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21 Ways to Connect with Your Kids
Parents spend a good chunk of time making sure their kids are okay--they're getting good grades, doing their chores, and doing just enough cleaning that their rooms won't be condemned if the Board of Health happens to drop by. 21 Ways to Connect with Your Kids offers a straightforward, workable plan to create new avenues of connection between parents and their kids. This handy guide coaches moms and dads to do one simple thing each day for three weeks to connect with their kids.
Daily connection ideas include:
planning a family fun night telling your child what you like about them developing a character growth chart writing a love note to your child working together on a family project
Written in Kathi's warm and compassionate but thought-provoking tone, this book will motivate parents to incorporate great relationship habits into their daily lives and give them confidence that they can connect with their kids even in the midst of busy schedules.
Daily connection ideas include:
planning a family fun night telling your child what you like about them developing a character growth chart writing a love note to your child working together on a family project
Written in Kathi's warm and compassionate but thought-provoking tone, this book will motivate parents to incorporate great relationship habits into their daily lives and give them confidence that they can connect with their kids even in the midst of busy schedules.
- GenresParenting
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Lipp
42 books340 followersKathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 23, 2012
This book was not what I expected at all. I was expecting something more along the lines of 1) Talk to and with your kids, 2) Do stuff together, etc. You know, the usual stuff. But 21 Ways to Connect with Your Kids is packed full with ideas of what to do with and for our children. It's not just "Talk to and with your kids"; it's how to talk to them, when, what to say, how to prepare yourself for it. This book is all about doing. The author draws from her personal experience, as well as the experiences and advise of others to make a great compilation of very good ideas of things to do to connect with our kids. It's a very practical book.
Although there may be many books that fit this description, this one goes further. It is not only about the many things you can do with your children; Mrs. Lipp helps us to custom fit the ideas according to our children's personalities, their likes and dislikes. There is a personality quiz at the beginning of the book to more or less guide us to see which personality best describe our children, and it is a very handy tool for understanding our kids' different needs.
I really liked how candidly and sincerely the author spoke about her own problems connecting with her children. Everyone can identify with her struggles, relate to her, sympathize and know that they are not alone. However, many of the ideas presented here, although very good, are pretty basic and common, so I sometimes felt like it was strange, for example, to receive advise on eating together with my children, since we do so everyday. But if you have a blended family, somewhat detached teenagers, are thinking of starting a family or if you are simply at a lost of what to do with your kids, here you will find good, fun ideas to enjoy each others' company. Yes, some are very basic but I still encourage you to read this book just to see how simple, basic ideas can be given a fun new twist.
*I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Although there may be many books that fit this description, this one goes further. It is not only about the many things you can do with your children; Mrs. Lipp helps us to custom fit the ideas according to our children's personalities, their likes and dislikes. There is a personality quiz at the beginning of the book to more or less guide us to see which personality best describe our children, and it is a very handy tool for understanding our kids' different needs.
I really liked how candidly and sincerely the author spoke about her own problems connecting with her children. Everyone can identify with her struggles, relate to her, sympathize and know that they are not alone. However, many of the ideas presented here, although very good, are pretty basic and common, so I sometimes felt like it was strange, for example, to receive advise on eating together with my children, since we do so everyday. But if you have a blended family, somewhat detached teenagers, are thinking of starting a family or if you are simply at a lost of what to do with your kids, here you will find good, fun ideas to enjoy each others' company. Yes, some are very basic but I still encourage you to read this book just to see how simple, basic ideas can be given a fun new twist.
*I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
May 26, 2018
This book is a very practical book for parents, and I myself was also inspired and challenged to get more intentional and how I connect with my baby Lina. Time is going by very fast, and suddenly Lina will be all grown, so that is why learning and growing in ways that I connect with my child is so crucial. The book is full of new ideas on how to connect and what to do as you connect, which is something I appreciated. Not all people would like this book though because of a lot of “Talking” but all in all it is this book a one that I would like to recommend to parents.
It was interesting and I do not regret this book at all even though I did feel like she could have been a bit more focused in chapters.
It was interesting and I do not regret this book at all even though I did feel like she could have been a bit more focused in chapters.
