THINGS WE WISH WE HAD SAID
Reflections of a father and son
By Tony and Bart Campolo. Authentic Media. 194 pages. £7.99
ISBN 1 86024 567 1
This unusual book is a most enjoyable and stimulating read. It is an interaction between US preacher Tony Campolo and his son Bart. It was first published over 20 years ago, when Bart was in his mid-20s, but Authentic have done us a service by making it available again.
Each of the chapters deals with a different aspect of parenting and growing up, written by one or other of the authors, with an honest, open reply from the other. Subjects covered include sharing your faith with your children, the pains of growing up, trying to encourage or limit the influence of others on your youngsters, talking to a child about issues like relationships and careers, and sustaining the relationship through times of pressure, rebellion and college life. A huge variety of subjects are touched on, from coping with generational differences and making time and space for each other, to the impact of parental greed on youngsters, being a family for God, and facing issues like masturbation!
