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Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places
Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can't. With the currents of materialism and entitlement flowing so strong, how do we raise kids who are simply thankful?
With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.
With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
38 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Susie Larson
40 books465 followers Susie Larson is a popular radio talk show host, national speaker, and bestselling author. The author of twenty-two books, Susie is also a veteran in the fitness field and has twice been voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award. Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 15, 2012
This is one of the best parenting books I have ever read, I cannot recommend it enough. I found it so inspiring and also convicting in a lot of ways and it definitely changed the way I look at want vs. need both for myself and my kids.
July 23, 2011
Best book on parenting I've read. "You cannot impart what you don't possess." Life-changing.
October 11, 2018
One of the best books on Christian parenting I have read!
April 18, 2010
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can’t. With the currents of materialism and entitlement flowing so strong, how do we raise kids who are simply thankful?
With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.
MY REVIEW:
Growing Grateful Kids is amazing!
Susie has written a parenting book that breaks the mold on traditional parenting books with it's approach that you can't give what you don't have. This 236 page book not only gives biblical advice and direction on how to raise your children, but points out ways to implement godly perspective and character in your own life. Each of the 16 chapters is followed be a "personal application" and a "parental application" section that will help you to apply the truth of what you just read.
I was personally blessed by Susie's humble and real life manner and examples. Her writing addresses issues such as grace, humility, wisdom, contentment, compassion, forgiveness - and more - with deep biblical truth presented in an easy-to-understand format. I was convicted with every chapter and encouraged with each turn of the page. The focus is not about what to-do, or not-to-do, instead the focus is on the Word of God, the life of Chris,t and what that means to our daily lives as parents.
This book should be a must-read for all parents at any stage of the game. You will be encouraged and blessed, challenged and refreshed! There are not many books I give a 5-star rating to, but this is one of them! It is worth investing in your own copy so that you can dog-ear and underline important truths that will bring inspiration each time you browse through this book again.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers.
Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can’t. With the currents of materialism and entitlement flowing so strong, how do we raise kids who are simply thankful?
With simple language, interesting anecdotes, and biblical applications, Susie Larson helps readers understand that although teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.
MY REVIEW:
Growing Grateful Kids is amazing!
Susie has written a parenting book that breaks the mold on traditional parenting books with it's approach that you can't give what you don't have. This 236 page book not only gives biblical advice and direction on how to raise your children, but points out ways to implement godly perspective and character in your own life. Each of the 16 chapters is followed be a "personal application" and a "parental application" section that will help you to apply the truth of what you just read.
I was personally blessed by Susie's humble and real life manner and examples. Her writing addresses issues such as grace, humility, wisdom, contentment, compassion, forgiveness - and more - with deep biblical truth presented in an easy-to-understand format. I was convicted with every chapter and encouraged with each turn of the page. The focus is not about what to-do, or not-to-do, instead the focus is on the Word of God, the life of Chris,t and what that means to our daily lives as parents.
This book should be a must-read for all parents at any stage of the game. You will be encouraged and blessed, challenged and refreshed! There are not many books I give a 5-star rating to, but this is one of them! It is worth investing in your own copy so that you can dog-ear and underline important truths that will bring inspiration each time you browse through this book again.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers.
Read
July 6, 2010This book has four sections:
Model Thankfulness
Teach Perspective
Encourage Faith
Live Abundantly
Each of these sections contain four chapters. Within each chapter contains relevant scripture and quotes, personal application and parental application. Yes, moms, that means we have to apply what we learn to ourselves before we can begin to having a changing effect on our children. This book spoke to my heart. Guilt emerged. Yet, I realized that guilt would only prevent me from moving forward. So, I repented of my slackness as a parent and have asked for God's help to redeem the time I've wasted. Using the suggestions in this book to become a grateful parent, I'm sure to rub off on my kiddos.
One section of the book really stuck out at me. Susie writes:
"We plants seeds with every word we say. The thing is... are we planting weeds or something beautiful?"
I'm afraid there are many weeds, thanks to my mouth. Thank God for His forgiveness and the Holy Spirit who can change me from the inside out, as I allow Him to.
Thanks to Moody Publishers for the review copy of this book. I received it in exchange for my honest review.
Model Thankfulness
Teach Perspective
Encourage Faith
Live Abundantly
Each of these sections contain four chapters. Within each chapter contains relevant scripture and quotes, personal application and parental application. Yes, moms, that means we have to apply what we learn to ourselves before we can begin to having a changing effect on our children. This book spoke to my heart. Guilt emerged. Yet, I realized that guilt would only prevent me from moving forward. So, I repented of my slackness as a parent and have asked for God's help to redeem the time I've wasted. Using the suggestions in this book to become a grateful parent, I'm sure to rub off on my kiddos.
One section of the book really stuck out at me. Susie writes:
"We plants seeds with every word we say. The thing is... are we planting weeds or something beautiful?"
I'm afraid there are many weeds, thanks to my mouth. Thank God for His forgiveness and the Holy Spirit who can change me from the inside out, as I allow Him to.
Thanks to Moody Publishers for the review copy of this book. I received it in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2015
A favorite quote: "Remind them (your children) who they are. Tell them what they mean to you. Seek God for insights into their character and their God-given destiny. When the Lord created your beautiful child, He had a specific calling in mind for him or her. Right now He is working behind the scenes, engineering circumstances, and working on divine appointments for your child because their life is that important to Him! As far as God is concerned, your child is an absolute masterpiece. A treasure to be treasured. A gift to be nurtured. And a life bursting with potential."
