Most every parent wants the best for his or her child. But what happens when this concept is taken too far, and instead of improving their children's lives, parents end up creating entitled tyrants? This is the concept Kristen Welch explores in her new book, Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World.

Welch is the writer of the popular blog, We Are THAT Family. In addition to being a good writer, she's honest, funny, approachable and real. Through personal stories, Welch shares her experience of noticing that her children were not appreciative of the material blessings they'd been given in life, and also not learning the value of hard work (typical American kids, right?) Because gratitude is so important to Welch, she is determined that her family will change course. Welch is completely relatable, too. She shares her mistakes and instances where she wishes she could have had a "do-over". In this realm she does not appear "preachy" or like someone who "knows it all". She acknowledges, as we all know, that parenting is the hardest job any of us will love (and sometimes most definitely not love!) to do.

So much of this book resonated with me (other parts did not, which I'll get to in a moment). My kids have opportunities and experiences my husband and I couldn't have dreamed of when we were growing up. We try very hard not to "spoil" them, and it's so important to me that they are grateful for the blessings they have, know the meaning of hard work, and recognize that most people in the world do not live like they do. The book helped me reckon with my own entitlement as well. In addition to stories, Welch includes suggested tips and exercises at the end of each chapter based on a child's age.

I do feel the need to put a disclaimer in this review. Welch is a very conservative Christian. She and her husband have devoted their lives to building a running a women's health care center in Kenya, which shows an amazing generosity of spirit. Christian themes run through this book and it's published by Tyndale, a Christian publisher. Throughout the book, Welch uses several examples of things that are "not all right" -- online pornography, bullying, drug/alcohol use, etc. Most of these are behaviors that parents -- no matter their creed-- would agree with (much like the idea of gratitude and entitlement). However, included with the examples of "not all right" are references to homosexuality. Certainly, many in Welch's core audience will agree with her (however, this is where she and I part company). I fail to see what this even has to do with gratitude and entitlement and think it does nothing but turn people away from it otherwise a great book. I guess this is a sacrifice Welch and Tyndale were willing to make, although I think they would have found a wider audience without the rhetoric.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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