February 2, 2013
Let me start by stating that I am so glad I chose this book to review. I am always looking for new ways to make the time my kids spend with my husband and I fun. My kids see me all day long every single day because I home school them. Yes, they do have a few classes at our local charter school, but really we are always together. The time we spend together as a family tends to be repetitive and stale-not much fun for any of us. So I sought out 21 Ways to connect with Your Kids by Kathi Lipp for some fresh ideas.
In the beginning of the book you will find a personality test to find out your child's strongest personality, and throughout the book, as you read the 21 ways to connect, you will be given more direct ways to make these connections work specifically for each kid based on their "unique personality". This was a huge help for me! I made a note beside each answer that best fit each of my kids. I wrote a S. next to an answer for my daughter and an A. next to the answer that best fit my son. Tallied the letters for both kids and found out their personality's. I have a greater understanding of why both my kids do not like to be alone and have a tendency to talk...and talk...and talk some more. At the end of each chapter author Kathi Lipp also gives ideas for teens, step-kids, and single parents. She also has written a bonus section with 50 Ways to Connect with Girls and 50 Ways to Connect with Boys.
Something I think is really great about her ideas is that they are all practical. Everyone can do them-the rich, the not so rich, the working parents, the stay at home parents, even the grandparents. Just to give you an example, we are giving the $15 Family Fun Night a go. I have assigned every other Saturday night as our $15 Family Fun Night. Each person gets a turn to plan what we will eat, where we will eat it, and what we will do while keeping to the $15 budget. A great learning experience for my kids all the way around.
***Thank you Harvest House Publishers for the free book in exchange for my honest review.***
In the beginning of the book you will find a personality test to find out your child's strongest personality, and throughout the book, as you read the 21 ways to connect, you will be given more direct ways to make these connections work specifically for each kid based on their "unique personality". This was a huge help for me! I made a note beside each answer that best fit each of my kids. I wrote a S. next to an answer for my daughter and an A. next to the answer that best fit my son. Tallied the letters for both kids and found out their personality's. I have a greater understanding of why both my kids do not like to be alone and have a tendency to talk...and talk...and talk some more. At the end of each chapter author Kathi Lipp also gives ideas for teens, step-kids, and single parents. She also has written a bonus section with 50 Ways to Connect with Girls and 50 Ways to Connect with Boys.
Something I think is really great about her ideas is that they are all practical. Everyone can do them-the rich, the not so rich, the working parents, the stay at home parents, even the grandparents. Just to give you an example, we are giving the $15 Family Fun Night a go. I have assigned every other Saturday night as our $15 Family Fun Night. Each person gets a turn to plan what we will eat, where we will eat it, and what we will do while keeping to the $15 budget. A great learning experience for my kids all the way around.
***Thank you Harvest House Publishers for the free book in exchange for my honest review.***
October 12, 2012
I really enjoyed Kathi Lipp’s other books and this one is no different, except I kept asking myself; why do parents need a book to tell them how to connect with their children? I mean, really, shouldn’t we, if the Lord has given us these precious blessings know how to connect with them without texting, or skype or whatever techy thing comes along? Do we really need an author and fellow mom to tell us to have dinner together, get outside or even do a project together?
That being said I know there are a lot of houses with two parents who are working and so time together and connectedness are things longed for rather than achieved. Since I’m on the flip side and stay home with my children and home educate them the things in this book are fairly common sense and common place in our life – of course I can’t send love notes in my child’s lunch box but I can tell them personally with a hug included every day! I think Kathi’s book that can give even me ideas – I like the mini quiz at the beginning of the book that can tell you if your child is a expressive, analytical, driving or amiable personality and that will relate how the activities are geared to that specific personality trait.
Also included in each chapter is how to include the teens in the activity since they are usually harder to please than their younger counter parts. She also includes how to do things if you’re a blended family with step parents or siblings in the family or if you’re a single parent family. I apologize if I sounded critical, that isn’t my intent, as I really liked this book and as I said I did get some ideas for things or something that I thought of was expounded on and gave me an even better idea! So if you’re stuck not knowing how to connect with your child, maybe a personality conflict, then this book could just get you over that hump and moving forward.
