Good Influence: Teaching the Wisdom of Adulthood

By Daniel R. Heischman

Book Overview

Young people desperately seek to develop an inner core that will not only rescue them in times of distress, but also help them to define and shape moral convictions, passions, and interests in building a better world. To find this inner coherence, they turn to their parents and teachers -- the adults who are supposed to know them better than they know themselves. But these same adults are often driven and desperate to stay young, and are unclear how to achieve the wisdom and maturity of an elder to put the needs of their children and students above their own. Young people do not want us to become part of "their" world, according to author Dan Heischman, but they invite us -- and need us -- to be different... to be adults, for them. This book will help adults understand what young people are searching for, describe how to have a lasting impact on your children's or student's development, teach credible models of adulthood, and guide adults towards achieving the passion and wisdom for spiritual mentorship. Drawing on thirty years of experience with parents, teachers, and students, the author uses stories and sound principles not so much to help bridge the generation gap, but to use the natural difference in maturity as a basis and guideline for more effective communication and connection.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0819223638
• ISBN13: 9780819223630
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Length: 146 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Well worth the read for anyone who is trying to be an effective mentor

There is a certain wisdom that comes with age that is passed from generation to generation. "Good Influence: Teaching the Wisdom of Adulthood" is a musing of the wisdom that comes with age and how to teach it. Daniel R. Heischman discusses age and maturity, stating there are things that some adults need to do to earn the respect of younger people. "Good Influence" is well worth the read for anyone who is trying to be an effective mentor.

Real grown-ups help others grow up

In readable prose and attractive book design, Dan Heischman invites us to act our age. What children need most as a "good influence" is adults who are not afraid to be themselves, not averse to setting boundaries and not forgetful of what it was like to be young. Recommended for anyone - parents, teachers, coaches, ministers - who wants to help young people grow into their fullness with goodness and joy.