Author, editor and speaker Glynnis Whitwer writes and speaks of what she knows best: mothering. Whitwer has three sons and two adopted daughters, and is passionate about offering moms and dads insightful, caring information on how to traverse the parenting journey as Christian believers. She opens her text by admitting how difficult it was to write this book as she had to revisit her own childhood --- growing pains and all --- while simultaneously addressing her tender mom fears and concerns as her own children faced tough challenges growing up.

In WHEN YOUR CHILD IS HURTING, Whitwer covers a gamut of real life parenting touchstones that frequently have parents stymied and frustrated. What moms and dads will glean from every chapter is the foundational premise that God is present, active, and ready to offer needed wisdom, strength and grace for every situation. Whitwer candidly discusses her own limitations, moments when she felt alone and out of control, and how God had to take her in hand and challenge her to trust Him with outcomes that didn't appear too friendly. Throughout this book, readers will find themselves agreeing with her conclusions about living the faith journey out as parents who continually seek to model Christ and His lifestyle by adhering to biblical principles, making scripture promises personal, and doing periodic self-checks via her chapter-by-chapter questions.

In each of Whitwer's 16 topics, she provides real life examples from her own parenting experience, helpful memory verses, and an interesting set of Encouraging Words quotes from famous authors/speakers/noteworthy authorities. Closing up every chapter are a generous compilation of Discussion or Journal Questions that parents will find especially helpful as they digest Whitwer's information.

In an organized format, readers will be able to quickly thumb through Whitwer's table of contents and proceed easily to whatever subject is most pertinent to them at the time. Both moms and dads will appreciate in-depth resources on better understanding how much difference a parent really makes in the life of a child; helping kids deal with and grow from disappointments; learning how much power is in the spoken word; overcoming fear (the parents and their children's); managing stress more effectively; weathering the pain of loneliness; how parents can help kids turn their failures into victories; teaching a God-honoring body awareness; dealing with grief and loss; managing anger and understanding it; learning to identify and nurture children's strengths; dealing with insecurities; facing bullies with courage; and parenting children with physical, learning and other disabilities and challenges.

It's hard to imagine a topic that Whitwer hasn't covered in this constructive resource that is both current and timeless. Parents of young children as well as teens will find themselves holding a real gem of faith-based practical help.