Motivate Your Child Action Plan by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller : Book Review

Motivate Your Child Action Plan  by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller 

 Many times I read a great parenting resource, feel encouraged - maybe even convicted to make changes, but... I stall out at this point.   I bet some of you can relate?   All that theory seems to get left on the shelf because I'm not quite sure where to get started with my unique children. This book takes the principles of  Motivate Your Child (read my review here)  and turns them into a step by step process to help you reach the heart of your child. 

By using an "outline of firmness, visioning, teaching, prayer, and coaching to flesh out a strategy to move your child from where he is today, to where he needs to go."

This is exactly what I need!  Someone who can take the concepts I need and walk me step-by-step through the implementation of the principles in my very own situation!   Motivate Your Child Action Plan is just that.  It's a 165 page, interactive plan that  includes checklists and spaces to write out ideas, insights, and results.  In addition, the book includes access to 12 audio sessions—one per chapter that will help you create a customized approach for your family.

You can use this resource alone, or suggestions to correlating Motivate Your Child chapters to read for additional support and information are included.  I recommend getting both books right away!

Tip:  The book is on sale right now ($29.95 or $36.99 for the original Motivate Your Child plus the Action Plan.) Use the coupon code, AP5BGT for an additional $5 off

 

Chapters Cover:

1. Change in Forty Days
2. Where Do You Want to Go?
3. The Map to Get There
4. Working Together
5. A Place for Firmness
6. Visioning Moves You Forward
7. Teaching Shows the Way
8. Spiritual Energy Provides Strength
9. Coaching Sets the Attitude
10. Building Motivation from Within
11. Growing Together
12. Good Theology Makes it Work

The Motivate Your Child ACTION PLAN will give you the tools to address sibling conflict, poor school performance, disrespect, laziness, procrastination, sloppy work, emotional outbursts, self-centeredness, and so much more.

I really appreciate the author's approach.  I feel like they are mentors who want to help, not experts that make me feel like a failure.  This book gently guides you through identifying the problems, making a strategic plan and making sure you make the changes you need to make (in yourself and your child!)

This quote stopped me in my tracks...  I'm guilty of this at times- adding harshness to show I mean business.  And we think parenting issues are all about "them" :-)   This book offers Biblical help for the entire family.

I appreciate that the focus is on the heart of the issues, and not just changing the outward behaviors.  I want to help transform the hearts of my children.  Weekly meetings, prayer, and scripture are all power tools that the authors teach you how to use effectively to make lasting changes. This is a book that has already been used over and over. 

If you're ready to tackle some of your parenting challenges but, want some guidance, this may be just what you are looking for.  

Learn about Scott Turansky here: https://biblicalparenting.org/turansky.asp

Learn about Joanne Miller here: https://biblicalparenting.org/miller.asp

Info about NCBP can be found here: https://biblicalparenting.org/aboutus.asp

 

 

Thick as Thieves from Circle C Milestones: A TOS Crew Review

Thick as Thieves - Circle C Milestones - $9.99 plus $2.50 shipping & handling

Thick as Thieves is the first book in the Circle C Milestones series.  This 176 page, 26 chapter book is set in the 1880's.  Circle C is a ranch in California.  The main character, Andrea Carter, is a horse-loving 14 year-old girl.   To begin Andi's saga - check out the Circle C Beginnings (ages 6-9), Circle C Adventures (ages 9-14) Circle C Milestones are great for ages 12 and up.  For your sons, check out Goldtown Adventures (ages 8-12).
Horses, Horses, Horses!  Anyone else out there have a horse-crazy daughter like me?  My newly 12 year old daughter has an equine love affair going on... 
When I told her that Susan K. Marlow has a new series,  she jumped up and down!  A huge fan of her other books - she begged (yes, really!) for the new book - Thick as Thieves.  When the book arrived, my daughter disappeared.  She could not put it down!
From the first pages, you are caught up into Andi's world.  She is a plucky, strong, and Godly character.  My tester loves Andi - she's a horse lover, she's got annoying older brothers, and she loves Palominos (so, basically - "she's just like me, Mom!")  This is one of the parts I love best!  It's hard to find fiction for our young ladies that shows them a character that they can use as a role model.  However, this series is a perfect fit - great characters, interesting settings, and a plot that draws you in.  
This is a great addition to our American history studies.  Historical fiction brings the time period to life - the 1880's.  The author weaves suspense and surprise into the story and has you at the edge of your seat.
My tester has really enjoyed growing up with Andi - and living the horse-lovin' life through her eyes.  Since we are smack dab in the middle of suburbia,  this is a wonderful way for her to escape to a different time and place.
Susan K. Marlow's books are more than just an enjoyable read,  woven throughout are valuable life lessons for your children to learn as well.  Friendship is a main theme in this story as Andi must learn to overcome differences and trust others.
Be sure to check out the FREE - downloadable Study Guide - 40-page study guide contains not only vocabulary and comprehension questions, but also further explorations of the themes in the book, including the care of horses and a closer look at some of the places that Andi would have been exposed to in her late 19th century lifetime. There are crossword puzzles, diagrams, a foal timeline to fill in, and even math problems from 1880. We learned about lice, cattle rustling, and the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. This additional resource turns this into a fun unit study for your horse lovers!
You can also check out Andi's Blog - a fun way to learn more about her and her life.  Pictures of Andi and her family, ranch news and more - a great place to visit!
You can read a sample chapter of the book here - Warning - you'll be hooked!