March 10, 2013
A must-read for all parents. This book is amazing. It has definitely made me think even more about the awesome responsibility that we have been given as parents to raise the future "world changers." The words that we say to our children, how we react to their good AND bad choices, and how they see us live our lives will influence the kind of people that they grow up to be...a very humbling thought. My favorite quote from the book that pops in my head on a regular basis: "We cannot impart what we do not possess."
April 13, 2011
I really enjoyed the themes of this book and the author's use of Bible verses and personal examples to get her points across. She is confident in her points but writes with humility and humor...I often times found myself smiling as I read one of her stories. This is a book that I plan to refer to again and again over the years to keep the concepts fresh and on the forefront...and for encouragement too.
November 24, 2010
I enjoyed this book a lot, although I believe her presentation was outstanding. I heard her speak at Hearts at Home and was brought to tears by her story. She battled Lymes Disease and her husband had cancer and at some times they couldn't afford to make more than one pancake! She has a great attitude about life and if I would encourage you to try and hear her speak.
January 31, 2015
Surprise, surprise - the best way to raise grateful kids is to model it! You can't give what you don't possess. This is a practical application book that wals through some funny and heart warming stories of how we can be expecant, and pray for wisdom when it comes to gratitude.
Bottom line gratitude, much like forgiveness, is not an event but a lifestyle that is only possible with God.
Bottom line gratitude, much like forgiveness, is not an event but a lifestyle that is only possible with God.
December 25, 2010
My mom's Bible study group did this book together. Susie's stories are so inspiring! She gives great ways to grow spiritually grounded kids. Her writing style is so personal, and easy to read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it gave me so much to think about!
July 28, 2013
I loved this book! Usually, I will read a parenting book, garner bits and pieces of applicable advice, and then pass it on To a friend. Not this one! Call me selfish, but I plan to keep and retread this book countless times! This will be a gift to my friends with children as well.
July 30, 2016
One of the best parenting books I have read! Loved it! Worth reading again and will refer back to this book as needed. Learned a lot about myself and how to approach different life situations with my kids.
September 13, 2010
This book was awesome! Not only did I learn a lot about being a better parent, but this book forced me to think about myself and my own habits and behaviors, and I really appreciated this book.
April 20, 2017
I marked a few pages that I thought had good points but overall, I was disappointed. I was expecting more practical advice.
September 25, 2012
Must read for Moms. inspirational and thought provoking with lots of practical applications for kids and yourself.
October 11, 2012
More big picture and less action items than I had hoped. Many touching stories that will stick with me.
November 14, 2015
Very good practical wisdom! I will be buying this book to read it again!
March 7, 2016
Great book on perspective and loving your kids and teaching them in a Biblical way. Must read
September 1, 2021
RECOMMENDED BY ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS, THIS AUTHOR WRITES TO THE MOMS, BUT SHE GIVES PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY FOR ANY YOUNG PARENT AND THOSE THAT WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE YEARS LEFT WITH THEIR KIDS. THERE IS PLENTY OF SCRIPTURE THROUGHOUT THE BOOK AND EACH CHAPTER ENDS WITH A PERSONAL APPLICATION, A PARENTAL APPLICATION AND A PRAYER. IT CONTAINS WONDERFUL INSIGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS THROUGH PERSONAL STORIES AND BIBLICAL APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO RAISE YOUR KIDS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN THEN AND FOR WHAT HE IS DOING IN THEIR LIVES.
February 5, 2020
I picked this up randomly at the library a couple weeks ago and it has been SO encouraging and helpful to me!!
I almost wish I bought it because it seems like something worth refreshing every few years as the kids are in new phases! Easy read with great practical application.
I almost wish I bought it because it seems like something worth refreshing every few years as the kids are in new phases! Easy read with great practical application.
June 17, 2023
This is a must-read for every Christian parent. It's filled with page after page of truth and encouragement. I highlighted so much in this book and put some things in place right away.
Here are a couple of quotes I loved from this book:
• We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
• Prayer is oxygen. We breathe in the fresh life that God offers and breathe out worries and concerns.
• God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
• Refuse to give your children everything they want, but assure them that God will provide everything they need.
• When we take time to play and laugh with our children amidst the stresses of life, we send a strong message that says we believe God is in control and that he is faithful.
Here are a couple of quotes I loved from this book:
• We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
• Prayer is oxygen. We breathe in the fresh life that God offers and breathe out worries and concerns.
• God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
• Refuse to give your children everything they want, but assure them that God will provide everything they need.
• When we take time to play and laugh with our children amidst the stresses of life, we send a strong message that says we believe God is in control and that he is faithful.
June 7, 2023
This is one of those books that I feel like I rushed through because I couldn’t stop reading. At the same time it’s a book I need to savor and re-read over and over, which is my plan. So many good chapters and reminders for myself and myself as a mom.
December 21, 2025
Not to be dramatic, but favorite parenting book to date. 🥰
June 14, 2012
Inspirational and really got me thinking, actively, how I can be more purposeful in my parenting. More aware. More loving and compassionate. I simply loved it!
July 4, 2013
I skimmed the last half. A lot of it is common sense. Good reminders, but nothing really new.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews