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Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World: A Parent's Guide to Grounding Identity in Christ
Help children find their identity in Christ so that they have a positive and realistic view of themselves. Useful for any stage of parenting. As kids grow up, they hear many conflicting messages about how they can define themselves. For example, they are told that they can define themselves by their achievements, popularity, sexuality, morality, or gender, or by how they feel. This warm, realistic, and sympathetic book, written by father of three and founder of Faith in Kids, Ed Drew, provides much needed biblical help for parents on this topic. It shows parents how to encourage their kids to find their identity in the fact that they are made and loved by Jesus, and it explores the implications and applications of this truth. Whether they are happy or anxious, whether they have messed up or achieved great things, children will gain a positive and realistic view of themselves, based on God’s amazing love for them, giving them confidence to live by faith in a secular world. The foundational principles in this book mean it is ideal to read in advance of or during the early stages of parenting, but it is a useful resource at any stage of a child’s life.
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2023
37 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Ed Drew
9 books2 followersEd is Director of Faith in Kids, resourcing children's ministry in the local church. For 12 years he was the Childrens Worker at Dundonald Church, SW London.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2023
{See the full post here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/ra...}
In the movie, Jingle All the Way, two dads have promised their sons a superhero action figure for Christmas, but discover (when they finally go shopping on Christmas day) the toy is sold out. There’s all kinds of jostling and racing to get the last one in the store and a rivalry ensues to find one.
In a cultural environment that’s evolving faster than light-speed, the weight of parenthood is overwhelming. It’s not merely the hip new slang to learn, but clearly and confidently answering the deeper existential questions about our identity and purpose.
There’s a rivalry for our children’s attention and formation from the world around us. Movies, video games, books, social media, and education systems clamour for position to make the most of their influence. As parents, we want to be proactive in shaping our children's worldview and not leave it to the last minute. If we do, we’re cast among the restless, noisy crowd of sources.
Ed Drew's book, Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World, is a valuable resource that can guide us.
This book helps you, the parent, understand your identity in Christ, then in turn teach your children. The author shows you how gospel truths shape your parenting, equipping you to lead your children confidently in who they are in Christ.
The author weaves in stories with biblical examples of how the believer’s identity is found in Christ. You’ll find 4 questions for reflection at the end of each chapter to help you process the material.
This book is best suited for parents of younger - middle years children, although any stage would benefit, particularly if you’re beginning your parenting journey, to help give you a firm foundation of the gospel and how to instill a biblically faithful mindset for your young ones.
Also, be sure to check out the publishers website for FREE prayer cards and FREE lockscreens for your phone. I printed out the prayer cards and keep them on my fridge.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 176
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
In the movie, Jingle All the Way, two dads have promised their sons a superhero action figure for Christmas, but discover (when they finally go shopping on Christmas day) the toy is sold out. There’s all kinds of jostling and racing to get the last one in the store and a rivalry ensues to find one.
In a cultural environment that’s evolving faster than light-speed, the weight of parenthood is overwhelming. It’s not merely the hip new slang to learn, but clearly and confidently answering the deeper existential questions about our identity and purpose.
There’s a rivalry for our children’s attention and formation from the world around us. Movies, video games, books, social media, and education systems clamour for position to make the most of their influence. As parents, we want to be proactive in shaping our children's worldview and not leave it to the last minute. If we do, we’re cast among the restless, noisy crowd of sources.
Ed Drew's book, Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World, is a valuable resource that can guide us.
This book helps you, the parent, understand your identity in Christ, then in turn teach your children. The author shows you how gospel truths shape your parenting, equipping you to lead your children confidently in who they are in Christ.
The author weaves in stories with biblical examples of how the believer’s identity is found in Christ. You’ll find 4 questions for reflection at the end of each chapter to help you process the material.
This book is best suited for parents of younger - middle years children, although any stage would benefit, particularly if you’re beginning your parenting journey, to help give you a firm foundation of the gospel and how to instill a biblically faithful mindset for your young ones.
Also, be sure to check out the publishers website for FREE prayer cards and FREE lockscreens for your phone. I printed out the prayer cards and keep them on my fridge.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 176
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
April 20, 2023
This is excellent. A really readable and clear overview of identity issues for parents. The first half focuses on the Gospel and how it impacts parenting before getting to the meat of gender and sexuality in the second half. In parts amusing, tender, and gentle without pulling any punches I recommend this as a great place for parents to begin.
