Their Name Is Today: Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World, by Johann Christoph Arnold, Plough Publishing House, November, 2014.
It seems that with each passing generation it becomes more challenging to raise children to be positive, generous and productive members of society. This book addresses the challenges of today’s world: technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressures, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more. All of these forces threaten to deny children a happy and healthy childhood.
All is not dire, however. Author Johann Christoph Arnold also shares insights on what is working: the parents, teachers and caregivers who insist that children have the time and space to explore, discover, grow and flourish. He suggests that love is the greatest gift and we should limit giving “things”. There is encouragement to limit screen time and encourage hands-on exploratory play. Readers are reminded of the powerful lessons we teach through our actions, much moreso than through our words. With commitment and consistence we can stem the tide that threatens to overtake the innocent creativity and loving nature that children are born with.
As a grandparent, Their Name Is Today gave me great insight into parenting in 2014, the challenges my children face in raising their children and the encouragement and methods to support their efforts. As a reader, this book is well-done; interesting stories throughout, sensible arguments made and an optimistic look toward the future.
I strongly recommend this book. If you are a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator or are simply concerned about raising the next generation in today’s world, this book is a must-read. Click here to buy it today.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher at no cost to me. However, in no way did they attempt to influence or edit the above comments.
