The Danger of Raising Nice Kids: Preparing Our Children to Change Their World

What is the goal of Christian parenting? Timothy Smith, in his book The Danger of Raising Nice Kids, suggests that we need to do more than raise polite, well-dressed, nice children. Christian kids need to be prepared to do battle and struggle in this fallen world for the glory of God.
This book is written from the perspective of a child/youth counselor offering advice to parents. Its strength is not as a theological or biblically-driven treatment of parenting. Instead, Timothy Smith offers practical and helpful advice to help parents raise “courageous kids with character.” Smith repeatedly offers practical ideas, checklists, and suggestions that any parent can immediately implement.
Some of the very helpful chapters are those dealing with training your family and children in the areas of authenticity, empathy, compassion, and discernment. One of the best features of the book is found in appendix two where Smith provides an extended list of goals for your children in the different spheres of life (i.e., spiritual, social, mental, etc.).
As a counselor, Smith occasionally includes some thoughts and approaches that appear to be more psychologically than biblically based, such as, “Authentic people can love others because they have learned to love themselves” (p. 65), and “Jesus came to have an authentic relationship with each of us” (p. 71).
On the whole, however, this book will provide parents with much to think through as well as many practical ways to very intentionally disciple their children. Much is at stake as Smith well points out, “Out ultimate goal as a family is to advance God’s kingdom (not be comfortable, or accumulate wealth, or become famous)” (p. 50). – James Billings, Christian Book Previews.com

A helpful resources that dares to take an approach somewhat out of the mainstream. -- Amy VanHuisen, The Church Librarian, 51 (3) 2008

The strength of Smith?s book is found in its ability to shift one?s parental focus and values. Time Smith helps the reader move from the mindset of protecting or controlling one?s children to the mindset of preparing them for maturity and responsibility. -- Christian Library Journal, June 2007

"Tim Smith said it so well: 'Strong parents produce strong kids. Weak parents produce weak kids.' In the pages of this book, Tim will guide and encourage you to be 'strong parents.' Step up to the plate and the enjoy the responsibility and the privilege of being a parent." -- Kendra Smiley, coauthor of Be the Parent

"If you're looking for a parenting resource that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy, put this book down. But if you truly want your kids to grow up with the kind of godly character that will help them be people of integrity and strength, then start reading. Tim's words will challenge you and make you rethink your assumptions about what it means to be a parent. This book will not only change your ideas, it will change your family." -- Carla Barnhill, author of The Myth of the Perfect Mother

"While reading this book, I was reminded of Jesus' question: 'What good will it be to gain the whole world and yet forfeit our souls?' As parents, it is so tempting to focus on our children's academic achievements, athletic awards, good looks and future career success. In the process, we often neglect opportunities to influence and shape their Christian character. Tim Smith challenges us to move beyond raising nice, wimpy children. We cannot afford to just give our children what they want or what we want them to have. Instead, to live as Christians our children are going to need traits such as courage, discernment, compassion, empathy and contentment. This book provides parents with practical steps to help our children develop these important qualities." -- Dennis Lowe, Psychologist and Director of the Center for the Family at Pepperdine University

"Tim Smith hits the nail on the head! The apostle Paul said that we're to raise our children 'in the training and instruction of the Lord.' That's raising disciples, not just nice kids! Sound tough? This book maps it out and makes it easy!" -- Rick Osborne, author of Amazing and Unexplainable Things in the Bible and other books for boys

"Tim Smith is one of America's finest and most refreshing parenting experts. This book will show you how to raise your kids to be responsible adults. It is a fresh approach and very practical." -- Jim Burns, President of HomeWord and author of The 10 Building Blocks for a Healthy, Happy Family

"Tim Smith shows parents why pulling the weeds of bad behavior isn't enough. We must also nurture the roots of a good heart. This book is filled with practical ways to fill our homes with grace and love, so our children will be able to face the world they live in." -- Olivia Bruner, author of PlayStation Nation: Protect Your Child from Video Game Addiction

"A fantastic book for parenting the next generation. Great insights. The best I've read!" -- Bill Myers, author of The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle children's series

"There's a reason someone made up the saying 'Nice guys finish last.' The last thing you want to have happen is to raise kids that are easily influenced, intimidated, defenseless. . . . I invite you to pick up the cadence with one of America's great family coaches and learn better ways to raise kids who are ready for tomorrow. Nice kids? No. Strong, emotionally fit and morally good? Absolutely. You're going to enjoy The Danger of Raising Nice Kids." -- From the foreword by Dr. Tim Kimmel, author of The Little House on the Freeway and Raising Kids for True Greatness