**Special thanks to Ginger **** for sending me a review copy.**
That being said I know there are a lot of houses with two parents who are working and so time together and connectedness are things longed for rather than achieved. Since I’m on the flip side and stay home with my children and home educate them the things in this book are fairly common sense and common place in our life – of course I can’t send love notes in my child’s lunch box but I can tell them personally with a hug included every day! I think Kathi’s book that can give even me ideas – I like the mini quiz at the beginning of the book that can tell you if your child is a expressive, analytical, driving or amiable personality and that will relate how the activities are geared to that specific personality trait.
Also included in each chapter is how to include the teens in the activity since they are usually harder to please than their younger counter parts. She also includes how to do things if you’re a blended family with step parents or siblings in the family or if you’re a single parent family. I apologize if I sounded critical, that isn’t my intent, as I really liked this book and as I said I did get some ideas for things or something that I thought of was expounded on and gave me an even better idea! So if you’re stuck not knowing how to connect with your child, maybe a personality conflict, then this book could just get you over that hump and moving forward.
**Special thanks to Ginger **** for sending me a review copy.**
April 14, 2013
Two of my friends heard Kathi Lipp speak at MomCon '12. With the exception of a girl talking about the latest teen heartthrob, I didn't know it was possible to say someone's name so many times. Seriously, they talked about her nonstop... every time I saw them... every conversation... Food? Kathi Lipp... Organizing? Kathi Lipp... Marriage? Kathi Lipp... Self? Kathi Lipp... Kathi says... Kathi writes... According to Kathi... They had her entire collection, and they traded books around like baseball cards.
Fast forward a few months-- I am now going to MomCon '13, so I decided to read a few books by the speakers. I was nervous about reading a Kathi Lipp book. How could it possibly stand up to the hype? If I didn't like the book, how could I break it to them? I'm not a fan of most parenting books, so the chances of my enjoying the book were slim.
No worries. Kathi Lipp had me on page one when she described that her parenting skills weren't always perfect and that she's curled up and cried more than once. I immediately realized she wasn't one of those impeccable mommy bloggers whose outfits, meals, techniques, homemade crafts, etc. make June Cleaver look like a slacker.
In this book, Lipp doesn't just focus on the traditional family with two young children. She includes strategies for teen children, step children, and single parents-- and she acknowledges the challenges in those situations. She also includes a personality quiz and offers ways to differentiate activities to suit various children's temperaments. Consequently, this book is a practical investment since it can be used from preschool through the empty nest period. Highly recommended.
Fast forward a few months-- I am now going to MomCon '13, so I decided to read a few books by the speakers. I was nervous about reading a Kathi Lipp book. How could it possibly stand up to the hype? If I didn't like the book, how could I break it to them? I'm not a fan of most parenting books, so the chances of my enjoying the book were slim.
No worries. Kathi Lipp had me on page one when she described that her parenting skills weren't always perfect and that she's curled up and cried more than once. I immediately realized she wasn't one of those impeccable mommy bloggers whose outfits, meals, techniques, homemade crafts, etc. make June Cleaver look like a slacker.
In this book, Lipp doesn't just focus on the traditional family with two young children. She includes strategies for teen children, step children, and single parents-- and she acknowledges the challenges in those situations. She also includes a personality quiz and offers ways to differentiate activities to suit various children's temperaments. Consequently, this book is a practical investment since it can be used from preschool through the empty nest period. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2020
I love Kathi Lipp! I have heard her speak a number of times on Focus on the Family and I always love her message! I also had the privilege of listening to her speak live at a homeschool conference where I bought this book. I watched Kathi share her heart with each person who came to her with questions. Kathi shares her heart again in this book and has so many wonderful ideas! I ended up flagging and marking up my book so I wouldn’t forget any of them!
One of my favorite ideas that I already tried out was in the very first chapter. She suggests planning a family dollar night. She has many suggestions but the one I tried out was her suggestion to have your kids plan a whole meal with a set budget and then help cook that meal and plan the entertainment for the night (all on a set budget). I did this with each of my 3 children separately and they LOVED this! (The Walmart app makes it really easy to plan a meal on a set budget). In fact, all 3 of them asked me to do this again! It made my meal planning a little easier that week too and we had fun doing it together. They also each loved choosing the entertainment for the night as well. I can’t wait to try out her other suggestions!
Other reasons to love this book:
At the end of each chapter, Kathi gives you ideas of how to apply the chapter to 1) Teen Challenges 2) Step Children 3) Single Parents and then finally how to apply the chapter to each personality type (there is a personality quiz in the beginning that you can give to each of your children if you don’t know their personality type. I especially found the personality summary to be helpful because each of our kids needs are different.
