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Impossible Kid
When a mother’s journey begins, one is venturing into the unknown.
It’s hard to imagine what this tiny little baby will be as an adult. My journey was difficult, heart-wrenching, and laborious and yet joyful, worth every tear and strife. My child seemed impossible to me, but God chose me to be the mother of this impossible child. And what we deem impossible, God makes possible (Luke 18:27). From the introduction
In The Impossible Kid , relationship coach and pastor’s wife Lucille Williams writes an exceptionally honest and funny account of parenting a strong-willed child. Through 11 entertaining chapters, this book provides practical tools for parents to sow seeds of encouragement in their kids as they aspire to raise adults who reflect the nature and character of God. Endorsed by Dr. Gary Smalley, The Impossible Kid is an encouraging and informative read, covering topics including family dysfunctions, feeling like an inadequate parent, creative and effective discipline, parenting with integrity, the dreaded sex talk, learning to laugh together, and keeping God as the focal point in the home.
It’s hard to imagine what this tiny little baby will be as an adult. My journey was difficult, heart-wrenching, and laborious and yet joyful, worth every tear and strife. My child seemed impossible to me, but God chose me to be the mother of this impossible child. And what we deem impossible, God makes possible (Luke 18:27). From the introduction
In The Impossible Kid , relationship coach and pastor’s wife Lucille Williams writes an exceptionally honest and funny account of parenting a strong-willed child. Through 11 entertaining chapters, this book provides practical tools for parents to sow seeds of encouragement in their kids as they aspire to raise adults who reflect the nature and character of God. Endorsed by Dr. Gary Smalley, The Impossible Kid is an encouraging and informative read, covering topics including family dysfunctions, feeling like an inadequate parent, creative and effective discipline, parenting with integrity, the dreaded sex talk, learning to laugh together, and keeping God as the focal point in the home.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
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268 people want to read
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August 15, 2021This was an interesting book about a woman and her strong-willed daughter. It was interesting to read about how things worked for her daughter and how each situation can be different and how what works for one, doesn't always work for another.
I liked how both mother and daughter contributed their own thoughts in each chapter. Made it interesting to see both viewpoints and to know that despite all the struggles she grew up well and made good life decisions. The author writes about faith in God and turning things over to Him. I saw in her writings that although her marriage had rough times, she still felt the importance to nourish the relationship with her husband.
There was good advice and suggestions on raising children that have strong spirits and I would recommend this book to others raising children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
I liked how both mother and daughter contributed their own thoughts in each chapter. Made it interesting to see both viewpoints and to know that despite all the struggles she grew up well and made good life decisions. The author writes about faith in God and turning things over to Him. I saw in her writings that although her marriage had rough times, she still felt the importance to nourish the relationship with her husband.
There was good advice and suggestions on raising children that have strong spirits and I would recommend this book to others raising children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
August 8, 2021
I really enjoyed the openness and honesty of the struggles and joys of raising Children. And yes, your definition of a strong willed child will differ from mine, and even from season to season and situation to situation.
And yes, what might have worked for this author might not work for you or me - because each child, parent and home is unique and different, while reading this book it just felt like having coffee with friends and talking about our struggles and having that ‘I totally understand’ moment.
So, even though you might not have that strong willed child, you might still pick up a few ideas in this book on dealing with struggles specific to your situation.
Children is a gift and raising them requires lots of help!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
And yes, what might have worked for this author might not work for you or me - because each child, parent and home is unique and different, while reading this book it just felt like having coffee with friends and talking about our struggles and having that ‘I totally understand’ moment.
So, even though you might not have that strong willed child, you might still pick up a few ideas in this book on dealing with struggles specific to your situation.
Children is a gift and raising them requires lots of help!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
September 1, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading The Impossible Kid early and I’m so grateful that I was given this opportunity because the book truly made a big impact on me.
I’ll be honest, having a 2 year old, I didn’t think I would relate very much to the book since my daughter is still pretty young and I figured this was more for learning how to parent older children - but boy was I wrong!!
Lucille hit ALLLLLL aspects of parenting, and even touched on points that I wasn’t expecting to connect with as much as I did.
I truly enjoyed how she touched on each aspect of parenting - from having a solid marriage to breaking the cycle of family dysfunction to learning how to process and embrace our own emotions so that we can help our children process and embrace their own emotions too. I also enjoyed the reminders that us moms, even though we try our hardest to be super mom - we are in fact just human and it’s OK to give ourselves that grace when we are feeling like we are falling short. Our children still love us just the same and they are WATCHING every thing we do, so we must set a good example, which also includes showing them how to give ourselves love when we are feeling a little less than perfect.
