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Talking to Kids About Hard Things: Honest Conversations When Life Gets Complicated
From cultural pressures and political discussions to questions about identity and struggles with doubt, kids are exposed to the realities of our world from an early age. That’s why honest, courageous conversations are not optional for today’s parents—they are essential opportunities for the spiritual formation of both children and parents. Rebekah Hannah and Michael Keller offer parents a path for talking to their kids that is neither fearful nor passive but rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the steady love of Jesus.
The authors invite parents to replace fear, avoidance, and control with faithful presence, truth-telling, and hope rooted in Christ. Parents will learn how to create homes where questions are welcomed, grace is abundant, and faith is lived out authentically, helping children develop a deep and enduring relationship with God.
Offering a gospel-centered approach that prioritizes grace, truth, and humility over performance and perfection, the book provides practical tools for engaging children in meaningful conversations—such as asking thoughtful questions, listening well, using stories, and making the most of everyday moments. It also emphasizes that parenting is not only about shaping children but about God’s ongoing work in transforming parents themselves, and includes a foreword by Kathy Keller.
The authors invite parents to replace fear, avoidance, and control with faithful presence, truth-telling, and hope rooted in Christ. Parents will learn how to create homes where questions are welcomed, grace is abundant, and faith is lived out authentically, helping children develop a deep and enduring relationship with God.
Offering a gospel-centered approach that prioritizes grace, truth, and humility over performance and perfection, the book provides practical tools for engaging children in meaningful conversations—such as asking thoughtful questions, listening well, using stories, and making the most of everyday moments. It also emphasizes that parenting is not only about shaping children but about God’s ongoing work in transforming parents themselves, and includes a foreword by Kathy Keller.
144 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 13, 2026
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. My honest opinions and thoughts—not influenced by anyone.
This book works as a helpful tool in keeping conversations going in family relationships. Especially in today’s world, kids are inundated with non-biblical messages that we as parents and caregivers need to talk about. I appreciate how the book gently navigates those conversations and addresses serious topics that might be confusing or difficult to talk about, helping them feel they can always come to their parents to discuss anything.
My favorite chapter is the one titled “Teach Like Jesus.” What better example could we have for talking to our children with love, acceptance, and grace than Jesus himself?
I’m a huge fan of the discussion questions. They keep me focused, encourage me to dig deeper, and discourage skimming pages. The section on “know yourself” also struck me—reminding us of what ancient wisdom recognized: self-awareness matters. By studying Scripture, listening to our kids, and examining the person we are when no one is watching, we gain the strength to have honest conversations with our children.
This book works as a helpful tool in keeping conversations going in family relationships. Especially in today’s world, kids are inundated with non-biblical messages that we as parents and caregivers need to talk about. I appreciate how the book gently navigates those conversations and addresses serious topics that might be confusing or difficult to talk about, helping them feel they can always come to their parents to discuss anything.
My favorite chapter is the one titled “Teach Like Jesus.” What better example could we have for talking to our children with love, acceptance, and grace than Jesus himself?
I’m a huge fan of the discussion questions. They keep me focused, encourage me to dig deeper, and discourage skimming pages. The section on “know yourself” also struck me—reminding us of what ancient wisdom recognized: self-awareness matters. By studying Scripture, listening to our kids, and examining the person we are when no one is watching, we gain the strength to have honest conversations with our children.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please read this book.
If you’ve ever read and enjoyed one of my book recs and have come to trust them to any degree, that’s as simple as I can put it.
Suggested accompaniment: The Redeemed Reader, Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story - another title that equips parents to engage our kids through confidence in a Big God, dismantling fear, culture war, and over-anxious parenting with truth and grace, just as Hannah and Keller have done here.
If you’ve ever read and enjoyed one of my book recs and have come to trust them to any degree, that’s as simple as I can put it.
Suggested accompaniment: The Redeemed Reader, Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story - another title that equips parents to engage our kids through confidence in a Big God, dismantling fear, culture war, and over-anxious parenting with truth and grace, just as Hannah and Keller have done here.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews