Growing with: Every Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future - Hardcover

by Kara Powell (Author), Steven Argue (Author)

Many parents of a teenager or young adult feel as though they're guessing about what to do next--with mixed results. We want to stay connected with our maturing child, but we're not sure how. And deep down, we fear our child doesn't want or need us.

Based on brand-new research and interviews with remarkable families, Growing With equips parents to take steps toward their teenagers and young adults in a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform them all. By highlighting three groundbreaking family strategies, authors Kara Powell and Steven Argue show parents that it's never too early or too late to

- accept the child you have, not the child you wish you had
- work toward solutions rather than only identifying problems
- develop empathy that nudges rather than judges
- fight for your child, not against them
- connect your children with a faith and church big enough to handle their doubts and struggles
- dive into tough discussions about dating, career, and finances
- and unleash your child's passions and talents to change our world

For any parent who longs for their kids to keep their roots even as they spread their wings, Growing With offers practical help and hope for the days--and years--ahead.

Front Jacket

Kara Powell is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a youth and family strategist for Orange and is the author or coauthor of a number of books, including Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, and Deep Justice in a Broken World. She and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by all the learning and laughter that comes from growing with their three teenage and young adult children.

Steven Argue is an associate professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and an applied research strategist at the Fuller Youth Institute. He also serves on the board for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Steve researches, speaks, and writes regularly on topics surrounding adolescence, emerging adulthood, faith, and spiritual struggle. He and his wife, Jen, love being the parents of three emerging adult daughters.

Back Jacket

Kara and Steve approach the topic of parenting with sound biblical wisdom and valuable practical tools. I will be applying these insights to my own parenting in these rapidly changing times.--Christine Caine, bestselling author; founder of A21 and Propel Women

"There is no joy or challenge or burden like that of parenthood. We're drowning in information; we crave wisdom. Growing With has both. It is an outstanding book."--John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church; author of I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me

"As a dad of two teenagers, I couldn't wait for this book! The mix of real research and real families makes it a valuable addition to any parent's toolbox."--Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Finish

"Growing With is bursting with good news for all parents of teenagers and young adults: you don't have to feel alone, and you don't have to guess what to do next. This book gives you the best answers to your toughest questions about your maturing child's relationship with you, God, and our world."--Neil Clark Warren, chairman and cofounder of eHarmony.com

"At a time when the generation gap feels wider and the parenting journey more confusing, Growing With offers a way forward through practical resources, thought-provoking questions, and real-life stories."--Tom Lin, president and CEO of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

"Kara and Steve's research is helping a generation of parents know how to raise kids who are healthy, loved, and ready to face the challenges of this world. This book is a must-read for parents everywhere."--Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See

Author Biography

Kara Powell is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org). Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a youth and family strategist for Orange, and also speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences. Kara is the author or coauthor of a number of books, including Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, Can I Ask That?, Deep Justice Journeys, Essential Leadership, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum.

Steven Argue is associate professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and applied research strategist at the Fuller Youth Institute. He also serves on the board for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. Steve researches, speaks, and writes regularly on topics surrounding adolescence, emerging adulthood, faith, and spiritual struggle. He and his wife, Jen, love being the parents of three emerging adult daughters.