Every part of this book was relatable and I enjoy when parenting books touch on topics other than the basic “ how to’s” because when you are reading it, it reads more like having a conversation and getting advice from your older, much wiser, mother-figure rather than some of the other parenting books that seem to mix in too much non-relatable jargon that ends up boring me after two minutes of reading. I was definitely hooked on every chapter and Lucille’s and Monica’s stories that they share are very much relatable to how real life actually happens, because let’s be honest…. It never goes as planned or how they describe in the traditional parenting books and there are ALWAYS curve balls waiting around the corner.
I truly enjoyed this read and will probably be referencing back to it quite often as my daughter gets older! it is a must read for any first time parent!
September 17, 2021
I was very excited to get this book in the mail. It was well written, however I was slightly disappointed with it. This is simply my take on it because someone else will very probably have a different opinion than me. Books are very subjective. While I wanted to enjoy it more, I found platitudes instead of encouragement. I didn’t want platitudes, I wanted advice. And the advice I received felt judgmental (again, that statement I’m sure is more about me and my state of mind than about the author). She kept talking about how she is here to give grace and no mom shaming because we all need to be supported and supportive, but yet the advice that worked for her family made me feel like I had made mistakes in the way I parented. I don’t think she meant to do that, I think it was false mom guilt, so I probably should have read the book during a different season in my life. Again, more of a reflection on me than on the author I’m sure. I loved her true stories and I loved how her daughter ended each chapter giving her thoughts and feelings about childhood. Some of them I could really relate to, but I wanted to hear more of why the girl reacted and felt the way she did, to possibly understand more. I was envious of how her daughter talked about how wonderful her mom was. I was glad to have read this book, but maybe I should have read it in a different phase of my life. Maybe then I could have put into practice some of what worked for the author and I would have had a different perspective of the overall message. I believe this book could be very encouraging for others, it just didn’t hit the mark I was hoping for, for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
September 15, 2021
The Impossible Kid by Lucille Williams
: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace
When a mother’s journey begins, one is venturing into the unknown.
It’s hard to imagine what this tiny little baby will be as an adult. My journey was difficult, heart-wrenching, and laborious and yet joyful, worth every tear and strife. My child seemed impossible to me, but God chose me to be the mother of this impossible child. And what we deem impossible, God makes possible (Luke 18:27). From the introduction
In The Impossible Kid, relationship coach and pastor’s wife Lucille Williams writes an exceptionally honest and funny account of parenting a strong-willed child. Through 11 entertaining chapters, this book provides practical tools for parents to sow seeds of encouragement in their kids as they aspire to raise adults who reflect the nature and character of God. Endorsed by Dr. Gary Smalley, The Impossible Kid is an encouraging and informative read, covering topics including family dysfunctions, feeling like an inadequate parent, creative and effective discipline, parenting with integrity, the dreaded sex talk, learning to laugh together, and keeping God as the focal point in the home.
Good advice and suggestions on raising children that have strong spirits.
Mother and daughter contributed their own thoughts in each chapter.
I highly recommend this book
The Impossible Kid by Lucille Williams is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace
When a mother’s journey begins, one is venturing into the unknown.
It’s hard to imagine what this tiny little baby will be as an adult. My journey was difficult, heart-wrenching, and laborious and yet joyful, worth every tear and strife. My child seemed impossible to me, but God chose me to be the mother of this impossible child. And what we deem impossible, God makes possible (Luke 18:27). From the introduction
In The Impossible Kid, relationship coach and pastor’s wife Lucille Williams writes an exceptionally honest and funny account of parenting a strong-willed child. Through 11 entertaining chapters, this book provides practical tools for parents to sow seeds of encouragement in their kids as they aspire to raise adults who reflect the nature and character of God. Endorsed by Dr. Gary Smalley, The Impossible Kid is an encouraging and informative read, covering topics including family dysfunctions, feeling like an inadequate parent, creative and effective discipline, parenting with integrity, the dreaded sex talk, learning to laugh together, and keeping God as the focal point in the home.
Good advice and suggestions on raising children that have strong spirits.
Mother and daughter contributed their own thoughts in each chapter.
