Let Them Be Kids: An Invigorating Call for Adventure and Innocence
When I first picked up Let Them Be Kids: Adventure, Boredom, Innocence, and Ot… by Jessica Smartt, I didn’t realize I was delving into the world of a Christian mommy-blogger. Honestly, if I had known, I might have hesitated. However, the book found a way to capture my attention, and I devoured it in just a few hours. Smartt’s refreshing perspective on parenting left me nodding along, with a sort of nostalgia bubbling up as I reflected on my own childhood.
At its core, Let Them Be Kids is a gentle reminder to let our children experience the world in all its messy, unfiltered glory. Smartt urges parents to encourage exploration, independence, and imagination, all concepts that resonate with me deeply. As a mother of three, I am all too aware of how challenging it is to step back and allow my kids to simply be. As I read, I was transported back to my own childhood—long camping trips, sleepovers filled with laughter, and spontaneous adventures catching frogs with neighborhood friends. Smartt brilliantly makes readers reflect on those simpler times, which only fuels my desire to recreate similar experiences for my children.
The writing style is conversational and inviting. Smartt’s narration feels like a warm chat over coffee, where she validates our struggles while also prompting us to reconsider our parenting approaches. I found myself agreeing with nearly every point she made, and her witty asides were disarmingly relatable. This isn’t your average Christian parenting book, steeped in judgment; it’s a heartfelt conversation about raising joyful, adventurous kids.
One of the standout elements of the book is Smartt’s candid acknowledgment of mental health. She encourages seeking therapy when needed, noting that life can’t always be solved through prayer alone. This refreshing perspective hit home for me. It’s rare to encounter discussions about therapy in Christian literature, and Smartt’s openness made me feel seen and supported. "There is no shame in doing what you need to do for your well-being," she writes, instilling a sense of validation in those who struggle to find balance.
If you’re a parent—or even if you’re not—this book offers a perspective worth exploring. It’s an invigorating call to abandon screens and reconnect with nature, evoking visions of summer days spent playing in creeks and dirt. I cannot recommend this book enough; it has truly inspired me to make more mindful choices in my parenting journey.
In closing, if you’re seeking a thoughtful, uplifting companion on your parenting path, then Let Them Be Kids is well worth your time. It reminds us that it’s never too late to embrace the adventure of childhood, both for our children and for ourselves. I guarantee it will linger on your mind long after the last page is turned.
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