June 4, 2023
A relevant and edifying parenting book for our age- lots of helpful stuff on identify and gender.
January 24, 2025
Really helpful to think through, even for someone without kids
June 1, 2023
“Someone will be teaching your kids about their souls and their bodies. Make sure it’s you.”
We parents have the hard job of raising kids. We feel the pressure to do it right and not ruin our kids. Of course, as Christians, we must put our faith in God who loves our kids more than we do and trust Him with them. We can only do so much as parents and what we do is no guarantee that they will ‘turn out right.’
But nonetheless we make every effort to care for them and teach them truth. Resources like this book are a huge help as a parent to know how to communicate to our kids about their identity.
‘Identity’ is the headline of the era. Kids have always had to figure out who they are, but in recent years there are new challenges and pressures, especially revolving around sexuality and gender, with how one goes about defining themself.
Raising Confident Kids is not exhaustive, but it’s a short, easy to read book that begins with Gospel truth and our identity in Christ— our sinfulness, forgiveness, and grace. It then has chapters on friendship, sex, marriage, and gender.
It’s not necessarily a book you read WITH your kids but will prepare you to know how to talk to your kids about some of these things.
Ed Drew’s writing style is conversational and humorous even as he talks about serious things. His personal stories that he incorporates in the book are very relatable and help illustrate what this looks like in real life.
The discussion questions at the end of every chapter are also helpful in reflecting on our own hearts and knowing what we can be praying for.
This Is Me
I thought it was really interesting how he begins with bringing up the song from The Greatest Showman— This is Me— which was immediately very popular. The message of the song is appealing. We shouldn’t have to be sorry for who we are. We own ourselves with all our flaws— other people can’t define us. There are aspects of that they are good, but it’s also a dangerous train of thought.
Drew explains:
“Our children are being asked to start from a blank sheet of paper. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What is your gender? What is your sexuality? Where is your value?… Create your own path. Follow your heart. Be the person you want to be. Stand up and declare, without apology, ‘This is me.’”
Culture tells us this is where we find freedom. But that’s not actually true. To be in charge of shaping our identity is a burden. Especially when we put that burden on children.
In actuality, there is freedom in being defined by God as his child, created in his image.
“I want them to meet with triumph and despair and treat both those experiences with the confidence that comes from knowing in their hearts that who they are, and who they will always be, is greatly loved children of a Heavenly Father. Because if that is their identity, then they will navigate a confusing world, and walk towards an eternal home, with confidence.”
What Else Is In There
Drew guides us through recognizing that the most important thing we can do for our children as parents isn’t to modify their behavior to ‘be good’ though obeying is important, but to point them to Jesus. An identity found in Christ flows into the rest of their life with authenticity and endurance.
“…wonder with me at what government policy could be rolled out that would do more to improve the lives of children than godly parents showing their child the Lord as their Creator, telling them of their inalienable worth as his precious image-bearers, and seeking to encourage them to live a godly life while under their parental responsibility.”
He points out that the cultural gospel tells our kids that not following their heart is their biggest problem but the Bible is contrary: our hearts are the problem. Our desires are sinful. So we need something to trust and follow that is bigger than our ever-changing feelings and desires.
“How do we show grace without throwing out all discipline, all authority and all wisdom? As parents we do need to set boundaries, hold our children responsible for their actions, and discipline them fairly and calmly, as our Heavenly Father disciplines us. There should be warnings and consequences in our homes for our children’s bad behavior. As God has been clear with us in the Bible on the behaviors he expects of us, so we need to be clear and consistent with our children…we need to be acting out of love… waiting for and aiming for the hug, for the homecoming… grace needs to be in the air of home.”
Drew reminds us that sin issues are heart issues not behavior issues.
He encourages us to allow our kids to see how we handle suffering and times where we don’t feel okay. As they navigate feelings of discomfort— whether with relationships or their own bodies— they’ll imitate what we do when crisis hits.
“Your suffering is always an opportunity to show your children what you know is true of God.”
