SUMMERTIME READING LIST

In the realm of parenting and grandparenting, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by the number of books being written that are supposed help us be better parents and grandparents. Many of these books differ very little from all the others, and only a few offer any fresh, practical insights. So, in an attempt to help sort through all the choices out there, here are a few of my "Summer Picks" for grandparents and parents to take on vacation or enjoy on the back patio of your own home. Each month will include a different suggested reading list. Some are lighter fare, some are heavier portions, and some are just full of fun, creative and purposeful ideas.

- Cavin Harper, Exec. Director

A Grandmother's Guide to Praying for Her Family By Nancy Ann Yaeger / Bethany

This is a very powerful and practical tool for any grandparent who wants to truly be a channel of blessing in the life of a grandchild(ren). Nancy Ann Yeager has done a wonderful job putting together a very compact, attractive, easy to use prayer tool that includes 260 specific prayers including Scripture and a succinct devotional thought for each. My only criticism of this wonderful tool is the title's limitation to "grandmothers". This is a tool every grandfather ought to have put to use as well. Change the book color from pink to red and call it "A Grandparent's Guide" and you have a winner!

Questions from Little Hearts: Little Blessings By Kathleen Bostrom / Tyndale House

A great little teaching book for very young children. Written for parents of young children, this book is one that grandparents need to have in their home and use regularly to help young children answers some of the questions that they often have. This book covers questions about who God, prayer, heaven and angels. It is well illustrated so that you can sit down with a child and read through it together. It is a wonderful aid for cultivating open dialogue and encouraging young minds to think about very important truths that will greatly shape their spiritual formation and worldview. Each section starts with the questions, followed by carefully and creatively crafted responses, and a final section that allows you to further develop the topics with Scriptures. The Little Blessings series is a very easy to use and practical tool for every grandparent with young grandkids.

Extreme Grandparenting: The Ride of Your Life! By Tim & Darcy Kimmel / Focus on the Family

Several books on grandparenting have appeared in recent years, but this one is a must read for every grandparent. The Kimmels understand the things that don't change in grandparenting and the new dynamics of today's typical grandparent that create a new set of complexities for effectively fulfilling our roles. Tim and Darcy, grandparents themselves, explore four foundational roles that every grandparent is to play in the lives of their grandchildren. Grandparents who understand and take seriously these roles will impact their grandchildren... for eternity.

I highly recommend this book for your reading. You will also want to consider using it as a small group study with other grandparents or grandparents-to-be. A teaching video/DVD is also available.