The Joy of Letting Go by Vicki Caruana

With readings of encouragement and inspirational quotes, this devotional helps parents prepare their hearts for their children’s independence, whether their kids are just starting kindergarten or graduating from college.

Parents let go of their children every day, even in ways they don’t realize. The 52 devotional readings within shine a light on all the times readers have loosened their grip on their children and encourages them to continue to let go in life-giving ways. Written by a parenting and education expert, The Joy of Letting Go will comfort and inspire parents in all seasons of parenting.


Available on Amazon

Meet the Author:

Dr. Vicki Caruana is the author of 20 books and the blog Apples & Chalkdust—named after her bestselling book that has touched the lives of a million educators around the world. Caruana is one of four parenting experts on Starting Points, Focus on the Family’s parenting DVD series. Formerly a public school teacher and a homeschooling mom, Vicki is now an assistant professor of education at Mount Saint Mary College in New York. She lives with her station wagon loving husband, Chip, in Newburgh, New York and has two grown sons in Colorado Springs.

Find out more about Vicki at http://vickicaruana.blogspot.com


My Take:
I enjoyed this little "devotional", although personally I wouldn't exactly call it that. To me it was more of a book of thoughts or collection of stories from a mom who struggled with the art of letting go. There wasn't a lot of Scripture reference or prayers. There were some quotes by famous people at the beginning of a reading and at the end of most a "Thought Poke", often with a verse to get your wheels turning. Each "devotional" was an experience Vicki or a friend had gone through, or an introspection about an area we may struggle with as a parent in letting go.

I already have a older daughter who has been to college and gotten married. But I also still have younger children at home, and there are times when I feel the pull between letting go and holding on and have a difficult time finding the balance. Ultimately our children are in God's hands. Our responsibility as parents is to rear them to grow up to be mature adults, responsible, with good character and able to take care of themselves and their families. Many adults in today's society still seem to be living at home with parents and a lot of post teenagers are not really growing up.

This book was insightful and helpful. I appreciated the readings and thought poke's Vicki provided.

I was blessed with a copy of this book through Lit Fuse Blogger Group and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.