Book Review - Reaping the Harvest

It feels a bit strange to recommend a book before I've actually read the whole thing, but it has caused me to think about my relationships with my kids in such a beneficial way, that I just couldn't wait to make sure I shared it with anyone else who may benefit from it as much as I am.
I also need to state, that I was in the library in the section where homeschool books were, somehow divinely inspired to be there - because honestly many of those books totally overwhelm me! However, I reached up, in a hurry because I'd gone with a friend, and pulled down this book:
Reaping the Harvest by Diana Waring - and shallow girl that I am, the cover appealed to me. So I threw it in my basket, maybe in the back of my mind thinking it'd be another "homeschooling how-to" book I'd lug home and never read. *Sigh* It's not that I don't WANT to be inspired, it is just that after all these years of homeschooling, sometimes it seems there's nothing new under the sun!
I started reading this book the night before last, and it has been hitting me right between the eyes. I didn't even know it was directed at parents of teenagers. There is a lot of emphasis on building relationships of mutual respect, acknowledging your children as special - created by God. That even helped me with my seven year old, who I am so busy trying to keep from driving other people crazy (physical antics, constantly making sounds, drumming on the table, whistling, etc. etc.) that I risk suffocating the personality God made him to have and intends to use for His glory.
I would highly recommend that parents of teens read this book - and there is another book called Beyond Survival also by Diana Waring for all parents. I plan on checking out all of her stuff now! She also has a website www.dianawaring.com - with many resources for homeschoolers.
Okay, so before I sound too much like a commercial, I will state that I do not know Diana Waring (although I wouldn't mind meeting her!), I am not being paid to read this book, nor to give it a favorable review. I will simply say that I am a parent who is learning as I go with my children how to let them grow into the people God made them - and along the way, I'm learning to be who God made me. This book spoke to that desire inside of me to nurture my children's God-given personalities. I pray it may benefit someone else as well. Happy reading!