He discusses how to talk about our bodies with our children. How we feel about our bodies and treat our bodies will also inform how we treat other people’s bodies. Our children need to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, even when our feelings don’t align with the truth.
“It’s important to have conversations about your kids’ bodies, and to be careful how you speak about your own body, and to consider what messages you send. Because of the fall, no body is perfect. We honor God’s handiwork when we enjoy ours, look after it and use it as he intends, avoiding comparison with others.”
He talks about what the Bible says regarding gender and marriage. He also addresses gender stereotypes and how our parenting should not be aligned with stereotypes but with the command that we are to both care and serve for others and to use our strengths and advantages to protect the vulnerable.
“Our role as parents, particularly with younger children, is to provide the certainty that their body is a good gift that cannot be changed, and that (within the limits of physics) they can use their bodies for whatever adventures they can imagine. They should not think that their gender should limit their hobbies, friendships, sports, or aspirations for the future.”
Recommendation
I think this is a very helpful book for anyone raising or influencing kids. Identity is too big of a thing to ignore or hope that it just works out alright. We need to be actively teaching our kids how to view themselves in light of Christ and his Scripture.
This book will help with that.
What I also love about this book is that they direct you to a website with a ton of free resources for parents or ministry leaders to use. There are also podcasts both for parents and kids. If you don’t want to read the book, I would assume a lot of the material here overlaps into their other stuff.
So yes, I would recommend this book. I would also recommend several other books along these lines. I have a list included on my ORIGINAL BLOG POST.
**Received a copy from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
We parents have the hard job of raising kids. We feel the pressure to do it right and not ruin our kids. Of course, as Christians, we must put our faith in God who loves our kids more than we do and trust Him with them. We can only do so much as parents and what we do is no guarantee that they will ‘turn out right.’
But nonetheless we make every effort to care for them and teach them truth. Resources like this book are a huge help as a parent to know how to communicate to our kids about their identity.
‘Identity’ is the headline of the era. Kids have always had to figure out who they are, but in recent years there are new challenges and pressures, especially revolving around sexuality and gender, with how one goes about defining themself.
Raising Confident Kids is not exhaustive, but it’s a short, easy to read book that begins with Gospel truth and our identity in Christ— our sinfulness, forgiveness, and grace. It then has chapters on friendship, sex, marriage, and gender.
It’s not necessarily a book you read WITH your kids but will prepare you to know how to talk to your kids about some of these things.
Ed Drew’s writing style is conversational and humorous even as he talks about serious things. His personal stories that he incorporates in the book are very relatable and help illustrate what this looks like in real life.
The discussion questions at the end of every chapter are also helpful in reflecting on our own hearts and knowing what we can be praying for.
This Is Me
I thought it was really interesting how he begins with bringing up the song from The Greatest Showman— This is Me— which was immediately very popular. The message of the song is appealing. We shouldn’t have to be sorry for who we are. We own ourselves with all our flaws— other people can’t define us. There are aspects of that they are good, but it’s also a dangerous train of thought.
Drew explains:
“Our children are being asked to start from a blank sheet of paper. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What is your gender? What is your sexuality? Where is your value?… Create your own path. Follow your heart. Be the person you want to be. Stand up and declare, without apology, ‘This is me.’”
Culture tells us this is where we find freedom. But that’s not actually true. To be in charge of shaping our identity is a burden. Especially when we put that burden on children.
In actuality, there is freedom in being defined by God as his child, created in his image.
“I want them to meet with triumph and despair and treat both those experiences with the confidence that comes from knowing in their hearts that who they are, and who they will always be, is greatly loved children of a Heavenly Father. Because if that is their identity, then they will navigate a confusing world, and walk towards an eternal home, with confidence.”
What Else Is In There
Drew guides us through recognizing that the most important thing we can do for our children as parents isn’t to modify their behavior to ‘be good’ though obeying is important, but to point them to Jesus. An identity found in Christ flows into the rest of their life with authenticity and endurance.
“…wonder with me at what government policy could be rolled out that would do more to improve the lives of children than godly parents showing their child the Lord as their Creator, telling them of their inalienable worth as his precious image-bearers, and seeking to encourage them to live a godly life while under their parental responsibility.”
