book review: raising freethinkers

It’s been months since I have been able to pick up a book to read that didn’t include colorful pictures and silly stories. I read to my kids every night but finding a book to read for myself is next to impossible.

But once I finally took the time to read Raising Freethinkers I’m glad I did. My husband and I have been actually pondering how we will introduce religion to our children since we currently don’t go to church. He was raised Catholic, I was raised as a Methodist and attended church often, not every weekend but often.

Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief is written by four amazing writers. Dale McGowan who is a writer, editor and parenting educator. Molleen Matsumura is a humanist and activist and writer with more than 20 years experience. Amanda Metskas is the president of Camp Quest. Jan Devor is Director of Religious Education for the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis.

I have to admit I haven’t finished the book yet, but it immediately caught my attention. I love how the book explains topics, provides a question and answer scenario, provides examples, then backs it up with resources and activities you can do with your children. It covers topics like curiosity, ethics, body awareness, living a meaningful life and so much more.

My kids are still a bit young for some of the activities but I can definitely imagine using them in the near future when they are older. While my husband and I haven’t decided how we are going to approach religion with our children this book provides answers to common questions that I’m sure our kids will ask in the future. And we will have plenty activities to do to keep their minds busy and free.

I will definitely be keeping, Raising Freethinkers in my arsenal of parenting resources.

Details
Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief
Price: $16.95
Pages: 304
To purchase Raising Freethinkers, shop online: http://www.amanet.org/books/book.cfm?isbn=9780814410967

This product review was written for Family Review Network.