So, during our parenting journey, Joel and I started to listen to some books together. This one has been on my list for awhile and it was the first parenting book we listened to together. First off, it's by the Robertsons, need I say more?! Second off, it's rooted in Biblical truth. And third off, it's based on real life experience- with not only birth kids, but also an adopted child. It was a must-have for me.
So, I'll go over the highlights, what the book's focus is and what we thought of it, but I'll also share how it impacted a brand new kid's product line in our market that we are hoping inspires you too!
Photo Credit: shoptini
Strong and Kind
Book Review Q&A
What is the topic of the book?
A godly view of parenting kids of good character.
Who is this book written for?
Parents of all age children- adopted, biological, babies to teenagers.
What is the overall purpose?
To present how to be proactive in raising children into who you want them to be, instead of what you want them to be.
What point of view is the book written from?
This book is written from both Korie and Willie Robertson's point of view in 1st person.
Why did the author write on this specific subject?
Lauren: Korie writes to help you select which character traits you want your children to see in your own children, why they are important, and how to get there based on real life application, scientific data, and Biblical truth.
What did you like/dislike about the book?
Lauren: I loved how Korie included Willie's point of view. While they come from very different households, they were able to share their take on parenting kids together, their hardships, and things to watch out for along the way that can help you shape your kids in your own parenting journey. Seeing different points of view within the same household makes you feel normal and also empowers you to know that when you are united as parents, you can tackle anything.
How are you going to apply the information found in the book?
Lauren: In this book, Korie challenges you to select 2 character traits you want to see displayed in your children. We selected 2 character traits that meant the most to us- at the beginning, but after reading we also changed our minds a bit. While they are different for Joel and I, I also realize they are kid-specific. Sure you hope your kids will always be strong and kind, but some kids lean more naturally to things and have those innate traits built into who they are, while other character traits you have to work earnestly pursuing with them.
For me, the character traits I landed on for our son are self-disciplined/consistent and confident. These are two areas I see that we can work on with him.
Joel: I chose honest and loyal in the beginning but by the end had changed them to trustworthy and reliable for the traits I want to help Freddie focus on in becoming a young man of character.
There are no two wrong character traits. And I think you'll find you have different ones for each of your kids. Here are a list of the traits she listed:
Honest
Compassionate
Loving
Kind
Patient
Joyful
Gentle
Self-controlled
Loyal
Reliable
Consistent
Persistent
Humble
Just
Encouraging
Merciful
Stable
Strong
Mature
Disciplined
Sincere
Trustworthy
She also covered most of all of these within the chapters following this instruction.
How did this book effect you? Your parenting style? Your conversations with your kiddo(s)?
Lauren: Oh buddy! Yes it has helped shape my parenting style!
I think I have a tendency to personalize our situation, like we all do. We make exceptions for our kids. But I realized, in listening to Korie's words and meditating on them, every exception is really an excuse. No... those were not her words, but she is very forward about being intentional. Everything you put in now, you will reap later. Kids need structure and when we flex too much, it can really harm our kids and the adults we are shaping them into. Diligence and consistency is everything.
Perhaps another thing she could talk about is how these character traits are built through working on them for ourselves. We should each take inventory of the areas we want to work on, see what we are great at, and analyze how those areas overlap our children's needs.
Joel: This book emphasizes and validates that raising kids is difficult, but it's a great part of life that God gives us the opportunity to do.
Did you have any preconceived notions on the topic?
Lauren: Joel and I have watched Duck Dynasty for years. So, I'd say I did have expectations. In the beginning there was a lot of data, which isn't my cup of tea, but once she started sharing her real experiences, I was all in!
I do have to say that in reading this book, I knew that Korie would have a broad spectrum on raising kids, because she has birthed 3 kids, adopted a baby locally, adopted a young girl internationally, and adopted an older child from foster care, but she kept her parenting method consistent and didn't make excuses or tailor the rules just because her kids were all different- different in personalities, background, and character. I respect that and admire that she kept a level playing field, while also meeting each child's needs individually.
How well has the book achieved its goal?
Lauren: I think it was a great book to make you think. I think that was her goal- to make you intentional at building kids, over time. And I think she nailed it.
Would you recommend this book to others, and why?
Lauren: Absolutely! I think any parent can benefit from the concepts in this book. I think it applies to all kids, of all ages.
Joel: "Whether they come from adoption or biological, or raising kids that may not be yours. This book shown me multiple ways of successful parenting. I highly recommend it!"
Click here to buy the book now.
Photo Credit: Glory Haus
This book inspired me so, that we have created an entire T-shirt line of character traits for your kiddos. Grab one to empower your kiddo to be brave, kind, encouraging, fearless, joyful, faithful, and courageous with others. And if you don't see the trait you'd like, we will make it for you!
GIVEAWAY TIME
In honor of our 1st ever Book Review Blog, we thought we’d host a little something sweet! Enter for your chance to win a copy of Korie Robertson’s book, #strongandkind and one of our kid’s T-shirts to fit your kiddo, inspired by our journey to parenthood.
How it works:
On your Insta/Facebook Story:
1. Screenshot this post
2. Share screenshot to your instastory
3. Tag @jacksonpinefarm and #jpfgiveaway and as many friends as you’d like. 1 friend = 1 entry
To your Instagram/Facebook Account:
1. Repost this post to your account
2. Tag us @jacksonpinefarm and #jpfgiveaway and your friends. 1 friend = 1 entry
*Bonus Points:
1. Share which character traits you value most for your kiddos
2. Tag friends in the comments below. 1 friend = 1 bonus entry
*Contest Rules: Open to all US residents 18 years or older. Contest begins Sept. 13, 2018 at noon EST and ends at midnight EST on Sept. 22nd. 1 unique tag equals 1 entry, no limit on entries per user or per day. One winner will be chosen at random with combined Facebook contest. No monetary value. Items are a gift and no exchange will be made. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Facebook or the writers and publishers of “Strong and Kind”.
Happy Reading,
Lauren Jackson with Joel Jackson
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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