Tough Stuff Parenting: Helping Your Kids Navigate Faith and Culture

by Paul Basden, Jim Johnson

Are You Prepared to Talk with Your Child About...? Discussing difficult topics with kids has never been easy, but in today's world, it's more difficult than ever. Gay marriage, terrorist attacks, pornography, police shootings, and yes, sex, are just some of the complex issues children will encounter in our current culture. When your child asks questions, will you have answers? Tough Stuff Parenting will equip you to have thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations with your child. The biblically-based wisdom and practical tools you'll find inside will help you confidently engage your kid in meaningful dialogue. And when questions arise, your child will look to you first for answers instead of friends or the Internet. Make a lasting connection with your kid by learning how to effectively discuss life's most complicated topics.

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2019

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good book! This book takes 10 very prominent issues and breaks them down for parents both theologically and practically. I appreciated the authors' recognition of the gray in many areas, but their application of biblical principles and guidance for parents. This book was easy to read, well-written and full of useful information. Will be recommending to parents from now on!

[Chad Oberholtzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tough Stuff Parenting" is exactly what it claims to be, a courageous dive into some topics that many of us parents would prefer that we didn't have to navigate with our children: sex, alcohol, suicide, and the like. And Johnson and Basden do a commendable job of tackling the issues directly and graciously.

As pastors, they approach each of the issues through a Christian theological grid but do so without being presumptuous or dogmatic. I didn't agree with all of their theological or ethical conclusions, but that's to be expected on such thorny issues. Their tone and posture was more invitational and reflective than heavy-handed and declarative, so it still felt like I could benefit from their analysis and suggestions, even if all of our assumptions and positions were not the same.

My primary critique of the book is more in format than in content. By intentionally discussing a broad array of challenging topics, the nature of compiling so many complicated issues into one book is that most chapters felt inadequate, a relatively quick pass at vexing questions that warrant a deeper dive, at least in my view. While I appreciate their intentionally to step into these murky waters, I found myself often feeling like what they offered was an overly simplified response to deeply and inherently complex questions. There is something to be said to just getting the conversations started, and this book accomplishes that well. But I was hungry for something more comprehensive and thorough as I processed each chapter, and this is simply not that book.

Ultimately, I'm grateful that Johnson and Basden had the guts to write a book that will likely irritate some readers. It's impossible to talk about hard things without disappointing someone. But even if we do not encounter serious parenting struggles with all of these issues, each of us will surely deal with some of them. How we navigate these topics with our children will forever impact their relationship with God and with us, so it's imperative that we thoughtfully reflect on how we'd like to tackle things when the challenges arise, and ideally, before they arise. Johnson and Basden have given us a useful tool for our parenting toolbox, to help us be even slightly more prepared to walk with our kids into the future that God desires for them. I'm happy to recommend "Tough Stuff Parenting" as a worthwhile read that won't answer all of the questions or solve all of the problems but will help us think and talk and pray well.

[Jessica Partlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes eleven topics kids might ask about and gives answers that, in the authors’ views, holds culture and the Bible in good tension. I appreciate verses to look to for applying to different topics. Also, applications for ideas on how to discuss difficult topics with varying ages of children. Just a book that’s good to have in your “back pocket” for keeping things on the radar and referencing as needed.

[Robert Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I can say this book brought some real insight to spiritual parenting. I have learned so much from this book. Drugs and alcohol, suicide, sexual interactions and so much more.

You have to read this book for yourself to understand, what I have experienced. I will be purchasing a copy for when I have a child.

I would recommend this book to all Christian parents and anyone who wants to learn how to deal with the influences in their kids life.


[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book takes a brutally realistic approach to all the hot topics we as parents must discuss with our kids. Drugs, sex, parties, alcohol, same-sex attractions, racism, porn, suicide: the authors bravely tackle how to discuss all these issues from a Christian perspective. They don't get preachy or judgmental, however, and I appreciated this. They acknowledge that young people and adults drink, have sex outside of marriage, and have issues of all kinds. I particularly appreciated the authors' discussion of same-sex relationships. They don't tell you what to think and, instead, offer three views of how Christians might approach the issue. Each chapter offers specific advice for parents of elementary age children, tweens, and teens.

[Corey A. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to help Christian parents navigate tough issues with their kids. The authors are very sensitive to modern culture yet stand firmly with biblical standards. This is the type if book that will be a handbook for me to reference from time to time as difficult topics pop up. Great work!