There’s hope for childhood. Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that are robbing children of a healthy childhood, courageous parents and teachers who know what’s best for children are turning the tide.
Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books on education, parenting, and relationships have helped more than a million readers through life’s challenges, draws on the stories and voices of parents and educators on the ground, and a wealth of personal experience. He surveys the drastic changes in the lives of children, but also the groundswell of grassroots advocacy and action that he believes will lead to the triumph of common sense and time-tested wisdom. Arnold takes on technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressure, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more, calling on everyone who loves children to combat these threats to childhood and find creative ways to help children flourish.
Every parent, teacher, and childcare provider has the power to make a difference, by giving children time to play, access to nature, and personal attention, and most of all, by defending their right to remain children.
About the Author
People have come to expect sound advice from Johann Christoph Arnold, an award-winning author with over a million copies of his books in print in more than 20 languages. A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counselled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years. His books include Why Forgive? Rich in Years, Seeking Peace, Cries from the Heart, Be Not Afraid, and Why Children Matter. Arnold’s message has been shaped by encounters with great peacemakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, César Chavez, and John Paul II. Together with paralyzed police officer Steven McDonald, Arnold started the Breaking the Cycle program, working with students at hundreds of public high schools to promote reconciliation through forgiveness. This work has also brought him to conflict zones from Northern Ireland to Rwanda to the Middle East. Closer to home, he serves as chaplain for the local sheriff’s department. Born in Britain in 1940 to German refugees, Arnold spent his boyhood years in South America, where his parents found asylum during the war; he immigrated to the United States in 1955. He and his wife have eight children, 42 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They live in upstate New York. To learn more visit www.richinyears.com
Reviews
There is no greater challenge for society than nurturing its children and treasuring childhood. This timely book offers insight and inspiration.
–Professor Barry Carpenter OBE, International Education Consultant
A warm hearted exploration of what it means to be a child in today’s world.
–June O’Sullivan, London Early Years Foundation
Often challenging, occasionally provocative, always stimulating and uplifting… a JOyous description of childhood.
–Anand Shukla, Family and Childcare Trust
Should be compulsory reading for eve1yone who works with children. I shall return to it again and again.
–Sonia Jackson OBE, Univers1ty of London
A deeply inspiring tribute to children… Arnold’s basic message is clear, and well worth heeding: a deep reverence for children will make the world a better place.
–Publishers Weekly
Arnold’s respect for the needs of children is evident on every page, and his perspective gives those who work with children a renewed sense of purpose…This is the perfect gift for a favorite teacher or parent.
–Foreword Magazine
Beautiful…It is Arnold’s reverence for children that I love.
–Jonathan Kozol
In our hard-charging culture, children often get pushed to the edges of our crowded schedules. Arnold understands the pressures, but points to another way. His book is practical and compelling.
–Timothy Jones, author, Nurturing Your Child’s Soul
Stunning… Who would have thought that there was anything new to say about childhood? Arnold surprises us at every turn.
–Diane Komp, MD, Prof. of Pediatrics, Yale University
Welcome reading for parents, grandparents, teachers and all those who care deeply about nurturing the next generation.
–Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children’s Defense Fund
Publisher: Plough Publishing House (22 Sept. 2014)
Language: English
Paperback: 189 pages
ISBN-10: 0874866308
ISBN-13: 978-0874866308
Dimensions: 13.67 x 1.27 x 19.05 cm