Growing With
Every Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future
About
Growing up doesn't mean growing apart. It means Growing With.
As a parent of a teenager or young adult, you may feel as though you're guessing about what to do next--with mixed results. You want to stay connected with your maturing child, but you're not sure how. And deep down, you fear your child doesn't want or need you.
Based on brand-new research and interviews with remarkable families, Growing With equips you to take steps toward your teenager or young adult in a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform your entire family. By highlighting three groundbreaking strategies, authors Kara Powell and Steven Argue show that it's never too early or too late to
· accept the child you have, not the child you wish you had
· work toward solutions rather than only identifying problems
· develop empathy that nudges rather than judges
· fight for your child, not against them
· connect your child with a faith and a church big enough to handle their doubts and struggles
· dive into tough discussions about dating, career, and finances
unleash your child's passions and talents to change our world
"Kara and Steve approach the topic of parenting with sound biblical wisdom and valuable practical tools. I will be applying these insights to my own parenting in these rapidly changing times."--Christine Caine, bestselling author; founder of A21 and Propel Women
"There is no joy or challenge or burden like that of parenthood. We're drowning in information; we crave wisdom. Growing With has both. It is an outstanding book."--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church; author of I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me
"As a dad of two teenagers, I couldn't wait for this book! The mix of real research and real families makes it a valuable addition to any parent's toolbox."--Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Finish
"Growing With is bursting with good news for all parents of teenagers and young adults: you don't have to feel alone, and you don't have to guess what to do next. This book gives you the best answers to your toughest questions about your maturing child's relationship with you, God, and our world."--Neil Clark Warren, chairman and cofounder of eHarmony.com
"At a time when the generation gap feels wider and the parenting journey more confusing, Growing With offers a way forward through practical resources, thought-provoking questions, and real-life stories."--Tom Lin, president and CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
"Kara and Steve's research is helping a generation of parents know how to raise kids who are healthy, loved, and ready to face the challenges of this world. This book is a must-read for parents everywhere."--Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See
Kara Powell is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a youth and family strategist for Orange and is the author or coauthor of a number of books, including Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, and Deep Justice in a Broken World. She and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by all the learning and laughter that comes from growing with their three teenage and young adult children.
Steven Argue is an associate professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and an applied research strategist at the Fuller Youth Institute. He also serves on the board for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Steve researches, speaks, and writes regularly on topics surrounding adolescence, emerging adulthood, faith, and spiritual struggle. He and his wife, Jen, love being the parents of three emerging adult daughters.
Endorsements
"In Growing With, Kara and Steve approach the topic of parenting with sound biblical wisdom and valuable practical tools. As a mother of two, I will be applying these insights to my own parenting in these rapidly changing times."
Christine Caine, bestselling author; founder of A21 and Propel Women
"There is no joy or challenge or burden like that of parenthood. We're drowning in information; we crave wisdom. Growing With has both. It is an outstanding book."
John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church; author of I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me
"As a dad of two teenagers, I couldn't wait for this book! The mix of real research and real families makes it a valuable addition to any parent's toolbox."
Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Finish
"Growing With is bursting with good news for all parents of teenagers and young adults: you don't have to feel alone and you don't have to guess what to do next. Through groundbreaking research on families like yours, this book gives you the best answers to your toughest questions about your maturing child's relationship with you, God, and our world."
Neil Clark Warren, chairman and cofounder of eHarmony.com
"At a time when the generation gap feels wider and the parenting journey more confusing, Growing With offers a way forward through practical resources, thought-provoking questions, and real-life stories. This is a must-read guide for those wanting to grow and to see their children thrive."
Tom Lin, president and CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
"Kara and Steve's research is helping a generation of parents know how to raise kids who are healthy, loved, and ready to face the challenges of this world. This book is a must-read for parents everywhere."
Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See
"We all sense that everything's changing, especially when it comes to parenting and raising the next generation. That's why I'm so thankful for Growing With. Kara Powell and Steve Argue combine top-notch clinical research, their personal parenting journeys, and a wealth of experience gleaned from helping thousands of parents into an incredible book that will guide parents as they navigate the journey ahead. If you're looking for expert guidance at a critical time because the stakes are high, you'll find it here."
Carey Nieuwhof, founding pastor of Connexus Church; author of Didn't See It Coming
"What an incredible book! With one teenager and one twentysomething, we feel like Kara and Steve wrote it just for us--and we couldn't be more grateful. Growing With is chock full of compelling, inspiring, and practical help. We'll be recommending this book to every parent we know."
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times bestselling authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
"As pastors, my colleagues and I have countless counseling sessions with parents and their adulting children in which both generations have to learn fresh ways to engage each other. I couldn't be happier that Kara Powell and Steve Argue have given leaders and parents a map to navigate this critical space!"
Bryan Loritts, pastor of Abundant Life; author of Insider/Outsider
"If you are looking for a fresh perspective on parenting, this is the book. Kara and Steve offer a paradigm-shifting approach that feels both empowering and practical. If you want to connect with your kids in more meaningful ways, are curious about the changing landscape of adolescence, or want revolutionary ideas for how to help raise empowered adults who are connected to their family and faith, Growing With is the resource you have been searching for."
Mandy Arioto, president and CEO of MOPS International
"Every parent I know (including me) feels overwhelmed and underprepared! I'm so grateful that this well-researched and easy-to-read book offers parents a lifeline. Growing With is deep enough to help parents adjust to their maturing child, authentic enough to fill you with the courage you crave, and practical enough to guide your next conversation with your teenager or young adult. Not just you but your whole family will be glad you've read this book."
Doug Fields, author of Intentional Parenting; cofounder of Downloadyouthministry.com
"Growing With thoroughly arms parents by providing heartfelt and necessary insights regarding strategies for the holistic development of youth. As a parent of two young adults and a trainer of youth workers, I found Growing With to be a welcome addition to my training tool kit. This guide will rescue many parents as they navigate through difficult spaces and will bring new supports to the needs of the ever-changing family."
Virginia Ward, assistant dean of the Boston campus and assistant professor of youth ministry and leadership, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"In Growing With, Kara and Steve help parents, teachers, pastors, leaders, and mentors understand the power of walking alongside their adolescent and young adult children and friends. Their focused research and practical advice provide knowledgeable and actionable steps that each of us can take as we enter into the lives of young people in hopes of being a blessing to them and seeking God's best for them as they move toward adulthood."
Newt Crenshaw, president of Young Life
"No two families are alike, no two parents are alike, and no two phases are alike. Kara and Steve give you all you need to know and do to have a winning relationship with your ever-changing teenager or twentysomething. If you're like me, you're going to recommend this book to every parent you know."
Reggie Joiner, founder and CEO of Orange
"As a parent, I'm always looking and listening to people I trust. I trust Kara Powell and Steve Argue because I've known them both as people and as leaders. Their hearts to raise up godly young people are on display in Growing With. Parents, we need this research and insight because the culture our children are growing up in changes daily. I'm so thankful for this great project!"
Tyler Reagin, president of Catalyst; author of The Life-Giving Leader
The Authors
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Kara Powell
Kara Powell, PhD, is the chief of leadership formation and executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) at Fuller Theological Seminary (see FullerYouthInstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara...
Continue reading about Kara Powell
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Steven Argue
Steven Argue is associate professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and applied research strategist at the Fuller Youth Institute. He also serves on the board for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Steve researches,...
Continue reading about Steven Argue