I highly recommend this book
The Impossible Kid by Lucille Williams is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
September 1, 2021
Buoyed by relatable anecdotes and lots of laughs, this book is as much a love letter to “impossible” children as it is a guide to parenting one. There are no judgments here, no condemnations and calls of “bad parent!”; instead, Lucille packs the pages with genuine encouragement and Scripture, along with hilarious stories of her gaffes and triumphs. Lucille’s daughter, Monica, the eponymous “Impossible Kid”, provides commentary at the end of each chapter, lending her witty perspective as both a reformed “difficult” child and a mother to one.
What I liked most about this book was Lucille’s unwavering honesty; she never shied away from topics other Christian authors might consider inappropriate, and the incidents she recounted throughout are clearly both real and, at times, really embarrassing. However, with every mistake comes learning, and “Impossible Kid” is full of lessons that could only be learned by someone who has not only made those mistakes, but also grew from them.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this to parents, even those whose children don’t drive them bonkers (although I imagine they’re far and few between), and fellow impossible kids who want a glimpse into what they put their parents through.
What I liked most about this book was Lucille’s unwavering honesty; she never shied away from topics other Christian authors might consider inappropriate, and the incidents she recounted throughout are clearly both real and, at times, really embarrassing. However, with every mistake comes learning, and “Impossible Kid” is full of lessons that could only be learned by someone who has not only made those mistakes, but also grew from them.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this to parents, even those whose children don’t drive them bonkers (although I imagine they’re far and few between), and fellow impossible kids who want a glimpse into what they put their parents through.
January 6, 2022
Hilarious and Right on Target
Lucille Williams has done it again. Her transparency and wit in her book “The Impossible Kid” keeps the reader turning the pages. This book is filled with good advice on parenting and filled with many hilarious experiences that should be labeled “do not try this at home!” There were times while reading, that I was literally LOL. Her daughter Monica’s comments and reflections at the end of each chapter are the icing on the cake, making this book truly unique. We realize that this author really does know how to parent “an impossible kid” for it is easy to fall in love with the adult Monica who is now experiencing her own strong willed child. Lucille shows how to create a bond and level of trust between parent and child that cannot be easily broken. It is a book not only for parents who feel they have an “impossible kid,” but for all those parenting children with many different personalities and needs. It is also a great encouragement to all moms who feel inept and continually failing. The author shows how authoritative parenting with a “do as I say and do it right now” attitude will usually not work with a strong willed child and most importantly, she shows what DOES work. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to any parent.
Lucille Williams has done it again. Her transparency and wit in her book “The Impossible Kid” keeps the reader turning the pages. This book is filled with good advice on parenting and filled with many hilarious experiences that should be labeled “do not try this at home!” There were times while reading, that I was literally LOL. Her daughter Monica’s comments and reflections at the end of each chapter are the icing on the cake, making this book truly unique. We realize that this author really does know how to parent “an impossible kid” for it is easy to fall in love with the adult Monica who is now experiencing her own strong willed child. Lucille shows how to create a bond and level of trust between parent and child that cannot be easily broken. It is a book not only for parents who feel they have an “impossible kid,” but for all those parenting children with many different personalities and needs. It is also a great encouragement to all moms who feel inept and continually failing. The author shows how authoritative parenting with a “do as I say and do it right now” attitude will usually not work with a strong willed child and most importantly, she shows what DOES work. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to any parent.
November 5, 2021
This fun, short book on the struggles of motherhood was just what I needed! Author Lucille Williams helps mothers of all kinds of children feel validated in their parenting journey while offering insight, uncomplicated, straight-forward advice, and in-depth Scriptures that offer hope, reassurance and encouragement.
As I read through this book, I enjoyed several aspects. The first being that it doesn’t just pertain to the child mothers may feel is “impossible”. It also spoke volumes on how to foster a healthy, beautiful relationship with a child of any personality type. Lucille focuses on developing a deep and meaningful relationship with your children over worrying about behavior and I found that encouraging.
The book is divided into sections that make reading easy for the mom who has time constraints. I had no trouble reading it in bite-sized portions at a time. In addition, Lucille offers three questions at the end of each chapter as a way for mothers to absorb and reflect on what she just read and how it pertains to her own situation.
I particularly loved how Lucille’s own “impossible” child, Monica, chimes in with her thoughts and observations at the end of each chapter. It was refreshing and offered a fresh viewpoint from the child’s perspective as to what a strong-willed personality may be feeling.
