– Customer review on 22/01/2012

I purchased this because I heard an interview of the author on the radio, and I thought he had a unique view on how Christians should respond to bullying. Also, I have two daughters who are small for their age and who tend to be introverted and that sometimes attracts negative attention from other kids.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or works with children. It is both practical and inspirational and helps you to step back and question how you perceive your role when someone is being victimized. I have a new perspective on my role and my children's roles in regards to bullying. He begins the book by describing how many Christians are brought up to be timid and "nice", whereas Christ is anything but timid. Then Coughlin describes how overprotective parenting can stunt the social growth of a child. He sites research about the characteristics of a child who tend to attract the negative attention of bullies, and gives advice and how to deter and respond to bullying. He had a whole chapter devoted on spotting and repelling predators, including adult predators.

What I found inspiring about Coughlin's book is his call for Christians to stand up for victims when see bullying occur. He references scripture on our responsibility defend the weak. He even has a website about his organization called the "Protectors" designed to teach you to stand up for victims. I have had several discussions with my children about bullying so that they may feel more empowered. I realized since reading this book that passivity has caused many of us to miss out on opportunities to stand up for what is right. It struck such a chord in me that it has given me the courage to stand up to a bully at my own workplace, to which I am very pleased to say had quite satisfactory results.