It goes without saying that my kids are raising my grandkids in a very different world than the world in which they were raised. Cultural pressures have dulled the sharp edge of conviction, leaving many parents unable to distinguish a safe path for their families. Furthermore, cultural change is so rapid that what “worked” for a firstborn may be wildly out of step for the baby of the family.

Andrew and Christian Walker are raising three daughters within this context, so What Do I Say When…? was written in the present-day parenting trenches. It’s the book the Walkers admit to needing themselves!
Andrew’s work in the field of Christian ethics and Christian’s experience with curriculum development make for a highly informed and relevant resource on controversial subjects ranging from abortion and sexuality to transgenderism and technology. They argue that “you must catechize and disciple your children at ever-younger ages intentionally, or else the culture will do so unintentionally and with even greater effectiveness. If you don’t teach your children, the world will.”
I especially appreciated their organization of content about those ten big questions in “floors.” First-floor content is intended for first conversations which could happen at any age, but would likely be for younger children. Second-floor content prompts a more mature conversation. Third-floor content goes into great depth, and the recommended resources at the end of each chapter invite further independent research.
Whether parents are fielding questions on the fly or front-loading information their children will need later, this guide is strong in both biblical fidelity and cultural relevance. Suggested scripture memory passages for each chapter make it easily adaptable for family devotional times.
The Walkers have struck an important balance with What Do I Say When…? It is true that parents face a heavy responsibility to be aware and informed purveyors of solid biblical values. They must do all they can to prepare their children to thrive despite opposition. But then, as has been true throughout all of history, we must hand our children over to the Lord. He is faithful, and parents can entrust their children’s spiritual development and their futures to his loving care.
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
“This is a rare book that is practical, wise, robustly theological, and usable at the dinner table. Andrew and Christian Walker have given a profound gift to those of us parenting in this chaotic cultural moment. And the stories are the best part, especially for those of us who don’t always know how to get a conversation started with our children.”
―John Stonestreet, President, Colson Center
“The church is in need of biblical resources that help us sort through our challenging cultural moment. As a pastor, I am regularly asked for an accessible resource that answers the most pressing questions of our era. This is the resource I have been looking for.”
―J. T. English, Lead Pastor, Storyline Church, Arvada, Colorado; Associate Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, Deep Discipleship; coauthor, You Are a Theologian
Holding You in the Light,

Because @andrewtwalk and Christian Walker are raising three daughters, What Do I Say When… was written in the present-day parenting trenches. It’s the book the Walkers admit to needing themselves! @crossway
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Oh so very true that if you don’t teach them someone else will!
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I remember being so aware of that when my kids were young, but it’s so much more urgent in today’s cultural landscape.
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This sounds like a great resource for parents, Michele!
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Absolutely! It’s such a great resource!
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Michele, this sounds like a wonderful resource in this shifting culture.
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I’ve given a copy to both of my sons in the process of raising kids. It’s definitely a must read!
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Michele, it is so true. Our grandchildren will be shaped by what they hear and see. May we teach them well and teach them early on. This sounds like a wonderful resource in the quickly changing world!
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We are so privileged to have our grandmotherly part in influencing another generation!
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Couldn’t agree more with the Walkers’ statement that “you must catechize and disciple your children at ever-younger ages intentionally, or else the culture will do so unintentionally and with even greater effectiveness.” Just a couple of weeks ago my husband and I picked up our just-turned eight-year old granddaughter from school and passed a billboard advocating for an alternate lifestyle. She commented about it, saying something to the effect, it was sad that such billboards were allowed to be displayed in public, because what it advertised was not part of God’s plan. It was obvious her parents had discussed it–no doubt with her 11-year-old sister too. I was not exposed to alternate lifestyles until junior high; now we have to explain them to second graders.
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Yup, even the billboards are pushing us to frontload truth into our kids’ brains. So glad to know that your granddaughter was well-equipped!
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This sounds like a great resource. It seems like there are so many more things parents need to talk to kids about these days.
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At the very least, the pace has accelerated! What would have been a ridiculous and unnecessary conversation with an elementary age child in “our day” is probably too little, too late in the present climate!
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I will be adding this to my list of books to read! What a great resource!
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So glad to share good books with friends!
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What a great resource. I could have definitely used this when my stepchildren were young. I always felt inadequate in my explanations.
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Exactly! The questions always manage to blindside us!
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