Who among us does not want to parent well? However, we must ask the question, “Am I equipping my kids to be ready for the challenges that life will throw at them?” Every chapter starts with a quote, here are two of our favorites:

“Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.” George Santayana

“I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life; I have denied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” Theodore Roosevelt

This book was dedicated to children everywhere who simply want to be raised in homes where grace, love, firmness, and consistency are abundant and to parents who strive to raise their children to be ready for life. Join Kate and Sheila as they discuss this jewel for parents, grandparents, and teachers: GIST The Essence of Raising Life-Ready Kids

by: Michael Anderson, LP and Timothy Johanson, MD.

This book abounds with tried and true nuggets of wisdom. It gives parents hands-on strategies that can be applied today. The love of parents must evolve, that 20 year old living without direction, accountability, independence, or a sense of responsibility was deeply loved but the love did not evolve. This book teaches parents to think differently:

Know the difference between fun and joy

One-on-one time is important

Excessive words have a negative impact(cause shame), but consequences change behavior (This chapter was entitled, Just Shut Up) : )

Kids (and adults too) do what they do because it works-make sure poor choices stop paying off (The Invisible Game)

The Two Things concept is powerful because it speaks to the nature of how humans learn

Self-esteem is your journey toward liking yourself, it cannot come from others (I love who I am, but I know I’m no better than anyone else)

Kids are not adequately developing the skill of accurately assessing themselves

A child with an accurate view of himself or herself can go through rough waters

Put more energy into applauding resilience in a child than comforting the kid falls down

(When gifted becomes expected, normal become defective)

NO MORE DO YOUR BEST because it is unachievable, opposes the law of diminishing returns, it’s hard to figure out how to do your best, and the big one-it teaches kids to lie!

Children that do not believe they can positively affect their own lives lose hope and learn to be helpless

Once a child accepts that life has challenges, he or she can navigate life as a problem solver which trumps a whiner or complainer any day! As parents we want to raise kids that are not only ready for life but able to thrive!