AUTHOR: Jonathan McKee
DATE: 2014
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****
Are you and your favorite teenager having too many conversations like this?
"How was school?"
"Fine."
"Soccer practice?"
"Same as always."
"Anything interesting happen today?"
"Nope."
"Nice talking with you!"
Let's face it. Teenagers have a PhD in one-word answers . . . if we don't ask the right questions.
In this book, veteran youth expert Jonathan McKee shares 180 creative discussion starters to help teens open up about issues that matter. You'll also find tips for interpreting their responses and follow-up questions. From light-hearted to more serious, these conversation springboards will encourage even the most reluctant teen to talk about friends, school, values, struggles, and much more.
When I was offered a chance to read and review this book, I jumped at it. Even though my own kids are now grown, our grandchildren are coming into their teenager years. My past attempts to draw my kids into meaningful conversation usually sounded like the example above, and I want to do better with the grandkids.
Jonathan McKee had three teenagers of his own, plus he has twenty years of youth ministry experience. He knows whereof he speaks! His tips for asking creative questions intrigue me, so I trust they will also spark interest in teens.
His dedication is so true: “To all the parents out there who desperately would love to connect with their kids. ‘Cause it ain’t easy.”
I’m certainly going to keep this book handy during our times with our grandkids. This book earns five stars.