Parenting is hard. There are many demands and expectations families face—but what if there was a way to see things differently and rise above the daily grind?

Rev. Kim Meyers, family ministry and community outreach pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church; mother of two teenage boys, host of “Lift: A Parenting Podcast,” and a seasoned teacher of parenting classes, has released her first book, titled Parenting with Perspective – a unique parenting resource she always wished she had. With humor and hope, this book gives parents rearing children of any age a new companion on the journey through parenthood.

The first part of the book focuses on the parent, not the child; the second part focuses on who the child is, not whom the parent wants them to be; and the final part focuses on how the parent and child work together. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse, includes a perspective piece written by others in the community, and ends with a prayer.

“There are already plenty of parenting style books on the shelves,” said Rev. Meyers. “Parenting with Perspective is like a friend you can go to in the middle of the night. You will mess up, but it’s important to give yourself grace and move forward. Parenting during COVID-19 has created tremendous pressure on families, but if we can parent with perspective, it makes a huge difference. And, it’s OK to not like your children some days. We’ve all been there. This book talks about things parents experience that other books do not.”

“By providing the wisdom of other experts such as retired teachers and counselors, the book gives yet another helpful point of view,” added Meyers. “Parenting is hard, and it is my hope to help parents take a breath, step back and gain new perspective, and then move on! It’s also important for parents to take care of themselves.”

Rev. Meyers spent each Friday of the pandemic working on her book and was surprised at how easily the book came together. Below are a few parenting tips from Meyers:

• Perspective is important – I am a believer in the 5-5-5 rule.   So, in the moment when things feel big, take a minute, and reflect:  In 5 days will this decision feel the same way, and what about in 5 weeks, 5 months?
• Each child is different. It’s important to understand whom you are talking to:  a toddler can typically only process one emotion at a time, and a teenager is pushing toward independence without a fully developed brain. Giving them respect and boundaries will help you both in the journey of parenting.
• I don’t think we can say this enough - but taking care of yourself is critical.  Chapter 4 focuses on self-care, through rest, exercise, counseling, fun. Do what you need to do to be your best self.

“I have thought about writing a book for a long time, and I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit had a hand in my ability to do so – every step of the way,” added Meyers. “Many don’t know that I’m dyslexic, which presents some challenges – especially when writing a book! I have such a strong desire to help families be the best they can be, and I pray this resource will help parents know they are good enough and to keep fighting the fight!”

Rev. Meyers has a Master of Arts in Ministry from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She has a background in family and children's ministry and is a former middle and elementary school public school teacher. She also serves on the board of directors for Wesley Rankin Community Center and The Warren Center. Rev. Meyers has been married to her husband Dan for 21 years and has two children, ages 15 and 17, and two dogs. The family resides in Frisco, Texas.

“Rev. Meyers is an expert in her field and a deeply faithful person with an optimistic outlook on life,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew United Methodist Church. “I, along with many others, have told her that she needs to write a book because, after all, she is the one we all go to for parenting advice! I love seeing how she inspires parents and children daily while keeping it real. With two small children of my own, I know many challenges of parenting, and I appreciate her perspective and encouragement that we as parents are capable and equipped for the task.”

In 2019, Rev. Meyers launched “Lift: A Parenting Podcast” to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children of all ages in today’s world. LIFT podcasts have tackled many additional timely, tough subjects including mass shootings, grief and suicide, the challenges of COVID-19, and race, featuring community leaders, church members and other experts as guests. It is available for free on https://liftparentingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/. Meyers also enjoys speaking to groups on parenting and is developing a Bible study companion to the book that can be used in small groups. Visit kimmeyers.org for more information. Parenting with Perspective is now available, from $17.99 to $22.99. To pre-order, visit https://store.inviteresources.com/product/parenting-with-perspective/

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St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

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