and the rest is just questions and discussions. It is VERY mobile! By being short and deep, this devotion fits great in our family!!
2) I love the fact that this book is focused on family discussion. So often we teach Biblical concepts through lecture, discipline, disappointment, and awkward talks. We don’t mean to, it just happens. As parents, we want to have Biblical talks with our children but are unsure how to do it. This book solves this problem.
Each day, there are questions to open up discussion. Everyone has the opportunity to open up and talk, not just the kids. This brings the family together in their growth. Not only are you growing your relationship with God as a person, but also as a family unit. And bonus! You also get to know more about your kids!
3) I love that this devotion is for everyone in the family. Often, a family devotional is more focused on the kids learning and the parents teaching. This book takes a different approach. It allows each family member to have the same amount of input. There are questions for the whole family to answer.
4) I also love that each day has a statement of hope. This may sound a little weird, but it is so important, especially for teenagers and those dealing with depression. Each day, the statement is focused on how the “lesson” from the day gives us hope. Kids, and adults, are facing so much in this world that can bring depression, cynicism, and guilt. These statements help you understand how you can take hope in what the Bible tells us.
What did I not like about the book?
1) To be honest, nothing. I wish my 7 year old was more interested, but that’s not really a problem with the book! This book is for older children and their parents. So, all-in-all, I liked all of it!
I definitely recommend this book as a devotion for your family. If your kids are 9+ years old, this family devotion is for you!
FOLLOW ME