Circle C Milestones Book 2, Heartbreak Trail, coming July 2015

Find Thick as Thieves - Circle C Milestones   on Social Media: 
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/CircleCAdventures
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/SuzyScribbles 
Read what other members of the Crew thought here

Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told: A Review

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: January 27, 2015

Learn What Internal Motivation is and How to Develop it in Your Child  -You will learn: 

•  How to build a strongconscience to strengthen internal motivation 
•  How faith changes kids inpractical, down-to-earth ways
• Ways to help self-focused kids think ofothers
•  A strategy to help kids who tend to blame, rationalize, or defend 
• Ways to use consequences for heart change
•  Specific heart-based strategies todevelop responsibility and initiative

I'm excited to introduce you to my new FAVORITE parenting book - Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told. by Dr. Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller, RN, BSN


Let me introduce myself:  I'm a mom to 8 amazing kiddos (ages 5-17) + one "adopted" college-age kiddo.  Needless to say, I've been doing this parenthood gig for awhile now... You could say, I've got my hands full!

Now that you know a little more about me, you should see the number of parenting help books on my bookshelf!  I was excited to see this book coming, and eagerly signed up for the launch team.  However, I wasn't completely sure I'd learn anything new...

I WAS COMPLETELY SURPRISED!  This book was full of brand-new approaches and tools for me.  This particular quote really convicted me - I really needed to read this book.  Maybe this parenting gig could use a breath of fresh air...

The book is divided into 2 parts.  Part 1 covers the moral development in children,  Part 2 focuses on the spiritual development.  Children are developing in both of these areas of thinking at the same time.  This is where our parenting focus MUST center if we want to have internally motivated children.

It's much more than just some more "parenting theory" that leaves you feeling hopeless.  This book offers HOPE.  It offers PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS that "real" moms can implement.  It was just the booster shot I needed to get back in the ring of parenting and take another swing at some long-term issues.

Conscience development, integrity, compassion, initiative & honor - just several of the key points that the authors discuss.  But, they take it a step further - and offer practical solutions you can start RIGHT AWAY to help move these character traits into reality in you home.  You don't need a degree, or any special equipment - no charts to maintain, or complex systems.  This book is Biblical based wisdom with the encouragement you need to be the parent that God is calling you to be.

A particular area we have been struggling with around here is initiative.   I absolutely loved what the author's said about introducing your children to heroes.  They say,  "Heroes do what's right, deal with wrongs, are honest and care about others".    By letting your child "be a hero in small things" and then encouraging them to take an extra step we are encouraging them to form internally motivated - initiative.

Honor was another area that we benefited from this book.  For instance,  requiring my children to set the table is "obedience" - but, including the direction to "add something to the the table to show honor to your family" (but, not giving a specific command of what that may be) is teaching my children to honor each other.   My sweet daughters made a beautiful centerpiece!

This book helped encourage me to take a good look at my parenting.  It's easy to get in a rut after awhile (or 8 kiddos...) and not really be intentional.  I felt it gave me a new lens to look through.  Leaving discipline sessions on a positive note, a tip from the book, has helped keep my children's hearts and mine tuned together.  And, I'm starting to see changes already!

