LDS NONFICTION: Will My Child Be Ready? edited by Emily Freeman andMerrilee Boyack

WILL MY CHILD BE READY?

Ideas for Preparing Future Missionaries of All Ages

edited by Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-043-2

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mothers have an immeasurable influence and a significant responsibility in raising up young men and women who are prepared to further the work of the Lord. This unique resource includes 12 training chapters for moms of prospective missionaries, all written by mothers who have sent children on missions (and some by mothers who have also served as mission presidents wives). Whether you have young children and are hoping to begin the mission training process early or you have less than a year to pull all the pieces together, here is the good news: the path of preparing a child for a mission begins wherever you are. Chapters on topics such as fostering good daily habits, developing relationship skills, being resilient, and recognizing the Spirit shed light on what future missionaries need to know, what they need to do, and what they need to be. 

REVIEW

As a school librarian, I've learned just how hard it can be to teach children effectively. And the more children there are the harder it gets.  Thus I have a huge amount of respect for mothers  who dedicate their lives to raising children.  But  all of us need help sometimes and with the increased emphasis on missionary work, Will My Child Be Ready?, is a timely resource.  The book is divided up into chapters written by a variety of mothers who have raised missionaries and are offering advice on the things that children need to be taught that will help prepare them for a mission.  Topic covered include: obedience, work, self care, inspiration through the Holy Ghost, teaching, and bearing testimony.  Each  chapter also includes snippets from actual missionary letters as well as a summary of the principles discussed in the chapter.  I found the book very well written and full of great advice about mothering prospective missionaries.  There are tips on what to teach and how to teach it.  Despite the fact that I am not a mother, I found the book inspiring and would definitely refer to it if I ever did become a parent.  And there is much here of worth for me as an individual member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.