TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT JESUS: {Review & Gift Certificate Giveaway}

TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT JESUS: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent MUST HAVE is written to be read by parents. Teens are encouraged to read it as well. In addition, it’s tailored to promote discussions between parents and younger children.

It’s nice this book is so adaptable. Parents have voiced their concerns to me about how to teach their children with biblical accuracy. They also want to know how they can help their kids engage in meaningful conversations about their faith with others.

Published by BakerBooks in March 2020, I decided to buy this 320-page paperback book after seeing the title pop up in several online Christian mom groups. It was highly recommended and now I know why.

This is a book I’ve been hankering to tell you about for a long time; but, I wanted to wait until my son and I finished it. I’m excited to finally share my review of the book. Plus, there’s a special giveaway with this one!

With books, especially like this one, it’s important to research about the author as much as possible.

The Author

Natasha Crain, the author of TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT JESUS, is a national speaker, author, and blogger. Also, she has written two other apologetics books for parents: Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side and Talking with Your Kids about God.

Crain’s articles are featured in Focus on the Family and the Christian Research Journal, and she’s been interviewed on radio shows nationwide.

She has an MBA from UCLA and a certificate in Christian apologetics from Biola University. Natasha and her husband live in California with their three children, who recently transitioned from a Christian school to homeschooling.

In addition, there are many helpful blog posts by Natasha at www.natashacrain.com.

Atheist-turned-Christian and best-selling author, Lee Strobel, writes a glowing foreword for Crain’s book:

“Natasha knows what parents face as they seek to spiritually nurture the next generation. She has an uncanny combination of a warm and winsome writing style, keen insights born out of personal experience, and a wealth of knowledge about Christian apologetics, or evidence for the faith.

In short, she is a trusted source for parents who want to provide their children with a vibrant and well-informed belief in Jesus. They have come to trust Natasha for her practical and highly accessible teaching, which she unfolds in this book through thirty conversations about Jesus that every Christian parent should have with their kids.”

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

The Contents of TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT JESUS

The author understands how parents don’t have hours of time each day to teach apologetics to their kids. Plus, the fact that many parents feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to do so.

Natasha Crain wrote this book to help parents “focus on what most needs tidying in your child’s understanding of Jesus, given the challenging world in which they’re growing up.” She covers the most essential points we need to emphasize in our conversations.

Thirty chapters are grouped into five parts. We read this book from the beginning to the end. But, the titles are so clear, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for when needed.

Each Chapter

Each chapter begins with an overview. It’s usually a humorous account of a true event from the author’s life and serves as an appetizer for the upcoming “meat.”

Occasionally, a chapter begins with a fairly current quote by a best-selling “Christian” author or by a prominent televised pastor. And what they’re saying is not biblical.

This leads into a study of God’s Word and historical evidence for truth. Crain’s writing is fortified with scriptures (NIV and ESV). At the end of each chapter, readers find a summary of the key points for that chapter.

Although this book is for parents, questions are provided at the end of each chapter for the parents to ask their children.

The first question easily starts the conversation. The rest of the questions go more in depth. Parents will appreciate the helpful tips, answers, and suggestions provided in italics after each question. It’s a gentle two-way conversation guide rather than a one-sided lecture.

There’s also a section called “Apply the Conversation.” A quote is given by someone who challenges the biblical truth learned in the chapter. This helps older children practice applying their understanding. I have to say, this was one of my favorite parts as we learned how to respectfully answer someone who is questioning our faith.

How We Used This Book

It’s been our habit since we began homeschooling in 1999, to begin our day with me reading the Bible and a devotion or Bible study out loud to the kids. We’ve done this from kindergarten through high school.

We’re down to our last kid. After our Bible reading, I read this book aloud to our sixteen-year-old son. Then, we talked about the content. The chapters are about 7 – 8 pages in length and captured our attention from the start. We appreciated the humor and savored the meat. There was no fluffy, zero-nutrient filling in this book.

It’s a book we definitely plan to keep in our home library for future reference.

Recommendation 

I highly recommend this book for all parents, teens, and those who interact with children in a Christian educational environment. Not only does this book help clarify the basics of Christian theology for kids, but for adults as well.

In fact, this book would be most helpful for any Christian who isn’t sure how to accurately and gently respond to an anti-biblical statement of belief.

Many people, including children, are misinformed about Jesus. This book offers evidence about the true identity of Jesus, why that’s important, and how that makes Him relevant to our lives today.

Gift Certificate Giveaway

I love giving away resources and books here on the blog. It’s a way to give back to my readers as well as introduce them to valuable, new resources.

On Saturday, July 31, 2021, I’ll randomly select a name from this blog’s email subscriber list. That person will win a $10.00 gift certificate to