He points out that the cultural gospel tells our kids that not following their heart is their biggest problem but the Bible is contrary: our hearts are the problem. Our desires are sinful. So we need something to trust and follow that is bigger than our ever-changing feelings and desires.
“How do we show grace without throwing out all discipline, all authority and all wisdom? As parents we do need to set boundaries, hold our children responsible for their actions, and discipline them fairly and calmly, as our Heavenly Father disciplines us. There should be warnings and consequences in our homes for our children’s bad behavior. As God has been clear with us in the Bible on the behaviors he expects of us, so we need to be clear and consistent with our children…we need to be acting out of love… waiting for and aiming for the hug, for the homecoming… grace needs to be in the air of home.”
Drew reminds us that sin issues are heart issues not behavior issues.
He encourages us to allow our kids to see how we handle suffering and times where we don’t feel okay. As they navigate feelings of discomfort— whether with relationships or their own bodies— they’ll imitate what we do when crisis hits.
“Your suffering is always an opportunity to show your children what you know is true of God.”
He discusses how to talk about our bodies with our children. How we feel about our bodies and treat our bodies will also inform how we treat other people’s bodies. Our children need to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, even when our feelings don’t align with the truth.
“It’s important to have conversations about your kids’ bodies, and to be careful how you speak about your own body, and to consider what messages you send. Because of the fall, no body is perfect. We honor God’s handiwork when we enjoy ours, look after it and use it as he intends, avoiding comparison with others.”
He talks about what the Bible says regarding gender and marriage. He also addresses gender stereotypes and how our parenting should not be aligned with stereotypes but with the command that we are to both care and serve for others and to use our strengths and advantages to protect the vulnerable.
“Our role as parents, particularly with younger children, is to provide the certainty that their body is a good gift that cannot be changed, and that (within the limits of physics) they can use their bodies for whatever adventures they can imagine. They should not think that their gender should limit their hobbies, friendships, sports, or aspirations for the future.”
Recommendation
I think this is a very helpful book for anyone raising or influencing kids. Identity is too big of a thing to ignore or hope that it just works out alright. We need to be actively teaching our kids how to view themselves in light of Christ and his Scripture.
This book will help with that.
What I also love about this book is that they direct you to a website with a ton of free resources for parents or ministry leaders to use. There are also podcasts both for parents and kids. If you don’t want to read the book, I would assume a lot of the material here overlaps into their other stuff.
So yes, I would recommend this book. I would also recommend several other books along these lines. I have a list included on my ORIGINAL BLOG POST.
**Received a copy from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
July 15, 2024
Great Christian take on parenting. A lot of eye-opening discussion about how Christ and His grace apply as much to our kids as they do to us.
In all the best ways, this book is very countercultural. Ed talks about the importance of our identity as sheep (following the Good Shepherd), the power of parents acting as symbols of God in the lives of their children, and the danger of subscribing to the most important societal values of today (“sin is no longer the worst thing you can do, now it’s to not be true to yourself”). Inasmuch as the natural man is an enemy to God and Satan desires all men to be miserable like himself, the gospel of Jesus Christ is going to be countercultural in every society that isn’t perfectly godly. Identifying the disconnects between the gospel and the culture in which you live is an important part of navigating the minefield of faithful Christian discipleship.
A major theme in this book is to begin with the end in mind. The Christian version of that is compelling. “We parent…[in order that] they know where they are heading. They know that one day everything will be okay. They know that they are children of God who one day will see Jesus and be like Jesus.”
I loved Ed’s take on children’s behavior (although part of me, the part looking for a silver bullet to make kids act well, was a little disappointed). “Behavior change will never be enough without a change in identity…Jesus is not primarily in the business of behavior improvement or increased church attendance, though he does a great line in both. He is in the salvation business.” We should view our children’s behavior from an eternal perspective, similar to how we want our behavior to be viewed. We should be patient in weakness and seek God as much as we possibly can.
