TOS Review: How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids

How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids from Apologia Educational Ministries is an inspiring book by a homeschooling mother named Rachael Carman. In the book Rachael shares how she struggles with the revelation that being a parent means that life is no longer all about yourself. She admits that she was actually excited when her son started school because she was more eager to get on with her own personal dreams and desires than she was being a parent. When circumstances suddenly forced her into homeschooling, an option she had never contemplated or considered, she was not eager for the task. Then one day she attended a seminar at a homeschool convention and it transformed her entire perspective. She was now convicted of the immense call and duty of parenting. She tells us "just like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, I got a new heart." Rachael then shares some biblical principles to help us learn how we can all have a heart for our kids.

While you may not have a similar story and feel you already have a heart for your children, you will still benefit greatly from this book. As Christian parents we must always be vigilant to be on our guard against the forces that would love to steal our children away from God. I was uplifted, inspired and encouraged every time I picked it up. You immediately get a sense that the author is personable and she has a great sense of humor. Seeing that she was able to laugh at her mistakes certainly put me at ease when I considered my own. It was an easy and enjoyable, yet spiritually challenging read.

Rachael Carman uses the acronym H.E.A.R.T to share with us the key components of having a heart for your kids. She breaks it down this way:

H - Have a Heart for the Things of God
E - Enrich Your Marriage
A - Accept Your Kids
R - Release Them to God
T - Teach Them the Truth

Each chapter offers a solid Scriptural foundation for its message. As Rachael puts it, "God did not place us on this earth without instructions, rules, or purpose. He placed us here for one primary reason: to bring glory to His name. And He tells us how to do this in His Word." With that foundation in mind she brings you through each chapter explaining how each principle is important for raising your children. I think the neatest thing about this book is that it is not a parenting book but rather it is a book about being a good parent. It's focus is therefore on our own personal walk with the Lord which is what we must do in order to be the parent God wants us to be. At the end of each section you will find questions to ponder that will help you apply what you just read to your own life.

I would highly recommend this book for any Christian parent, but particularly those who homeschool. I personally plan on recommending this book to everyone at my next local homeschool support group meeting. I think they will all appreciate this book as much as I have.

You can order the book How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids for $13 at the Apologia Educational Ministries website. You can see what others had to say about it by visiting the TOS Homeschool Crew or read a sample chapter for yourself.
Apologia not only offers books like How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids to encourage homeschooling parents, but they also offer a complete and comprehensive creation based Science curriculum, online courses and so much more.

As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my review.