One of my favorite ideas that I already tried out was in the very first chapter. She suggests planning a family dollar night. She has many suggestions but the one I tried out was her suggestion to have your kids plan a whole meal with a set budget and then help cook that meal and plan the entertainment for the night (all on a set budget). I did this with each of my 3 children separately and they LOVED this! (The Walmart app makes it really easy to plan a meal on a set budget). In fact, all 3 of them asked me to do this again! It made my meal planning a little easier that week too and we had fun doing it together. They also each loved choosing the entertainment for the night as well. I can’t wait to try out her other suggestions!
Other reasons to love this book:
At the end of each chapter, Kathi gives you ideas of how to apply the chapter to 1) Teen Challenges 2) Step Children 3) Single Parents and then finally how to apply the chapter to each personality type (there is a personality quiz in the beginning that you can give to each of your children if you don’t know their personality type. I especially found the personality summary to be helpful because each of our kids needs are different.
December 31, 2015
This is a great book with a lot of wonderful suggestions on how to strengthen your bonds with your kids. It even covers step-parenting and single parenting, too. A lot of the suggestions in here are things that just about anyone can do in one way or another. My favorites include Fifteen Dollar Family Fun Night, A Treat Just for Them, Just the Two of Us, and Have a Game Night. I will definitely be giving these – and many more of the suggestions – a try with my kids.
If you’re looking for a way to connect with your kids, definitely give 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids by Kathi Lipp a try. It’s well-written in an easy-to-read conversational voice. It’s like sitting and getting advice from a good friend. It is a quick read, too, which means you spend more time implementing these ideas than you do trying to read how to do them. They are all easily modified to fit your own family, too.
Kathi Lipp is an author whose works I’ll definitely be looking to read more of. The Husband Project and The Get Yourself Organized Project both look quite helpful. If they’re written in a similar style to this one (which is likely a safe guess, given she’s the author of all three), I’m sure I’ll get lots of useful ideas!
If you’re looking for a way to connect with your kids, definitely give 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids by Kathi Lipp a try. It’s well-written in an easy-to-read conversational voice. It’s like sitting and getting advice from a good friend. It is a quick read, too, which means you spend more time implementing these ideas than you do trying to read how to do them. They are all easily modified to fit your own family, too.
Kathi Lipp is an author whose works I’ll definitely be looking to read more of. The Husband Project and The Get Yourself Organized Project both look quite helpful. If they’re written in a similar style to this one (which is likely a safe guess, given she’s the author of all three), I’m sure I’ll get lots of useful ideas!
August 10, 2015
I heard Kathie speak at a homeschool convention. she is an engaging speaker.
This book is packed full of ideas on connecting with your children. the first step is to determine your child's personality. Once you have this determined, Kathi starts with the 21 ways to connect with your children.
Kathi wisely suggests that you do not attempt to do all the suggestions. She gives practical steps on how to embark on the connection journey.
I appreciated how each chapter concluded with extra tips on how to connect with each of the 4 personalities. She also has practical tips for single parents and blended families.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
This book is packed full of ideas on connecting with your children. the first step is to determine your child's personality. Once you have this determined, Kathi starts with the 21 ways to connect with your children.
Kathi wisely suggests that you do not attempt to do all the suggestions. She gives practical steps on how to embark on the connection journey.
I appreciated how each chapter concluded with extra tips on how to connect with each of the 4 personalities. She also has practical tips for single parents and blended families.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
May 19, 2016
I love all of Kathi's books, but I think this one is my favorite! I have a wonderful relationship with each of my children, but lately it seems that I have less and less time with them. I found the suggestions to be just what we need. I'm not a crafty, "Pinterest mom" so I do find it harder to be creative when coming up with fresh ideas for family activities. I would have never even thought about some of the things in this book and I look forward to trying some new things this weekend! I will add that I especially like the 50 ideas for boys/girls at the end of the book. Those will definitely come in handy while school is out this summer.
April 4, 2013
Love the unique personality info. Could definitely see my grandchildren in it.
January 15, 2015
Really great ideas. This author is great. I got to see her speak. I will use this one over and over as my kids grow up.
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