I love hearing Christians talk about God’s grace. By and large, I feel like Christians of other denominations do a better job than members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at talking about grace. “Jesus did not come for us because we go to church. He did not come for us because we were ready and waiting. He did not come for your kids because they are well-behaved. He came for our children because they were lost.” “You need to know you are ill to visit the doctor. You need to know you’re not that good to come to Jesus. That’s what kept the Pharisees from Jesus - their sense of goodness. Their religion.”
neoprene
In all the best ways, this book is very countercultural. Ed talks about the importance of our identity as sheep (following the Good Shepherd), the power of parents acting as symbols of God in the lives of their children, and the danger of subscribing to the most important societal values of today (“sin is no longer the worst thing you can do, now it’s to not be true to yourself”). Inasmuch as the natural man is an enemy to God and Satan desires all men to be miserable like himself, the gospel of Jesus Christ is going to be countercultural in every society that isn’t perfectly godly. Identifying the disconnects between the gospel and the culture in which you live is an important part of navigating the minefield of faithful Christian discipleship.
A major theme in this book is to begin with the end in mind. The Christian version of that is compelling. “We parent…[in order that] they know where they are heading. They know that one day everything will be okay. They know that they are children of God who one day will see Jesus and be like Jesus.”
I loved Ed’s take on children’s behavior (although part of me, the part looking for a silver bullet to make kids act well, was a little disappointed). “Behavior change will never be enough without a change in identity…Jesus is not primarily in the business of behavior improvement or increased church attendance, though he does a great line in both. He is in the salvation business.” We should view our children’s behavior from an eternal perspective, similar to how we want our behavior to be viewed. We should be patient in weakness and seek God as much as we possibly can.
I love hearing Christians talk about God’s grace. By and large, I feel like Christians of other denominations do a better job than members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at talking about grace. “Jesus did not come for us because we go to church. He did not come for us because we were ready and waiting. He did not come for your kids because they are well-behaved. He came for our children because they were lost.” “You need to know you are ill to visit the doctor. You need to know you’re not that good to come to Jesus. That’s what kept the Pharisees from Jesus - their sense of goodness. Their religion.”
neoprene
June 21, 2023
In this parenting book, Ed Drew shares insights from the Bible and from his personal experiences, highlighting ways that parents can help their kids thrive by instilling confidence in them and helping them ground their identity in Christ, rather than in fleeting measures of popularity or success. Drew writes in an engaging, down-to-earth style, and he does a great job of sharing honest, personal stories without sharing too many details about his kids, who are often anonymous in the stories.
This book can help families in different life situations, since the advice is suitably general and isn't prescriptive. Drew emphasizes the importance of developing a grace-based family culture, and he writes about a variety of different issues, such as kids struggling with friendships, feeling socially isolated, and needing the influence of adults outside of their family. Instead of giving a list of things to do or a list of conversations to have, Drew helps parents think through ways that they can create positive family cultures and have pathways of communication with their kids as they get older. I particularly appreciated the chapter about how parents can help their children navigate suffering, since so many resources neglect this issue.
Drew also address some tough issues towards the end. He discusses the impact of body image struggles on both girls and boys, and there are also chapters on sexuality and gender. Those chapters are too short and simple to engage with all angles of the debate or different questions that arise, but they will help Christian parents think through how to approach these conversations in calm and assured ways, instead of being reactionary. The examples are mainly geared towards parents of younger children who are laying groundwork in early conversations, but some aspects can also be helpful to parents of teens.
Overall, this is a helpful guide that will appeal to Christian parents who want encouragement and wisdom for building their children's confidence and resilience in an anxiety-ridden, overwhelming world. It's best for parents of younger kids, although the general principles apply throughout the lifespan, and people who are tired of parenting books with authoritative, fear-based messages will appreciate this book's non-prescriptive approach.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book can help families in different life situations, since the advice is suitably general and isn't prescriptive. Drew emphasizes the importance of developing a grace-based family culture, and he writes about a variety of different issues, such as kids struggling with friendships, feeling socially isolated, and needing the influence of adults outside of their family. Instead of giving a list of things to do or a list of conversations to have, Drew helps parents think through ways that they can create positive family cultures and have pathways of communication with their kids as they get older. I particularly appreciated the chapter about how parents can help their children navigate suffering, since so many resources neglect this issue.
Drew also address some tough issues towards the end. He discusses the impact of body image struggles on both girls and boys, and there are also chapters on sexuality and gender. Those chapters are too short and simple to engage with all angles of the debate or different questions that arise, but they will help Christian parents think through how to approach these conversations in calm and assured ways, instead of being reactionary. The examples are mainly geared towards parents of younger children who are laying groundwork in early conversations, but some aspects can also be helpful to parents of teens.
