Raising children in a world that doesn’t always look out for their best interests can be overwhelming. Parents have to contend with an often unwelcome invasion of social media, cell phones, cultural values that conflict with their own, and high-pressure youth academics, sports, and other activities. Many will feel grounded by this book, filled with simple wisdom that encourages parents to raise happy, well-adjusted children by tuning out the noise and keeping an eye on basic, fundamental parenting skills. Author McGann, an educator, mother, and grandmother, offers commonsense advice for every stage of child development, addressing family, school and social issues from birth through high school, with an emphasis on a loving, respectful relationship between parents and children and the constant reminder that even in times of trouble, there are always moments of grace to be treasured. Separate chapters dedicated to childhood anxiety and divorce offer more ways to support children.
— Booklist
Steadfast Parenting is easy to read, organized perfectly for parents of various aged children, and holds practical, immediately usable wisdom. By exploring the whole of parenting through the lens of character development, Patricia McGann takes us on a powerful child development journey through an increasingly complex world. Steadfast Parenting should become a daily companion for busy parents.
— Michael Gurian, New York Times bestselling author of "The Wonder of Boys" and "The Minds of Girls"
Patricia McGann’s calm, knowledgeable, reassuring voice shines through this eminently practical guide to parenting an ever-growing child—from birth through the teenage years--in an ever-changing world. This will be the book that parents can turn to, again and again, as they navigate the new experiences and face the challenges that are part of a parent’s role—and reach for the joy and laughter that, as McGann reminds us, are amongst its wondrous benefits.
— Mary Quattlebaum, writing instructor/coach and author of many children’s books, including Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond and Adorable Animals
Patricia McGann’s book is a treasure trove of outstanding advice, inspiring anecdotes, and personal testimonials. Her words ring true throughout. Her grace under fire, in all aspects of her life, comes through cogently and consistently, as does her love for others, and most of all for her students. My own personal favorite aspect of the book, however, is her smart and sound advice about how to parent in a world of smart phones, social media, and modern-day materialism. You will look far and wide for wiser—or more helpful—words.
— Michael O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow and Director of Research, Foreign Policy Program, Brookings Institution
This books will provide insight and wisdom to everyone. McGann’s writing style is honest, funny, and sometimes hard to hear. Her writing stays with you, and circles back like a vivid memory when you need to be opened to a thought at a particular moment. It is written with love, compassion and understanding from a wonderful mom, wife, and educator.
— Susan M. Apgood, executive vice president, client relations and founder of News Generation, Inc.
McGann is a once-in-a-generation leader. Her insight and perspective are well earned and invaluable. I had the privilege of watching her time and again lead our school to do things that people told us could not be done. Always placing the children first. Through it all she had the courage, compassion and integrity to boldly live out the most important philosophy a leader can have. "We are in this together".
— David Long, principal, Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic School
Patricia McGann has captured what those who love children need to consider in order to truly care for them and to help them blossom into their best selves. During her decades as a counselor, educator and principal, McGann worked tirelessly to form a truly inclusive culture in her schools, where each child was accepted, loved, and given an opportunity to contribute to the community. Her in-person work during the pandemic is just one indicator of her true devotion to the needs of children; her wisdom in these pages is invaluable.
— Doreen Engel, Director of Children and Youth Services at The Arc Montgomery County
As a middle school assistant principal and special education teacher with over twenty years of experience as well as a mother of three, I understand that teaching, like parenting, is more of an art than a science. McGann's poignantly written words provide the framework for cultivating individual works of art within the gallery of family and family values. The author's wisdom and expertise as a mother and educator provide perspective on the complicated and joyful job of raising a child. "Realistic and consistent expectations" provide the safety children need to flourish. McGann's wisdom from her years in education with her lessons learned from parenthood helps parents to "be the parents that they (children) need us to be.
— Michelle C. Harmon, master's in Special Education, assistant principal, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland, National Board Certified Teacher
It doesn't matter if you're a helicopter parent or a single mom working two jobs, Patricia McGann's eminently readable book resonates because of her practical advice and laugh out loud observations on parenting. McGann has walked the walk, working with children from kindergarten through high school, and raising five children successfully to adulthood. Her advice is be there, be loving, be honest, be consistent, be accepting of your mistakes and your children's stumbles, and keep on trying. My biggest takeaway, however, was be ready for the unexpected, because it will happen, both good and bad, in ways you never could have imagined. She also gives us hope if you're there every day, caring and doing your best, everything will probably turn out OK.
— Jim and Terri Nelson, Jim Nelson is a certified accountant and college accounting professor; Terri Nelson is a compliance officer (Children's Safe Sleep Team) and part of the Federal Government Consumer Product Safety Commission
As an educator with over 30 years of classroom teaching experience, I highly recommend Steadfast Parenting. I have taught many troubled children whose problems could have been prevented had their parents read this guide. The strategies in the discipline chapter are brilliant, yet simple. This would be a great book for teachers to recommend and share with their students’ parents. Steadfast Parenting is a feel good book that not only inspires parents, but also gives them practical solutions for many of the common struggles parents experience. This simple, empowering book will help parents relax and enjoy the difficult yet rewarding journey of parenting!
— Kathleen Dugan, teacher of 30+ years, Montgomery County Public Schools
Throughout her life and career, McGann has helped those around her through her expertise and encouraging, reassuring example. She has guided countless parents and students through every situation imaginable. This wonderful book brings her timeless and necessary wisdom home to anyone trying their best with a child.
— Richard Dwyer, Head of Upper School, Director of Mission, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Patricia McGann has combined her many years of education with an exhaustive list of real life experience to craft a light hearted, non-judgmental, reassuring guide to parenting. Patricia’s thoroughly entertaining, practical and easy to read primer on parenting can bring out the best in any parent and child!
— Joseph Dungan, trial court judge, prosecutor, triall attorney, father of 4, grandfather of fourteen, and youth coach
Educational consultant McGann has worn many hats: school counselor, administrator, teacher, and principal. In this book, she offers child-rearing tips that apply to infants through teenagers. Her book is divided into several subsections—school, family, and social life—and begins with a discussion about the numerous unmet expectations many parents have of their children. She asserts that focusing on dreams of the past can prevent parents from raising their child to be an individual. For parents of preschoolers, the book provides advice for handling potty training, the addition of a sibling, and learning to get through tantrums. The school-age years section includes guidance on building self-image, navigating social hierarchies, experiencing bullying, and much more. The parts for parents of teenagers focus on identifying and understanding the range of emotions many youths in that age range feel, helping teens find a great support system of friends, and teaching best practices for decision-making. McGann argues that returning to parenting basics leads to raising happy, loving people. This character-development book will appeal to not only parents and guardians but educators as well.
— Library Journal