I laughed throughout this book as Lucille shared many of her own humorous faux pas and stories, making this book enjoyable and extremely relatable. I definitely recommend this book to other mothers and am very appreciative of Lucille and Monica for sharing their stories with us!
*I voluntarily received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
As I read through this book, I enjoyed several aspects. The first being that it doesn’t just pertain to the child mothers may feel is “impossible”. It also spoke volumes on how to foster a healthy, beautiful relationship with a child of any personality type. Lucille focuses on developing a deep and meaningful relationship with your children over worrying about behavior and I found that encouraging.
The book is divided into sections that make reading easy for the mom who has time constraints. I had no trouble reading it in bite-sized portions at a time. In addition, Lucille offers three questions at the end of each chapter as a way for mothers to absorb and reflect on what she just read and how it pertains to her own situation.
I particularly loved how Lucille’s own “impossible” child, Monica, chimes in with her thoughts and observations at the end of each chapter. It was refreshing and offered a fresh viewpoint from the child’s perspective as to what a strong-willed personality may be feeling.
I laughed throughout this book as Lucille shared many of her own humorous faux pas and stories, making this book enjoyable and extremely relatable. I definitely recommend this book to other mothers and am very appreciative of Lucille and Monica for sharing their stories with us!
*I voluntarily received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
September 1, 2021
If you have kids, no kids, adult kids, or are still a kid yourself, read this book! As an adult who doesn't have children I wasn't sure if I would get anything out of reading a book like this. Boy was I wrong. Not only did it give great insight into my relationship with my own parents and the sacrifices they made raising us, it has helped tremendously with someone I will lovingly refer to as "The impossible adult-kid" I have been blessed with through marriage. Whether your "kid" is two or twenty two, this book hilariously offers insight and advice to dealing with those "what do I do now?" moments. This book also gives insight to the behind the scene struggles your co-workers and friends might be going through with their own impossible kids you might never even know about.
Regardless of where you sit on the parent/non parent scale, this book has something everyone can take away to make their own relationships better.
Regardless of where you sit on the parent/non parent scale, this book has something everyone can take away to make their own relationships better.
September 11, 2021
This book is amazing. I throughly enjoy it. I think what resonated most was the real life mama advice shared by Lucille Williams. In the book, Lucille shares her perspective of how it went parenting her three (now grown) children in their younger years. Her oldest daughter, Monica, then shares her perspective either as a child or as a now mother of a young toddler. Lucille doesn’t hold much back. This book is practical, real, sometimes raw and honest. I love the practical advice shared.
Lucille writes, “We do not raise kids; we raise adults. One day in the not so distant future, the house will be quiet; the kitchen will be spotless; you’ll have plenty of time in the shower; and you’ll be waiting by the phone, hoping one of your children would call, or even better come for a visit.”
Lucille offers hope and encouragement for all moms! I was given a free copy for my honest review. I loved The Impossible Kid!
Lucille writes, “We do not raise kids; we raise adults. One day in the not so distant future, the house will be quiet; the kitchen will be spotless; you’ll have plenty of time in the shower; and you’ll be waiting by the phone, hoping one of your children would call, or even better come for a visit.”
Lucille offers hope and encouragement for all moms! I was given a free copy for my honest review. I loved The Impossible Kid!
August 26, 2021
I know that the title of this book was about the impossible kid and that was highlighted a little bit throughout the book but I think that most of the book talks about marriage and parenting from a Christian perspective.
I enjoyed how the author honestly told about the struggles that she experienced as a mom and some of the less flattering things that she did.
I also enjoyed how the author concluded each chapter with a section written by her daughter, Monica, who was "the impossible kid".
Again, I learned a lot about marriage and parenting from this book and for that, I am grateful!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I enjoyed how the author honestly told about the struggles that she experienced as a mom and some of the less flattering things that she did.
I also enjoyed how the author concluded each chapter with a section written by her daughter, Monica, who was "the impossible kid".
Again, I learned a lot about marriage and parenting from this book and for that, I am grateful!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
September 1, 2021
This book was very insightful and well written. I love that it has the input from the parent as well as her "impossible kid". It is nice seeing the two sides to all the different stories. I have a five-year-old stepson that officially made me a mom a little over a year ago as well as a baby boy on the way. (Due this month) Being able to see other people's struggles and parenting woes was actually very helpful. It made me realize that this child rearing thing is hard, and it is ok to go cry in your closet sometimes. It is ok not to be the perfect mom. It is ok if you don't get it 100% right all the time. I highly recommend this book to any parent out there that sometimes feels like they are in a game of "Whack a Mole" when dealing with their kiddos.