Overall, this is a helpful guide that will appeal to Christian parents who want encouragement and wisdom for building their children's confidence and resilience in an anxiety-ridden, overwhelming world. It's best for parents of younger kids, although the general principles apply throughout the lifespan, and people who are tired of parenting books with authoritative, fear-based messages will appreciate this book's non-prescriptive approach.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2023
How can we help our kids cling to Christ and biblical truth in a confusing world? In Raising Confident Kids, Ed Drew delivers a parent’s guide to grounding identity in Christ.
The book begins by asking: What is your family culture? The culture I was raised in is markedly different from the culture I want my kids to grow up in. The book also caused me to think about the desires, ambitions, and priorities I have for my child — and if I can see them in myself.
Biblical Worldview
What this book excels at is giving a biblical worldview. For instance, we want our children to see that they are precious to God. While the world says that our achievements and popularity and skillset makes us valuable, God says that we are valuable simply because we are created in his image. This should be enough and it is something we must clearly communicate as parents, for our children should see their worth even outside of and apart from their relationship to us.
I was most moved to read the chapters that say we are forgiven and that we can change. Defaulting to fear, manipulation, or shame can be an easy way to get results — but this does not produce the heart change that only God can give. I was most inspired to read that “with the Lord, change is inevitable.” This is what he does! And this is something I want to start sharing with my kids over and over again.
New Creation
The book is bold in addressing issues of friendships, sex, and marriage - as well as boys, girls, and gender. Drew guides us in helping our kids be godly in their friendships, while also presenting biblical models of marriage as well as telling the goodness of singleness to our children. While there are definitely some unhelpful gender stereotypes, the Bible is clear that men and women are created differently at a biological level. Drew is clear and does not cut corners in speaking out about these topics.
The book closes with a look at the new creation. Parents have a particular role to play in helping our children walk with Jesus and become more like Jesus. This book will help you with your parenting but also point you to Christ himself and the Word of God as a compass in this confusing world.
I received a media copy of Raising Confident Kids and this is my honest review.
The book begins by asking: What is your family culture? The culture I was raised in is markedly different from the culture I want my kids to grow up in. The book also caused me to think about the desires, ambitions, and priorities I have for my child — and if I can see them in myself.
Biblical Worldview
What this book excels at is giving a biblical worldview. For instance, we want our children to see that they are precious to God. While the world says that our achievements and popularity and skillset makes us valuable, God says that we are valuable simply because we are created in his image. This should be enough and it is something we must clearly communicate as parents, for our children should see their worth even outside of and apart from their relationship to us.
I was most moved to read the chapters that say we are forgiven and that we can change. Defaulting to fear, manipulation, or shame can be an easy way to get results — but this does not produce the heart change that only God can give. I was most inspired to read that “with the Lord, change is inevitable.” This is what he does! And this is something I want to start sharing with my kids over and over again.
New Creation
The book is bold in addressing issues of friendships, sex, and marriage - as well as boys, girls, and gender. Drew guides us in helping our kids be godly in their friendships, while also presenting biblical models of marriage as well as telling the goodness of singleness to our children. While there are definitely some unhelpful gender stereotypes, the Bible is clear that men and women are created differently at a biological level. Drew is clear and does not cut corners in speaking out about these topics.
The book closes with a look at the new creation. Parents have a particular role to play in helping our children walk with Jesus and become more like Jesus. This book will help you with your parenting but also point you to Christ himself and the Word of God as a compass in this confusing world.
I received a media copy of Raising Confident Kids and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2024
So much that’s amazing in this book.
I’d recommend it to any parent!
I’m super glad I found it and have written down some of the many highlights and thought provoking statements:
“Creating your own identity is elusive and exhausting.
It leads away from confidence and towards crisis.
Our children’s hearts are at risk…
We need to be clear about what sin is, and teach our kids what it is.
It’s not about naughty behavior or even a wrong lifestyle. It’s about an attitude towards God, the one who loves us most…It’s about identity, deep within us.
Sin does not start with a list of wrong things done. It’s starts with a broken relationship with our creator.
