I decided to read A Boy’s Guide To Making Really Good Choices with our 9 year old son. It was pretty perfect for that age. I wasn’t sure how much he was going to like it, but I was so happy that he ended up really enjoying it! We would read one chapter per sitting, which took about 20 minutes. To give you an idea of how much our son liked this devotional, there were 10 chapters, and we were done in under 2 weeks.
The entire devotional is essentially a story of a boy called Justin. He made several bad choices, and then had to suffer the consequences. But throughout the story, the author, Jim George, points out that Justin always had choices. We all do. Although it may feel as if we just couldn’t help ourselves, or it wasn’t our fault because we couldn’t say no, we ALWAYS have a choice. The question is whether we will choose to do what’s easy rather than what’s right (my children have this memorized).
I appreciated that although Justin made a lot of bad choices, George was careful to show compassion on him. Some kids are extremely hard on themselves, and feel as if they’re the only ones struggling with a particular sin. But it’s freeing to know that we are not the only ones. I think it gives, especially children, permission to apologize and move on from a bad choice rather than hiding their sin.
The devotional was also centered on the Word of God, without being over the top preachy. Every chapter had several appropriate Scripture verses included. I also loved how Justin was a relatable character, who you could easily see being a friend of your child’s (or is similar to your child, himself).
And of course, I love how this is such a great book for BOYS. Boys are different than girls. Shocker, right? But in all seriousness, I loved how this book was specifically addressing sins that often boys struggle with. Whether that’s laziness, or friends, or whatever. Granted, girls can struggle in these areas as well, but generally in different ways.
I know that when I correct my kids, I try to do it immediately. However, when it’s right after the offense, often my children will be all sorts of worked up for a number of reasons. It doesn’t matter what I have to say, they’re not listening since mostly they’re just being irrational. But with a devotional like this, it’s great to be able to talk through bad choices, without the sting of just being caught in the act.
Ultimately, as I mentioned earlier, I was just happy our son wanted to read the book. I know he found it relatable, since in different parts of the book, when it was describing something familiar Justin was struggling with (ahem), I looked up at him as he smiled and yelled, “MOM!!! I know.”
If you have an elementary aged boy, I would definitely recommend this sweet devotional! Check it out here!
