Are My Kids On Track? {Review}

We track our children's physical growth with doctor check ups and percentages.  Vaccinations and vitamins are a regular part of the routine.  Their intellectual progress is tracked in the classroom and standardized tests.  But in terms of social, emotional, and spiritual growth, it can feel like we're stumbling in the dark.  What should be expect?  What's reasonable?  And how in the world do we get there?

These are the growth markers Goff, Thomas, and Trevathan tackle.  These three counselors identify and outline 12 key milestones in your child's social, emotional, and spiritual life.  These milestones include: 

• Perspective
• Empathy
• Ownership
• Identity
• Mercy

Each milestone is identified, stumbling blocks for both boys and girls are explained, and hands-on practices are given.  And the end picture is inspiring.

However, the book in its entirety is quite overwhelming.  While reading through each chapter, it felt like everything I say and do with my kids is at critical mass.  Like the slightest word could tip them over the edge.  And while I do believe there's good material in this book, the authors seem to be overly critical and targeting parent's insecurities.  There's so much information and warnings to parents; the entire book become overshadowed with a negative tone.

All in all, the tone of this book outweighed any good it could do.  If you can read this book with a lot of wisdom and perspective, there are nuggets of truth to be mined.  Otherwise, I would pass on this book.  There are better parenting books out there.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.