We are the goldfish trying to throw ourselves out of the bowl, in an attempt to be free.
Choose to make whatever “this” is about learning and growing…instead of me winning the confrontation.
Change happens in the heart…and then fruit follows.
Parents need to not only walk the walk. But to regularly talk with children about their walk.
What it is.
Why it matters.
Why they care.”
I’d recommend it to any parent!
I’m super glad I found it and have written down some of the many highlights and thought provoking statements:
“Creating your own identity is elusive and exhausting.
It leads away from confidence and towards crisis.
Our children’s hearts are at risk…
We need to be clear about what sin is, and teach our kids what it is.
It’s not about naughty behavior or even a wrong lifestyle. It’s about an attitude towards God, the one who loves us most…It’s about identity, deep within us.
Sin does not start with a list of wrong things done. It’s starts with a broken relationship with our creator.
We are the goldfish trying to throw ourselves out of the bowl, in an attempt to be free.
Choose to make whatever “this” is about learning and growing…instead of me winning the confrontation.
Change happens in the heart…and then fruit follows.
Parents need to not only walk the walk. But to regularly talk with children about their walk.
What it is.
Why it matters.
Why they care.”
March 20, 2024
Mostly good stuff. Here’s the part I disagree with:
“For myself, I’ve concluded that the Bible’s silence on masterbation should not mean that we are silent. It seems to me that while masterbation can be part of a variety of unhealthy and ungodly habits, it can also be part of a self-controlled, godly lifestyle.”
My stance tends to be here:
https://www.gotquestions.org/masturba...
https://www.gotquestions.org/masturba...
So allowing/encouraging self-gratification over self-control in kids seems like we’re grooming them to be adults who pursue self-gratification over self-control, even in marriage. Because why would something you did many times as a kid, now be wrong once you’re an adult or married?
It was a brief statement the author makes, but one that definitely caused me to slam on the breaks and say, wait a sec… So yeah, overall good, but that was a big red flag for me.
“For myself, I’ve concluded that the Bible’s silence on masterbation should not mean that we are silent. It seems to me that while masterbation can be part of a variety of unhealthy and ungodly habits, it can also be part of a self-controlled, godly lifestyle.”
My stance tends to be here:
https://www.gotquestions.org/masturba...
https://www.gotquestions.org/masturba...
So allowing/encouraging self-gratification over self-control in kids seems like we’re grooming them to be adults who pursue self-gratification over self-control, even in marriage. Because why would something you did many times as a kid, now be wrong once you’re an adult or married?
It was a brief statement the author makes, but one that definitely caused me to slam on the breaks and say, wait a sec… So yeah, overall good, but that was a big red flag for me.
February 5, 2025
So many beautiful truths I needed to be reminded of for myself (not just my kids)!
“In God we have a rock—an unshifting, solid, and secure foundation on which to build our lives. Every storm and turbulence in our children’s lives is an opportunity to invite them to stand on the rock next to us.”
“Faith looks like accepting that we cannot be all that our kids need, pointing them to another, and trusting that He will come through for them.”
“So our parenting needs to focus on the heart, not on the behavior. This may sound obvious, but it is harder, it is more frustrating, and it requires deliberate effort. We will always tend towards modifying our kids’ behavior rather than helping them think about their heart.”
“In God we have a rock—an unshifting, solid, and secure foundation on which to build our lives. Every storm and turbulence in our children’s lives is an opportunity to invite them to stand on the rock next to us.”
“Faith looks like accepting that we cannot be all that our kids need, pointing them to another, and trusting that He will come through for them.”
“So our parenting needs to focus on the heart, not on the behavior. This may sound obvious, but it is harder, it is more frustrating, and it requires deliberate effort. We will always tend towards modifying our kids’ behavior rather than helping them think about their heart.”
December 15, 2023
What do we really want for our children? What is the most important thing for them? Grades? Friends? Achievement in sports or music? A family and their own kids?
This book helps to remind us that knowing who they are and whose they are is the most important thing. They are precious and beloved by the God who made them and who has a perfect plan for them if they trust in him. It’s not a parenting guide but a set of principles for helping our kids be confident in who they are as they grow up in a chaotic world.
Funny and encouraging. Recommended!
