Review: Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli

I have received a wonderful opportunity to review “Growing Great Kids” by Kate Battistelli.  Does that last name ring a bell?  If you are a Christian music lover like myself, it should.  She is Francesca Battistelli’s mom.  So, when I saw that I had the opportunity to review this book, I jumped.  She is the mom of the singer of my theme song “This is the Stuff”.  (When all the little stuff is starting to get to me and the bottle ring falls on the floor and I am about to lose it “This is the stuff” comes into my head and I start to sing, I end up calming down - however, I digress.)

There are so many amazing “nuggets” in this book.  During the first part I found myself thinking … okay, that is good, but it won’t work right now, she’s 2.  But as I kept reading I found some ideas and things that apply to me right now in my life.  Things like scripture that jumps out speaking directly to what is going on, or why things might be the way they are right now.  Scripture like, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Proverbs 28:19  Or reminders of the power of the spoken word from Isaiah 55:10-11.

“Successful adults don’t happen by accident.” Using examples from her own life Kate gives us wisdom on how to grow, mine and cultivate great kids.  She gives us tips like - be the example of what you expect from your children.  Or other tips like - encourage their walk with God.

I think the chapter that really stood out for me was the chapter on prayer and how essential it is.  Kate discusses on the importance of praying the details.  She talks about it in two different areas in the book.  God delights in the details of life, we should be praying about the details of our children’s lives.  She even suggests to write our prayers down and write down dates of when they were answered and how.  Remember always, you are being watched, by your kids.

Not only does Kate give us great bits of wisdom on what to do.  She talks about what not to do and the traps to avoid.  Tips like, avoid sarcasm, be realistic with your expectations, and don’t forget to put your marriage first.

This was a great book.  It is one that I will choose to re-read from time to time as my children age.  As my children grow the book will speak to me differently during the different seasons of our lives.





I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.