This is real parenting at it's best.  I want more that just an outward obedience to rules - I really want their HEARTS.  If you are looking for more than just another behavior modification book - and you want to really make lasting heart changes - this is the book you're looking for!

“We need more books like Scott and Joanne’s—booksthat coach parents to develop strong character in their children that will lastthe rest of their lives.” —Alec Hill, President of InterVarsityChristian Fellowship/USA

HURRY - this amazing offer ends soon -

 Go get this book, you can thank me later :-)

Motivate Your Child Giveaway

I'm very excited to be part of the Launch Team for a new release - Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told by Scott Turansky and Joann Miller.  I've just started reading this book, and I can tell you it's a must have for parents looking to get to their child's heart.  Part 1 deals with the moral development, and Part 2 the spiritual development of your child.  The author's give plenty of encouragement and tools to help you along the way as you learn to how to best motivate your children.  I'm confident that you'll pick up some tools for yourself as well, I know I have!

Want to take a peek at the official book trailer?




To celebrate the release of Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told,  members of the Launch Team are sharing a wonderful giveaway filled with a Go Pro Camera, $50 Mardel Gift Card, $25 Amazon Gift Card, and book bundles from both the National Center for Biblical Parenting and Thomas Nelson Publishing!

Three winners will win prizes with a total value of nearly $800!


 

Here’s what you could win: 

GRAND PRIZE  ($500+ value)

Go Pro HERO3+ Silver Camera ($300 value)

HERO3+ Silver captures gorgeous, professional-quality 1080p60 video and 10MP photos at speeds of up to 10 frames per second. Built-in Wi-Fi enables you to use the GoPro App to control the camera remotely, preview shots and share your favorites on Facebook, Twitter and more. Compatible with all GoPro mounts, you can wear it or attach it to your gear for immersive POV footage of your favorite activities. It’s waterproof to 131’ (40m) and built tough for all of life’s adventures. Combined with stunning low-light performance, high-performance audio and an ultra wide-angle glass lens, HERO3+ Silver makes capturing and sharing your life easier than ever.  

NCBP Book Bundle ($115 value)

 The Christian Parenting Handbook  and Companion Guide Parenting is Heart Work God's Awesome Story Hero Training Camp Children's Curriculum

 Thomas Nelson Book Bundle ($90 value):

The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst  Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson   Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine  All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill  The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill 

***

FIRST PRIZE ($165 value)

$50 Mardel Gift Card

 

NCBP Book Bundle ($115 value)

The Christian Parenting Handbook  and Companion Guide Parenting is Heart Work God's Awesome Story Hero Training Camp Children's Curriculum

***

SECOND PRIZE ($115 value)

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Thomas Nelson Book Bundle ($90 value):

The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine
All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill
The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill


 To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway dates: January 12, 2015 @12:00am ET through January 28, 2015 @ 11:59pm ET Terms and Conditions: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Amazon. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winner will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.


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Books for my Girls!

Do you have a hard time finding books for your pre-teen girls?  Ones that they want to read... and you don't mind if they do?

We discovered a real gem - Diary of a Real Payne by Annie Tipton from Barbour Publishing (you can read our review here).  My 10 year old daugther devoured this book!

We were so excited to get to preview the next book in the series:  Diary of a Real Payne: Church Camp Chaos  - on sale currently for just $4.99.  Once again, I opened the package... and didn't see my daughter for the next several days :-)

Here's what she had to say:

• I love EJ - she's alot like me.  She reads the same books I do, and has a vivid imagination.  And, she has an annoying little brother.
• This book makes me laugh out loud!
• It ends in a cliff hanger, when does the next one come out?!

I love that this series has a Christian worldview.  The characters exhibit the qualities I want my daugther to want, plus they have fun and adventures along the way.  Next book is due September 2014!

Great reading material is hard to find so don't miss these fun books!

Disclaimer:  I recieved a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Asia: Its People and History! : A Book Review & Giveaway

Welcome to Asia: Its People and History!   Is the land of Asia a mystery to your kids? Do they know who lives there? Do they know how to pray for them? Asia is home to more than fifty countries and territories and roughly three-fifths of the world’s population. Could you use some help introducing your family to this vast land? This sixteen-week course presents a brief picture of six nations. It is by no means all encompassing. Its purpose is to introduce your students to the people of Asia, share their stories, and spark curiosity.  You'll  take an unforgettable visit to the countries of Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Iran, and Vietnam.

