Growing Joy

Many parents of teenagers or young adults feel as though they're guessing about what to do next-with mixed results. We want to stay connected with our maturing child, but we're not sure how. And deep down, we fear our child doesn't want or need us. But growing up doesn't have to mean growing apart. Based on brand-new research and interviews with remarkable families, Growing With equips parents to take steps toward their teenagers and young adults in a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform them all.

Ryan Hart is caught in the middle. She has an older brother and a new baby sister, and she’s in a friendship tug-of-war with two friends who both want to be her best best friend. How can Ryan think about being kind to a classmate who is relentless with his teasing? Or be her signature sunny self when her brother, Ray, pulls the ultimate prank? But even when it seems like nothing is going her way, Ryan still looks for a way to see the bright side of things, refusing to let anything steal her joy, and finding ways to share it with everyone she meets.

There's nothing worse than going into something blindfolded and clueless about what to expect, and raising a child is no different. The anxiety, tension, and self-doubt can be overwhelming, but when you have the info in your hands, you'll be more relaxed and equipped to handle different stages and phases with poise. Luckily, this guide covers all the bases of child development, from milestones and temperament to emotional, physical, and mental growth and everything in between – say goodbye to being caught off guard!

Latonya’s family wasn’t just a story of growth—it was a legacy of love, passed down through generations like a cherished melody. The ten children, once tiny hands gripping their mother’s fingers, grew into adults who carried the warmth of their upbringing into their own homes. And then, in another beautiful chapter, the grandchildren arrived.

In Sam, Tam and the Mat, Sam enjoyed playing alone on the red mat with his blocks. Tam also enjoyed playing alone on the red mat with her horses. A conflict ensued when Tam pulled the mat out from under Sam in order to have it all to herself, and Sam followed suit.