Product Description
Welcoming Children develops a theology of childhood both from a theological perspective and from practical experience in children and youth ministry. The author draws insights from classic and modern feminist theologians, pastoral theologians, and contemporary cultural criticism to offer strategies for educational and liturgical practices in congregations that welcome children and contribute to their flourishing. Mercer outlines a feminist practical theology of childhood exploring five basic theological claims: 1) children as gifts and parenting as a religious practice of stewardship; 2) welcoming those who care for children; 3) children as fully human; 4) children as part of God's purposes; and 5) acknowledging and transforming the sufferings of children. Her compelling argument reframes ministries with children as processes through which the church can become the foundation for children forming identities that resist consumerist culture and instead walk in the ways of Jesus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Welcoming Children
This is an excellant book offering new ways of thinking about children in the world and in our worship.It is a great study of the factors children face in a consumer driven world and how the church has fallen prey to the same issues.It is an excellant critical look at how we include children in church and what we can do better.

Theological discussion of children.
Joyce Ann Mercer has done a great job integrating practical theology with the church's ministry to children.The church needs more books that integrates theology with children.I know that many of principles and critiques that Mercer has presented in this book I have taken to heart.

I think that she has presented herself and her material very well.Although I do not necessarily agree with everything in the book, I do agree with the principles calling for the church to purposefully examine their approach to children as being valuable in God's sight.I recommend this book for anyone who is working in children's ministry to be able to evaluate their understanding of theology in light of children's ministry. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Good level for teaching culture.
We are not at all religious.We bought the book because we felt our children should know the bible stories, as they are part of our culture.Also, we teach them about all different cultures and traditions so we felt we shouldn't ignore the dominant one in the U.S.Our 9-year-old has been enjoying the book and it has opened some very lively discussions in our home.We plan to read it to our 6-year-old, as well. ... Read more

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A respected family psychiatrist offers advice on understanding the troubled child, exploring the causes of such problems as rebellion, deceit, indifference, laziness, and violent behavior, and taking practical steps toward healing. An excellent resource for grandparents, teachers, and therapists, as well as parensts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book offers very little practical advice.
The text of this book can be summarized as "try to understand your child, accept and love him, acknowledge your part in the problem and everything will turn out alright."While there is a lot of truth in this, the book offers very little practical advice as to how to go about changing things.The STEP books by Dinkmeyer give the same advice but then go a step further and tell you how to do it ... Read more

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Walter Wangerin, Jr., renowned storyteller has been captivating children and adults with his stories for decades. Winner of the New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award and the American Book Award for The Book of the Dun Cow he brings the Bible to life for children. ... Read more

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Parents will appreciate the fun cartoons and Bible verses, as well as the concise, thoughtful, and easy-to-explain answers to some of the most important questions children will ever ask about heaven and angels.

Spanish available ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Good
104 Questions Childrens Ask About Heaven and Angels by David R. Veerman Paperback
I had read it in local library before I ordered it.I gave it to a member of my family with a small child to read it.It is well-done and illustrated.I would highly reccomend it- both for familieswith small chhildren and for adult reading as well!

(I did not figure out how to use the starsin rating - it's worth at least 4)

104 Questions Children ask about Heaven and Angels
This book was enjoyable for myself as well as my 9-year old. The cartoons and explanations as well as scripture verses were helpful and fun. I learned right along with my child. We both would recommend this book and others in the series to those searching and new to the faith. It isreassuring to know the answers to some of those suprising questions mychildren ask! ... Read more

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The most important New Testament sotries are delightfully re-told and richly illustrated with atmospheric paintings in this beautiful collection. ... Read more

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Designed to help parents decide whether or not to provide religious instruction for their children, this helpful guide discusses the benefits and limitations of religion, as well asmoral codes, the meaning of life and death, and other key issues. 12,500 first printing. ... Read more

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Come unto Me addresses the realities of congregational and familial practices of the sacraments of baptism and eucharist. Caldwell provides models for intentional liturgical and educational transformation, and offers a holistic sacramental educational model that works to integrate education and worship in the lives of memebers of the congregation. Reflection and group discussion are encouraged through focus questions provided in each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excelent book
The author share her understanding about the sacraments of baptism and the table of the Lord. Obviously is from a reformed liberal point of view, but the approach to the matter is very clear and convinving. Read the book and your understanding will be open to new possibilities. Good reading for study group or for any leader or lay person interested in a better understanding of protestant sacraments. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume constitutes a commentary on Article 14 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, guaranteeing the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It is part of the series, A Commentary on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which provides an article by article analysis of all substantive, organizational and procedural provisions of the CRC and its two Optional Protocols. For every article, a comparison with related human rights provisions is made, followed by an in-depth exploration of the nature and scope of State obligations deriving from that article. The series constitutes an essential tool for actors in the field of children’s rights, including academics, students, judges, grassroots workers, governmental, non- governmental and international officers. The series is sponsored by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office. ... Read more

