Keeping Our Children's Hearts : Our Vital Priority

by Steven Maxwell, Teri Maxwell

"Written for Parents of young children to teenagers, this book shares the joys and outcomes of our vital priority-keeping our children's hearts. Rebellion and immorality are common among teens even within the Christian community. Does Scripture offer any path of hope for more than this for our children? What can parents do to direct children toward godliness rather than worldliness? When does this process begin? What is the cost?

Steven and Teri Maxwell believe the key factors in raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) are whether or not the parents have their children's hearts and what they are doing with those hearts. Keeping Our Children's Hearts offers direction and encouragement on this critically important topic."

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Family, Christian Living

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book which mirrors many of the goals and decisions we have made for our family! Hearing from their adult children was encouraging. The chapter on family goals gave us some thoughts as we expand our own family goals. Thank you!

[Anna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

while I wouldn't apply everything the way the Maxwell's do it I feel inspired and strengthened to keep my children's hearts.

[A.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thouroughly enjoyed this book, and while I may not implement all of it, it definetly gave lots of wisdom. I was pretty much raised the same way they described, with some exceptions. I know some people may think them too strict, but I do believe it is so vital in this day and age. I never went to swimming areas, sleepovers, and was cautious about what we watched online. I feel blessed to have been sheltered by my parents, and I'm glad to read a book that has the same morals- and more!

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important topics in parenting - keeping our children's hearts. Full of practical ideas on how to stay close to your kids (+how to help them become mature), so that teenage years are a delight and blessing as The Lord would want instead of a dread as the world threatens it could be.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most convicting books I have ever read. I saw my failures first hand in this book. I think that it is a good companion to Shepherding A Child's Heart. The questions after each chapter that are asked are really probing and make you look deep into the relationship that you have with your children and discern if you have their heart, which is what Solomon desired from his son.

[txreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Will keep this close by and refer to it many times. The book challenged me greatly on the influences we allow on our children. I didn't agree with every single point made by the authors, but I am definitely in prayer about those areas and feel much more equipped to not only survive the tempestuous teen years, but grow and thrive as a family during them. I really enjoyed hearing from their grown children at the end of the book.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this twice and plan to re-read again as it keeps me motivated and inspired on all the how to's of keeping my children's hearts. The Maxwell family is sure a great example of practicing what they preach.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concepts of what they had to say but felt that it was a bit extreme.
Also, I found it very repetative.
However, the discussions at the end of the chapter were good for thought.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry and stern but a convicting book. The Maxwell's stance on some things are a little hard in my opinion but they still had excellent advice and their intent is pure.

[Sandra Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good tips on parenting. Mostly obvious if you've been raised in a good Christian home, but excellent practical advice for young parents or new Christians struggling to establish boundaries and high standards for their own family.