Beware of parenting books. They should all be read cautiously and with acute awareness that no parent is perfect, no two kids are the same, and we are all parenting with only our best guesses.
This book, however, is a breath of fresh air and an unfolding of wisdom. I’ve been a parent for quite a few years and I know stuff. After reading this book, I know more. I would love to hang out with these two witty and honest authors! Even the story of how a cool pastor and curious child psychologist became friends and united in the front line craziness of parenting and then co-wrote a book is Spirit-filled.
If you are wondering how to talk to your kids about money or sex or sexuality, read this book. If you are wondering whether to take kids to church and why you would even wonder whether to do that, read this book. You will find a healthy theology not based on protecting kids from everything “of this world”. The premise is to accompany kids rather than shield them. The answer isn’t “go to church” or “monitor screen time more”. I found both grace and guidance in these pages.
Parenting is an exercise in intensity. The younger years are intensely exhausting. The older years appear to be emotionally intense. It is so easy to sit back and cross my fingers, but much wiser to stay in the ring. The authors of “Bless This Mess” provide some of the moves and strength to do just that for each state of parenting preschoolers, middle schoolers and high schoolers.
Beware of parenting books, for sure. But this one is an exception.
Lisa Lewton 