This book is designed with children ages 8-12 but, can easily be used with older students as well.


Cost: $6.95

 25% off through 3/15/14  with  PROMO CODE: 02asia14 at The Schoolhouse Store

Also available in Kindle Format and SmashWords  

I am so excited to be part of the launch team for this new curriculum.  My family has God-given passions for several of the 6 countries featured in this brand new book.  In fact, my oldest son and I took our first (but, hopefully not last) trip to India is past fall.  One daughter wants desperately to go to China and start an orphanage some day.  And, my out-of-the-box daughter has prayed for the "terrorists" to come to faith, and wants to someday serve God in Iran/Iraq.

Sometimes I get asked why so many of our children want to be missionaries.  I think a huge reason is that we have read books like Asia: Its People and History! to them since they were very young.

Check out this video, you'll see why we got so excited about this new resource:



Meet the Author:

 Bonnie Rose Hudson lives in central Pennsylvania. Along with spending time with her family and writing, making kids smile is her favorite thing to do. Her heart’s desire is for every child to feel the love of God and know how special they are to Him. She loves creating curriculum as a member of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine’s Star Contributors Team. She works with both SchoolhouseTeachers.com and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine® as an editorial assistant. At TOS, she found a place where her love of God and history combine with her love of writing to bring encouraging, educational, and entertaining material to students and their families.

She would love for you to stop by and meet the star of her children’s series at Exploring with Jake , look through the 10/40 window of the world and join others in prayer at Looking Out the 10/40 Window  , or stop by her author’s blog WriteBonnieRose.com   for fun printables and discover how you can write for the homeschool market. 


I just have to share this from an interview I read with the author - of course, she was speaking my love language...

What is the 10/40 window, and how did you become interested in it?

"The 10/40 Window is a geographical area of the world roughly between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude. The significance of this area is that it is home to over 4.5 billion people, over 8,000 different people groups, and some of the largest groups of unreached people in the entire world. More than 80% of the world’s poorest people live in the 10/40 window. It is an area that many people are taking intentional steps to pray for and reach out to the people who live there. You can read an excellent description of the significance of the 10/40 Window on JoshuaProject.net

Several years ago, God began to turn my heart’s attention to the stories of the persecuted Church. I had always had a heart for the persecuted in China, but I never grasped how widespread the persecution of Christians was until much later. I started reading about men and women who lived in Laos and Burma, India and Pakistan, and many other places. They were suffering terribly for their faith in Christ. This wasn’t the stories of the heroes of the faith of yesterday that I had grown up hearing about, or what I had thought were isolated stories from one nation. These were stories of families–including children–who were suffering right at that very moment for their faith. 

Reading their stories gave me a burden and broke my heart. I had to do something, but I didn’t know what. Writing and sharing about their stories gave me a way to process what I was reading and feeling and a way to hopefully encourage others to become involved and share their stories as well."


The book is divided into 16 lessons.  You will visit 6 different nations, spending 2-4 lessons in each area.  This is not an all encompassing curriculum, it is designed to introduce you to these people of Asia, share their stories and ignite your child's curiosity!   Each section starts with a story that will bring these peoples to life, and into your heart.  Discussion questions and activities like crosswords, puzzles, and games are included to keep the learning going.   The history, geography and stories of those who live in each nation are also included.

We decided to read the stories aloud at lunchtime (my favorite time...since their mouths are busy!).  The stories were well written and the characters came alive for us.  As I would finish, I'd hear my favorite... "Just one more, please Mom!"

We used this primarily as a read aloud, and prayer guide.  As we traveled to each nation, we prayed specifically for that people.  I could easily see this being a wonderful program for a Co-op study, or even a Sunday school class study.   The readings are interesting and short enough to be covered in class.

The best part of Asia: Its People and History!  is that it introduces your children to a very vital part of our world in God's plan.  The 10/40 Window contains the most unreached and persecuted people groups anywhere on earth.  If we want to ignite a passion for God's Great Commission in our children's heart - this is a wonderful way to begin!

Check out this link for BONUS Content like geography-themed copywork for each country and some word puzzles.  Kindle & Nook users can visit this link for the printables in the book.


 AND The BEST PART:  I get to giveaway 2 PDF copies of Asia: Its People and History to MY readers!!  Just click on the giveaway and you can enter!

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