Our founder wrote a book! White Knuckle Parenting: Raising Extraordinary Kids by Countering the Culture is a must-read for anyone raising children in today’s world. Curt Williams channels years of experience with his own seven kids and thousands of boys through the ministry of Youth-Reach.
In a society riddled with adults who struggle to handle the responsibilities of adulthood, how do you raise a child to become a respectful, honorable grownup? This book is a helpful tool for both new parents and those struggling with a rebellious teen. The wisdom contained will help those raising compliant kids and those blessed to be raising the strong-willed variety.
The focus on the first half of the book is on five things you owe your kids: food, clothing, shelter, access to medical care and access to education. Yep, that’s it. You do not owe your kid the latest iPhone or whatever trendy item their friends have.
“Most of us are over-parenting,” Williams says. “We are doing too much, providing too much, rescuing too much, and worrying too much. Our kids would be much healthier with less, and we would be much happier giving them less.”
The second half of the book explores seven critical precepts every parent should communicate to their children. Williams provides a set of phrases that should be inserted in daily conversations with your kids. These include statements like My love for you is unconditional, but my blessings are absolutely conditional; and I am not your friend. You will have many friends. I am your parent, which is a much higher calling than just being your friend.
White Knuckle Parenting holds some tried-and-true principles that are effective, balanced and healthy, but be warned—the parenting philosophy described flies in the face of our modern culture.
Praise for White Knuckle Parenting
If anyone is qualified to speak to this subject, it is Curt Williams—a man who has successfully raised several hundred ‘at risk’ boys into honorable and productive men. Once deemed too tough for anyone else to handle, Curt’s wisdom made the difference in their lives. This book will make a difference in yours.
—Andy Andrews, New York Times Best-Selling Author of The Traveler’s Gift & The Noticer
This book is not only well written, it clearly communicates tried and tested principles to help maneuver through the complexities of parenting in the increasing challenges many face today. It is not written from the ivory towers of theory or ideas, but from the crucibles of experience.
—Doug Stringer, Founder & President, Turning Point Ministries International & Somebody Cares America/International
Raising children in today’s world is certainly not for the faint of heart. That’s especially true if you want children who will honor their parents, love God and His Word, and grow up to become responsible adults. Knowing how to guide children through their tumultuous teens has almost become a lost art. White Knuckle Parenting is a must-read for any parent who feels they have lost control in the battle to raise their children. It is also for parents who don’t want to wait until things have spiraled out of control.
—Dr. R. Heard, Senior Pastor, Inspire Church Houston