This book helps to remind us that knowing who they are and whose they are is the most important thing. They are precious and beloved by the God who made them and who has a perfect plan for them if they trust in him. It’s not a parenting guide but a set of principles for helping our kids be confident in who they are as they grow up in a chaotic world.
Funny and encouraging. Recommended!
March 28, 2024
Lots of good and nothing revolutionary which is what makes it good—we don’t just need more strategies/insights but a deeper understanding/conviction of Biblical truth and gospel to how we parent. I wish he spelled out his view on masturbation, which I found concerning especially because of his lack of explanation. I’m surprised the author or publisher (a very reputable publisher) did not see a need for that. If that was explained perhaps this would be 4 stars.
August 7, 2024
This book is written with such heart and deep emotion. It's so helpful and so inspiring and so full of Jesus. What a picture it paints in the last chapter - our goal is that our children worship as our brothers and sisters next to us in the new heavens and new earth. That puts everything else into perspective.
April 18, 2024
Such a brilliant parenting book. Grace filled and realistic. I usually feel overwhelmed and completely useless when I finish a parenting book but this one has left me encouraged.
The chapters on gender and sexuality were well handled and really helpful.
The chapters on gender and sexuality were well handled and really helpful.
March 22, 2025
Engaging and easy to read/listen to. Good walk through many issues parents are struggling with.
Take aways
Pray for your children
Be open to conversations with children on all difficult subjects.
Point them to Jesus anyway you can
Take aways
Pray for your children
Be open to conversations with children on all difficult subjects.
Point them to Jesus anyway you can
October 12, 2025
Excellent Gospel-Focused Parenting Book
For any parent who wants to know how to point their children to Jesus in any circumstance, read this. Really encouraging, Bible based, and full of truth that we need in current times.
For any parent who wants to know how to point their children to Jesus in any circumstance, read this. Really encouraging, Bible based, and full of truth that we need in current times.
August 5, 2023
Great book. I would highly recommend it to any parent trying to navigate the ever shifting culture to ground their child's identity in Christ
February 13, 2024
Brilliant book for parenting in light of eternity. Speaks on gender, sex, relationships, so much important things. Great challenging and encouraging read.
April 19, 2024
An accessible yet thoughtful guide to leading kids to be confident in Jesus, a very helpful read!
May 19, 2024
A great read and ideal for bible studies. Chapters are short but full of wisdom. Definetly a book I will refer to again in the future.
June 13, 2024
Outstanding. Gospel hearted, readable, helpful, humorous. One of the best parenting books I’ve read.
February 19, 2025
I'd recommend to anyone. Helpful, well illustrated, faithful to Scripture, and winsomely written.
June 5, 2025
Every parent wants to help their kids learn to navigate life effectively, to become more independent, and ultimately to leave us behind. The question is, how do we do it?! Ed Drew's contention, and I believe he is correct, is that the importance of identity in this regard cannot be overstated. He borrows from the corporate world to comment that culture consistently trumps strategy: in other words, who we are, how we see the world, and what we believe to be important have a much bigger influence on our behaviour than plans, training and techniques.
He teases out the implications of this idea concerning two main areas. In the first six chapters, he looks at different aspects of the gospel, before turning to three topical chapters on body, sex and gender. In each case, understanding and leaning into our identity in Christ is key, and he shows this with great clarity, tenderness and humour. While primarily aimed at parents, these lessons are beneficial for every Christian, and I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is excellent, both as a jumping off point for ongoing conversations with our kids and as a stimulus to our thinking through of these issues.
He teases out the implications of this idea concerning two main areas. In the first six chapters, he looks at different aspects of the gospel, before turning to three topical chapters on body, sex and gender. In each case, understanding and leaning into our identity in Christ is key, and he shows this with great clarity, tenderness and humour. While primarily aimed at parents, these lessons are beneficial for every Christian, and I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is excellent, both as a jumping off point for ongoing conversations with our kids and as a stimulus to our thinking through of these issues.
July 23, 2023
HIGHLY recommend this book to all parents. It’s a quick read but there were times when I wanted to highlight the entire thing. There are points in here that really made me realize that I was putting too much emphasis on myself and the life my kids will have here on earthed verse looking up to Christ. Will be reading again.
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