Product Description
We've been over-run with child-rearing manuals for infants. We've been swamped with advice for relating to teens. But little has been offered to parents whose children are in middle childhood!John. M. Drescher, a wise voice in the field of parenting literature (whose books have sold more than 400,000 copies), addresses particular delights and difficulties of this stage in a child's life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

has a religious slant and it's very simplistic
This book takes a long time to tell parents the obvious fact that they should spend a lot of time with their 6 to 12s, doing fun activities, as well as really communicating with them, because as we all know after age 12, children are a lot less likely to listen to their parents.
Also, there is a little religion along the way, which, as an agnostic, I didn't like very much.

This book affirms everything I believe in as a parent and now I know why
I have a stack of mostly-unread parenting books, the majority are on preschoolers, and as a mother of a 10 year old, well, it's too late for that.(The ones I did read were pretty forgettable anyway.)Then when I saw this book, and how small it was and therefore not too time-consuming to read, as well as its relevance to me now since my own child has two years left in this age bracket, I decided to give this book a go.I say "give it a go" because I have no tolerance for rubbish, especially self-help rubbish, and if any book reveals itself to be so inclined, I'm over it quickly.

But this book was different.Extremely readable.Practical.Clear.And contemporary, as in very relevant for today, even though it was written 12 years ago.(I don't know where you live, but where I live, I see lots of very unhappy children who seem to be unlikely to be able to cope with civilisation, in all senses of the word.)All parents should read this book and be it because it's about beginning with the end in mind, which is to raise children at the right speed (slowly) with authority and boundaries (of the loving kind) so that children will feel secure and loved as children, and grow to be the kind of adults that the world needs: dependable and valuable and with values.

To acheive this end, it explains how parents need to be, including of course "being" with their children.Which has nothing to do with the modern concept of "Quality Time".

I also found the Christian references useful and if anyone has a problem with that, they should try and overcome it, because they provide a further useful take on parenting.

I would recommend this book to everyone.It beats watching a parenting show on TV.This book has it all for this agegroup and I will be looking out for others by this author.But this book is truly a celebration of parenting When Your Child Is 6 to 12.

an eye opener!
This is by far the best book on parenting I've ever read!I stumbled upon it in an old used bookstore and haven't been the same since.

Concise, easy to read and enjoyable, each page is filled with gems. My wife and Iwere having difficulty with getting the kids to bed. In 3 or 4 sentences welearned why and how to solve the problem.

I have since returned all thebooks on parenting(100's) and keep this book on my nighttable. ... Read more

Product Description
Catholicism has grown from a suppressed and persecuted outsiders' religion in the American colonies to become the nation's single largest denomination. James Fisher surveys more than four centuries of Catholics' involvement in American history, starting his narrative with one of the first Spanish expeditions to Florida, in 1528. He follows the transformation of Catholicism into one of America's most culturally and ethnically diverse religions, including the English Catholics' early settlement in Maryland, the Spanish missions to the Native Americans, the Irish and German poor who came in search of work and farmland, the proliferation of Polish and Italian communities, and the growing influx of Catholics from Latin America. The book discusses Catholic involvement in politics and conflict, from New York's Tammany Hall to the Vietnam War and abortion. Fisher highlights the critical role of women in American Catholicism--from St. Elizabeth Seton and Dorothy Day to Mother Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized a saint--and describes the influence of prominent American Catholics such as Cardinal John J. O'Connor, 1930s radio personality Father Charles Coughlin, President John F. Kennedy, pacifists Daniel and Philip Berrigan, activist Cesar Chavez, and author Flannery O'Connor.

Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of Americas diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index. ... Read more

Product Description
Children At Promise offers a breakthrough paradigm for raising healthy and responsible children who contribute positively to their world. School principal Dr. Timothy Stuart and former teacher-of-the-year Cheryl Bostrom offer a practical book filled with illustrations that show how all children, both at-risk and advantaged, can realize their At Promise identity. Solidly grounded in the best educational and psychological theory as well as timeless biblical wisdom, Children At Promise provides parents and educators with the insights, motivation, and tools for raising successful children of A.T. P.R.O.M.I.S.E. character.