September 5, 2021
The author uses her own experiences and is very honest about them. She is down to earth about her approach to the situations. It covers the challenges of their early years to adulthood.
This book is great for any parent whether you think your kid is impossible or not. Many great truths and full of practical advice on handling the different situations a parent can find themselves in. I wish I had this when my children were young.
I like the comments and reflections by her daughter, “The Impossible Kid” at the end of each chapter. It is great to get the perspective from both parent and child. Unique from any other books I have read on parenting.
I recommend this book for any parent with children of any age
This book is great for any parent whether you think your kid is impossible or not. Many great truths and full of practical advice on handling the different situations a parent can find themselves in. I wish I had this when my children were young.
I like the comments and reflections by her daughter, “The Impossible Kid” at the end of each chapter. It is great to get the perspective from both parent and child. Unique from any other books I have read on parenting.
I recommend this book for any parent with children of any age
August 30, 2021
The Impossible Kid really spoke to me. I decided to read it based on the title. I also feel like I have an impossible kid. Everything Lucille described about her daughter sounded like what I deal with with one of my kids. So it was a really relatable read for me. I loved all the scripture quotes and really real advice from someone that lived through an impossible child with a Christian focus. This book gave me hope and great advice. I highlighted so much. If you have an impossible child. This is differently worth a read.
I received a free copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own
I received a free copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own
September 3, 2021
I absolutely love reading Lucille’s writing! It’s like sitting down with a friend and talking about issues that we ALL have experienced as parents. Her openness and honesty are refreshing to read from a Christian author.
This book is such a great insight to those moments we have all experienced as parents. I found myself in every page, nodding, yes! That is me! That is my child! And reading Monica’s insight (the impossible child herself) at the end of every chapter helps me think that I might not be messing my kids up after all! (And also wondering if I was, in fact, an impossible child!!)
Love this book and plan on adding it to my baby gift baskets!
This book is such a great insight to those moments we have all experienced as parents. I found myself in every page, nodding, yes! That is me! That is my child! And reading Monica’s insight (the impossible child herself) at the end of every chapter helps me think that I might not be messing my kids up after all! (And also wondering if I was, in fact, an impossible child!!)
Love this book and plan on adding it to my baby gift baskets!
September 1, 2021
A mother’s heart and a daughter’s reflection!!! I have enjoyed this book so much!! I found myself in the pages as this mother-daughter duo shared and then encouraged… such honesty! While motherhood is serious and the privilege should be taken seriously, often we take ourselves too seriously! Each chapter challenged, equipped and encouraged me as a mom to kids ages 10-22, as a daughter and as a friend!! This is a fantastic read!!
September 1, 2021
Such a fun read! Lucille Williams humorously blends wisdom that has come about through years of experience, scripture that guides and encourages, and a firm grasp of the unique challenges that come with raising a strong-willed child to produce an honest look at parenting all ages. In a refreshing format, each chapter ends with “Thoughts From Monica”, Lucille’s own “impossible kid”. Get ready for some hilarious laughter, a few tears, and a lot of hope!
February 16, 2022
The Impossible Kid by Lucille Williams is a great book for parents. The impossible shows up often in parenting. The author of this book provides wisdom and practical tips for handling those situations, all the while keeping a proper perspective. I think this book is probably best suited to parents of young children. Overall, it’s a good resource. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
February 8, 2024
This book was much more than I thought it would be. The author has a great personality, and a very humble and funny perspective on motherhood and being a wife. I felt encouraged and understood listening to this audiobook. Plus it was great hearing from her now grown daughter at the end of every chapter to get her memories and perspective.
July 6, 2022
Exactly what I needed to hear
So many great points, tips, and advice in this book! It was all extremely relevant. I felt every single emotion reading this. It tugged at my heartstrings, got me thinking, and helped me to be more patient and loving.
So many great points, tips, and advice in this book! It was all extremely relevant. I felt every single emotion reading this. It tugged at my heartstrings, got me thinking, and helped me to be more patient and loving.
Want to read
September 3, 2021Review coming soon, just won the book
February 22, 2023
Great book and the author does so well with the subject matter. It was easy to read and put into one’s own life. Good one to check out for parents.
March 22, 2025
I don’t think I’d recommend this to a friend but the last couple of chapters were decent and made reading not a regret. Not a bad book but didn’t find it helpful.
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