Redemption Press author offers a toolbox of help for raising children in a world full of ‘landmines’

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Every parent or caregiver faces various threats, barriers, and challenges on the journey of rearing children from birth to adulthood, especially in today’s uncertain world. Mike Weiford calls these external forces “landmines”—anything from disease to poverty to bullying to emotional or physical abuse. And they can negatively impact a child’s development.

For those raising children, navigating these landmines can seem daunting, even impossible.

In his new book Navigating the Minefield, Mike offers hope for anyone tasked with the gift of raising a child in this landmine-filled world. He believes some landmines are preventable and offers tips and tools for sidestepping these threats that may pose a risk to the well-being of children in your care. His goal is to provide a resource for parents that will equip them to care for children more effectively and potentially change the trajectory of their child’s emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Mike knows well the threats facing our children today. He has spent more than four decades working with children, teens, and adults with physical and emotional abuse histories and has seen the devastating impact of landmines on kids—and the ones who raise them. Now he wants to offer that experience and wisdom to others.

With humility, gentleness, and wisdom, Mike challenges parents to face potential landmines so that they can effectively and successfully guide children toward healthy adulthood.

In Navigating the Minefield, readers will learn about child growth and development basics, positive discipline techniques, the power of forgiveness, the threat that abuse and neglect pose to future generations, and instilling godly character traits in children to foster healthy adult behavior. Plus, they will learn why parents and caregivers must deal with their own self-esteem, addiction, and anger issues and where they can reach out for help.

The book is sprinkled with workbook-style reflection sections, practical tips, and real-life examples.

No parent is perfect. But Navigating the Minefield will help couples, single parents, grandparents, and designated caregivers—anyone tasked with the gift of raising a child in this landmine-filled world—be a better parent and find joy on the journey.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Weiford is a licensed independent clinical social worker and recognized child mental health specialist with forty years of experience. He has worked at The Center • A Place of Hope for more than thirty years on the multidisciplinary partial hospitalization care team, providing treatment to various client populations struggling with mental illness, including children, adolescents, families, and parents. He and his wife, Judy, are the parents of three grown children and two grandchildren. They make their home in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

For review copies and media interviews, contact mike at: weifordmikea17@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Mike Weiford • weifordmikea17@gmail.com