AT PROMISE stands for:

A Adversity and pain can lead to growth

T Trust between a caring adult and a child

P Perseverance

R Responsibility for our actions

O Optimism

M Motivation by identity

I Integrity

S Service

E Engaged Play

An inspiring companion workbook, Raising Children at Promise, is also now available. Providing step-by-step guidance, this practical supplement encourages readers to understand and apply At Promise principles to their daily relationships with kids, through stories, activities, self-assessments, prayer reflections, and an observation guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

At risk seen as "at promise" -
I recently heard Mr. Stuart speak at a teacher convention - giving a brief overview of this book. Not very often do you get new insights into the theories of education and the art of mentoring. Usually teaching seminars are just tune-ups on the basics. There was a lot of truth that seemed intuitive in Mr. Stuart's findings, but his approach is definitely unique, and I greatly appreciated hearing his thoughts. I think his ideas are useful for teachers who struggle with at-risk students (both the privileged and non-privileged types), and as far as I can tell that's pretty much all of us. I highly recommend this book as a great resource for teachers who are interested in growing in their ability to mentor students effectively.

A Fresh Perspective
What an enlightening message these two authors have to share!Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles will want to get this book into the hands of all adults who impact the lives of the children they love.Truly this book offers a fresh perspective and a hope for all with a concern for kids and their impact on our society in the future.As a parent, I have been motivated to continually examine my parenting tactics in light of these concepts.This is a "must read" for parents and educators alike.

Not just for parents
This book was instrumental in changing my parenting paradigm, but it's message is not limited to parents. It can speak to anyone who relates to children and teens.The book advocates the value and promise of every child, regardless of that child's exposure to aspects of the environment that we, as a society, have labelled "risky".But don't expect a lot of feel-good psycho-babble.This view of child-relating is clear and challenging.The "at promise perspective" has given me a renewed hope, not only for my own kids, but for myself, and for those I previously would have viewed as "hopeless". This changed outlook has prompted me to react so much more positively to adverse circumstances.It is a concept that just makes sense! ... Read more

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A youngster s guide to the Rosary, with each mystery keyed to scripture to show how the Rosary is not centered around Mary,but leads us, through Mary, to Jesus includes illustrations and fullprayers for how to pray the Rosary. Publisher: Paulist Press 2009 Author: Elizabeth Ficocelli and Anne Catharine Blake Ages: 5-9 Format: 32 pages, paperback ISBN: 9780809167364 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book
I bought this book for my young nieces for a baptism gift. It's a great introduction to the rosary for children. It does an excellent job explaining the mysteries and helping young people understand how to meditate on the mysteries. It was even helpful to me. The only issue I had with it was that it did not include all of the prayers of the rosary. There was no "Oh my Jesus", Hail Holy Queen, or the closing prayer that begins "let us pray-Oh God, whose only begotten son, through His life, death, and resurrection..." I had to include a pamphlet on how to pray the rosary along with my gift.

Having said that, this is definitely a well-written book that does an excellent job explaining the mysteries of the rosary to children.

Best book I've ever found.
Hands down, this book was the most well written I have ever come across for young people.Even though it suggests the best ages of readers is 4 to 8, I have no problem reading it to my 8th grade Catechism class as well.Our younger generation is no longer satisfied with having "blind faith".They want more explanations in terms they can understand.I initially ordered this book for my young niece and nephew, but I will order more and plan to have them on hand all the time.After seeing this one, I will also be ordering the complete collection.God Bless you, Elizabeth Ficocelli and Anne Catharine Blake!

Great for all ages
I loved it at first sight, and my granddaughter expressed the same sentiments.One must be a child at heart, I guess, and this book was refreshing to me as a grandparent.It makes the point without beating anyone over the head. ... Read more

Product Description
This breathtaking new series from Crabtree brings to life the people and events of the Renaissance! Young readers will be enthralled as they follow Europe's cultural transformation through the Middle Ages to the Modern Age. Delightful drawings illustrate the artistic, scientific, and societal changes and developments of this amazing era. "Religion in the Renaissance" features the growth and dominance of the Catholic Church in northern Europe, its influence on art and architecture, and how it was eventually challenged and by whom. Other religions were at best accepted but mostly suppressed, threatened, or violently overthrown. Kings and queens working with the Church dominated the political scene. ... Read more

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Face the challenge ofdisciplining a stubborn will - without breaking the spirit.

It's easy to recognize a strong-willed child. Difficult to discipline, at times impossible to motivate, strong-willed children present unique, frustrating, and often exhausting challenges to those who care for them. But now, the miracle parents long for can happen. Offering new hope, achievable goals, and a breath of fresh air to families and teachers, Cynthia Tobias explains how the mind of a strong-willed child works - and how to use that information to the child's best advantage.Audio is Approx. 180 minutes, 2 cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Someone finally understands!
My younger daughter has had me at a complete loss since she learned to walk and talk.Other parents have communicated that if I would just try harder, or be more consistent, then everything would be fine.Frustrated and discouraged, I knew that what we were doing was just not working.What works for most other children simply does not work for this one.(We have an older child, and have worked with numerous other children, so this is not just talk.We have had reasonable success in the past - just not with this particular child.)

