Giving Good Gifts

By George Conway

Book Overview

Developing spiritual gifts in children is one of the most important principles of good parenting. George Conway uses scriptural insights and personal anecdotes to identify seven gifts that parents can give to their children to help them form healthy spiritual identities. Giving Good Gifts describes how providing our children with these gifts enable us to experience parenting as its own spiritual journey.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0664225632
• ISBN13: 9780664225636
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Getting a Good Gift

"Giving Good Gifts" is a thoughtful account of the wonderful gifts we give to our family and the gifts our families give to us. Dr. Conway talks about a number of important topics ranging from the role of parental modeling in teaching our children to the role schools can play in teaching our children about honor. As Headmaster of a K-12 private school, Dr. Conway has been the surrogate parent to many children. His retelling of various experiences is a lesson in understanding child development. One of my favorite parts was his telling of a crisis of confidence that hit his school that still has an honor code. Putting his reputation and the concept of their honor program at risk, Dr. Conway let the system work to the desired outcome in managing a series of thefts that hit the school. Honor is a gift we model for children as one parent learned in having his son report that he had cheated on a test. With all the problems that hit schools today it is reassuring that educators like Dr. Conway see a child's education developing from more than classroom lectures. Dr. Conway is also a Biblical scholar and his Christian beliefs provide a strong foundation for addressing difficult topics. He talks about adolescent suicide and provides insight into understanding both causes and possible prevention processes for this difficult area. My favorite chapter of all was the chapter on doubt. It explained to me some of the alienation that many "boomers" have had with organized religion. Dr. Conway is the first religous scholar I have ever heard who described doubt as a process of growth instead of a process of weakness. This is an excellent read for those who appreciate the thoughtful reflections of an experienced headmaster with strong religious training and beliefs who has been successful in making his school one of the top in the country by understanding and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.Bob Sammons, M.D., Ph.D.

Thumbs up for "Giving Good Gifts"

All parents need help and practical advice when it comes to developing the spiritual life of their children. Adults want to give children every possible advantage for becoming well balanced, responsible people. In his book "Giving Good Gifts...The Spiritual Journey of Parenthood", George Conway offers easy applicable advice. Each chapter is followed by a wonderful list of suggestions that can become part of family life immediately. George Conway has spent his life with young people as a teacher, coach, counselor and headmaster. Couple that experience with a depth of theological and Biblical knowledge and you have a great combination. His writing style is winsome, entertaining and informative. I am currently using the book to teach a parenting class in the church I serve as senior pastor. The class members are enjoying the read, appreciate the chapter ending suggestions, and find plenty to discuss every week.