Reading Mandy Majors book Talk: A Practical
Guide to Cyberparenting and Open Communication is like sitting with your
girlfriend who’s done a ton of research on parenting well. The book is infused
with "me too" and "I get it" reassurance. Majors graciously
shares her wealth of experience and knowledge about parenting tweens who have
the web and all its entanglements in their pockets.
Her conversational style puts readers at ease,
which is saying something since she’s tackling thorny subjects. She boldly
wades into deep and dicey topics with Jesus as her compass. She does not offer
canned answers, but instead thoughtful and research-based guidance which she
has successfully put into action in her family. But it’s more than a trek
through murky waters, the book is interspersed with humor and practical advice
from a mom we can relate to.
Most of us are scared about the provocative
culture in which our kids are growing up. Mandy beckons us to stay engaged in
our parenting even when complacency or avoidance are tempting. She encourages
us to arm ourselves and our kids with good information, rather than give in to fear.
I’ve already followed Mandy’s lead and chopped
vegetables and acted normal while I uttered words like puberty and sex
to my fifth grader. I didn’t make it awkward. Sure, I lost three pounds in flop
sweat, but my kid doesn’t know that. I had the talk and we are both
still alive—I’m calling it a win! I’m grateful for the encouragement to be the
safe place for my kids to ask embarrassing or challenging questions with the
assurance I won’t betray them.
While I expected the book to share examples of the
best filters for technology and a list of apps to avoid, but what I found
instead was a call to empower our kids to filter what comes into their view and
their hearts. Majors rejects the patronizing “that’s just how they are,” reference
to tweens but rather encourages an elevated standard where we can see our kids
rise. It’s still a hands on approach to parenting, but it is based on mutual
respect and higher purpose rather than expecting kids to be difficult and
unreachable.
While Mandy shares from her own experience and
faith, she's quick to affirm others with the message, "Your family, your
choice," woven throughout the book. But the truth is, you'll likely want
to take notes on the tried and true practices she's put into place including a
cell phone contract you and your tween or teen can sign together. I'll be
copying this and several other wonderful suggestions she has for keeping
dialogue open for challenging conversations with our kids in everyday life.
I’ve had the great pleasure of sitting across
the table from Mandy, and I can vouch for how authentically delightful she is.
She’s as funny, engaging, and wise in person as she is in the pages of her
tremendous book. I invite you to sit with her, learn, and laugh through Talk:
A Practical Guide to Cyberparenting and Open Communication. It truly is
like a perfectly chosen present from your dearest friend—the tween parenting guidebook
you wanted but didn’t know how much you needed.
Mandy Majors
The book is currently available on this Amazon link
The Hollywood Jesus author interview is excellent and you might like to take a peek to learn a bit more about the heart behind the book. Click here to read it.
