The Adolescent Storm - Meg Fargher and Helen Dooley

Review by Sharon Malan

One thing to know for sure is that this is a handbook in the true sense of the word. I initially felt as if I was reading an academic paper. However, as I progressed, I was met with some interesting case studies of real life issues that high school students face on a daily basis. This book not only provides insight to the world of the life of a teenager but creates an opportunity of understanding and guiding your adolescent through these years. I would like to suggest that all parents of adolescents read this book when considering the pressure that both parties find themselves under. I believe that the authors, HELEN DOOLEY (psychotherapist) and MEG FARGHER (ex-headmistress) have captured their experience in understanding adolescents in a unique way, which is ultimately to the advantage of parents of adolescents. Let's face it; school is not what it was like when we were once there.

Coach your child for life - Tanya van Zyl

Review by Sharon Malan
Christian Art

This book is just what the title says. The author gives us practical guide that is packed with ideas to not only help your children but also to build and maintain a strong relationship with children. I personally found this guide to be a logical and practical way of thinking that I know, yet I have failed to implement. Tanya has made the implementation of various scriptural principals in child rearing doable for me. There is also a CD included on which Tanya explains some key aspects. The CD contains some coaching conversations that you can listen to with your children. I now have the tools to raise children with an "I can" attitude who can look past a problem and move forward with goals. And, fear not! Tanya is right by your side helping you coach your child in setting these goals.

Her Mother's Hope - Francine Rivers

Review by Patricia Kruger
Christian Art

Her Mother's Hope is the long awaited novel by the best selling author Francine Rivers. This is a first part of a two part epic that spans across generations and continents which explores the bond and love, the unconscious feelings affecting behaviour, forcing growth and change between mother and daughter. Marriage and motherhood brings joy and heartbreak. Martha must give up her life long ambition, she submits to her husband and children, her long kept secret causes her daughter Hildarama to doubt her love. Hildarama wants to gain acceptance by trying to please her mother, she falls in love has children of her own. Her tough love towards her daughter Carolyn is misunderstood. Do not miss the second part "Her Daughter's Dream".

August 2010 Cover

August 2010 Editorial

Education. This is a word and term that is bandied about often, sometimes carelessly and recklessly, sometimes in ignorance, but mostly for noble causes. After all, education in general is a noble cause since it defines in essence the transference of knowledge from one generation to the next; this in turn begs us to appreciate noble aspirations, such as legacy.

But really, education begins and ends in the home, and has less to do with formal schooling than one may think! It seems to be a popular notion that education starts the day we are enrolled for Grade 1 (or Grade R or something similar) and then continues through to Grade 12; after that further education may or may not happen at college, Technikon or university level, after which we go into our respective fields... educated and qualified. Nothing could be further from the truth. As I said, education starts at home (or at the hospital) the day we are born. I am of the opinion that we come into the world fully and perfectly formed as the person we are supposed to be. The road we need to walk (through education) from birth to death is the process of bringing out that perfect being, and that whole person. For most of us, the attainment of reaching that perfection while on earth is probably not feasible, however, it shouldn't stop us from trying. I also think that eternity (if we were to view eternity in terms of time - which it isn't!) is simply the continuance of this road. Until all eternity I believe we will be involved in this educational process - discovering who and what we are in the fullness of God.

Now if this is my belief, then I've also set myself up for quite a task regarding my own children, to those for whom I am either a biological or spiritual father. (I use the word "father" in the broadest sense when referring to my relationship with people with no biological connection). In truth, we all are constantly involved in this dual role - the role of educator and in the place of being educated. By the way, "being educated" is not a destination, but rather a waypoint! Understanding the gravity of my responsibility I can no longer point a finger and make statements such as, "Yes, but the education system is this-or-that," when talking about the failings of society. No, I must make up my mind that I am here to teach and learn all at the same time.

Understanding this responsibility is one thing, but it also implies that we need some kind of yardstick or measuring tool outside of ourselves that is bigger and better, further and more educated/informed, to guide us in the process. Fortunately there is the Absolute against which we are able to measure anything from our achievement to our progress and everything in between. The Absolute, is of course, none other than the Creator, who conceived our shape and being in the first place. So, in essence, our road of educational discovery is to find out more about the Creator; this will allow us to get to grips with who we are supposed to be, and allow us the grace to help every other person, who by necessity is hugely different than us. We are in this journey and adventure together, let us make the best of it and enjoy the ride.