Book Review: Parenting for the Launch by Dennis Trittin and Arlyn Lawrence

Last year, I reviewed What I Wish I Knew at 18 by Dennis Trittin and I loved it! This year I was so glad and thankful for an opportunity to review Parenting for the Launch by Dennis Trittin and Arlyn Lawrence. What an awesome book it is! I still have 2 teens left at home so I greatly appreciate this book. It's definitely a must read for any parents who have teens. It helps parents effectively prepare and equip their teens for their new chapters of life when they leave home. Are you nervous...are you ready to launch your kid out into the "real world"? The authors offer practical strategies and insightful advice that are truly helpful and invaluable. The book is divided into 3 main parts: Destination Preparation, Relationship Preparation, and Transition Preparation. It also has 5 useful appendices. Each chapter ends with a "Take Five" section which includes key questions for readers to reflect upon.

Changes. Challenges. Pressures. Responsibilities. Teens and young adults need life skills and solid leadership foundation to succeed and thrive. Parents can help them by giving them wings, not strings (which tie them down). "Wings are the things we do to prepare our children to be secure, confident, and independent adults, who will live with integrity and impact. We empower our kids when we train them with strong internal guiding principles and give them freedom, opportunity, and accountability to apply those principles according to their unique style and interests. Picture an eagle--it can soar to the heights. It is free to explore high and far and to navigate the turbulence that life often brings." (p. 13) I highly recommend this excellent parenting guide!


"They tell us of the growing issues with this younger generation: disrespect for authority, lack of social skills, apathy, and an entitlement mentality." (p. 16)

"Parents have a special opportunity to help their children identify what brings them joy, fulfillment, and inspiration. Understanding our talents and showing the different ways they can be used is an inspirational and motivational gift we can all give our children." (p. 40)

"The gifts of preparation, empowerment, and belief are priceless to our children." (p. 50)

"Our expectations of our kids can have a huge impact on them, both good and bad. Good, in that we (hopefully) inspire them to excellence and give them a compelling vision for life. Bad, on the other hand, when our expectations violate their unique designs and create discouragement and resentment." (p. 88)


~I received a free copy of this book from Icon Media Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.