Four Violet Reviews: No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope~ REVIEW

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Wow, my kids ages are all spread out; 24, 18 and 11. That is why I feel like a new parent all over again with the challenges I have with my youngest. Luckily I was able to Review No Longer Little: Parenting Tweens with Grace and Hope from Great Waters Press. This book is geared more for parents of tweens ages 8-14. It's crazy how spot on some of these chapters are. If I could wrap this book up in one sentence it would be, a bird's eye view of what may be plaguing your tween. Ok, maybe plaguing is a tad dramatic, but not by much. :) Honestly this book should go home with your sweet little bundle after delivery for future reference. Within these chapters bellow parents are given much needed encouragement, practical tips, and strategies for dealing with changes and emotions your kiddo may be going through in this point of their lives.

Chapter 1 - Getting Bigger: Hormones and Body Changes
Chapter 2 - The Rollercoaster: Emotional Upheaval
Chapter 3 - Brains Turn to Mush: Why School Goes Awry
Chapter 4 - Many A Conflict, Many A Doubt: Spiritual Questioning
Chapter 5 - The Awakening: Sexuality and Virtue
Chapter 6 - Social Struggles: Overcoming Awkwardness
Chapter 7 - Media, Gaming, and Discernment: More Than Amusement
Chapter 8 - Conflict At Home: Family Relationships
Chapter 9 - Transitioning: Youth in the Bible
Chapter 10 - Celebrating Growth: Coming of Age Ceremonies
Chapter 11 - Producers, Not Consumers: Work and Stewardship
Chapter 12 - The Next Big Thing: High School and Beyond

I have to admit something here, I still refer to Kaden as the baby, I will literally ask my Husband if he can get the baby his towel. I know, my head is held down in shame. But, the first few chapters kind of slapped me awake. He is growing into a young man. And we have to move forward alongside of him. Yes, he does have Autism and this does cause some delays which is why I am sure I can turn a blind eye to this growing business. But, not anymore, my eyes are wide open and my heart is softening to the whole idea of a tweenage son. I have so enjoyed reading the Author's personal stories throughout this book. It makes everything so relatable and normalizes what we are going through with out child. Going through chapters 2 and 3 it was like a checklist for me. It helped me put things in perspective and I even shared a few things with him. He gets so angry and hormonal, we knew this would be a hard stage of life for someone on the spectrum. I think being able to share a few sections of the book with him helped him see that some of what he is experiencing is typical.

Several chapters touch on things to be aware of and how to keep our young people safe during these transitions in life. The chapters about social struggles and gaming were the most helpful. Kaden leaves our home honestly maybe 2 times a month unless we go camping, which we go at least once a month during good weather. And video games is his life, that and reading all kinds of books; from History textbooks, Lord of the Rings all the way to children's picture books. His outside interests are minimal. I appreciated the portions directed to me as his parent to step back and step up. We have a lot of changing that needs to be done around here. This came to me in such a loving way, I truly feel the concern and love Hal and Melanie has for our children.

Towards the end we are reminded to celebrate these changes, I wish I would have done that for my two oldest. I loved the suggestions on how to celebrate this passage of time. Something tells me that this may be a very meaningful celebration for Kaden.He may appreciate it more then the other two would have because of all his challenges. The last few chapters talk about their future, how will they contribute to society? What are their goals and plans for life? Kaden is very money motivated and is the one you want to take with you if you are buying a car or a 50 roll pack of toilet paper. He knows money far too well and plans to use other people's money to make money and according to him there is no future Mrs. Kaden because it's too expensive to have children. I pray this too shall pass and he will marry a lovely girl and have as many children as the Lord gives.

So, what did I think? I loved it, I needed this book to help me see the things I need to do to welcome this change in my son. To be able to better understand what he may be going through in 2018, it's a different world then I grew up in. In the past I have read parenting books filled with facts and text book information.....boring. But, this book was filled with heart and love. Learning how to parent Kaden with Grace, Love and Hope... this book should be the next book you purchase if you have a child between 8-14. I will even be passing this on to my Autism Parenting groups, too much goodness not to share.