Reading You Can't Make Me... was like a breath of fresh air.Finally, somebody "gets it"!Somebody, somewhere, actually understands what it is like to live with this child.Nothing seems to motivate her, she's willing to just "accept" any consequence we can dish out, and EVERYTHING turns into World War III, no matter how minor it was to start with.The truly scary thing?This child is barely three!

Therein lies the biggest complaint I have with the book, and my reason for rating it as only three stars.Most of the concrete suggestions don't really seem to be applicable to small children.I feel like I could derive a lot more benefit from the book if we were willing to put it on the shelf and pretend we don't have this child for at least another two years.Obviously, that is not an option.

I also felt that there was some inconsistency, at times, between what certain illustrations seemed to illustrate and what the author's stated intent was.This makes the author sound a bit wishy-washy about truth and standards and authority, when I believe this is largely a matter of poorly-chosen illustrations.To quote from the book,

"Contrary to what some popular theories propose, I believe...that there are absolutes.I do not ascribe to the idea of right and wrong being relative.It's especially difficult for SWC's, however, to get along with people who think they are the only ones able to discern what qualifies as right and wrong."

Unfortunately, some of the illustrations are pretty vague on this point.

The primary point I gleaned from this book was that (in my words) you can't make a child obey, you have to make him want to obey.(This is true whether he's strong-willed or not, it is just easier to make him want to obey if he isn't strong-willed.And isn't it really what Christian parents are all aiming for, anyway - heart obedience?)If, however, the book had given me some more practical methods for making my strong-willed child want to obey, I would have found it more useful.

Helpful, but wanted more
I found this book helpful and frustrating at the same time. It was helpful in understanding the character of the strong willed child, but I wanted more specific strategies -- particularly in how to negotiate with them.

This could be to do with my own temperament and learning style rather than any fault with the book, and I certainly enjoy Cynthia Tobias' writing style. I guess I would have liked some more examples or 'Step 1, 2, 3' in how to communicate.

Cindy
Great book if you have a hard time understanding your strong willed child.I was not one so I had a hard time understanding mine.I actually bought this specific book for a friend and used my own about six years ago or so, which I lent out to someone over the years and never got back.This book changed my life with regards to dealing with my daughter.I figured out how to talk to her and get the results that we needed.I say two thumbs up!

VERY ENCOURAGING
Finally, an inside look at the strong willed child.Thank you for helping me to understand and appreciate more my precious gift.

Very helpful
After reading some of the negative reviews on this book, I am happy to say that I was still pleased with it myself. I do not have any problems with the "God" part of this book and felt better equipped at interacting with my SWC after reading this book.

If you have any qualms about the "religion" in this book, my advice would be to do as with anything else and take from it what you need and what is useful to you without judging the authors beliefs. ... Read more

Product Description
Devotions on children's Bible themes, rainy day projects, camp and Children's Church sermons, or Sunday School lessons. 52 selections with a memory gift for each. Choose by season, holiday, topic, or scripture. Perfect for personal devotions as well.Recommended for ages 5-10. ... Read more

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Discusses the origin of Sikhism as an attempt to reconcile the beliefs of Muslims and Hindus, the conflicts it has faced over the centuries, and recent developments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Shame On Facts On File
There is not a thing wrong with the text of this book.It is well written and informative.The problem is that this book claims to be an updated edition.We've been able to find no changes from the prior edition.In my opinion, this is tantamount to defrauding schools and libraries with limited budgets, not to mention the folks who work hard to pay the taxes.Buy the version that's not updated.You'll get the same product probably for a better price and let Facts On File know that such conduct is not appreciated.

A good primer for understanding
For an American trying to understand an Eastern religion, it is difficult to overcome new concepts and vocabulary.While trying to do this, I found myself missing the key points.Since this book was written for a younger audience, the language helps you gain a good, basic understanding of Sikhism.After, adults, or young adults, can progress to denser texts.

This is a fairly short book.Let this be an indication that it will not get caught up in philosophical discussion.It merely gives you the facts about this religion.It explains the history, some of the characteristics (like the 5 k's), and the special occasions (all of which seem to deal with the reading of the "Guru Granth").

In the back of the book is a glossary to help you remember and work with the text.I found the book written in such a way that I did not need to refer back to it.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know about Sikhism. ... Read more