Meet author Becky Harling
Becky Harling is a best-selling author and popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. Her books include, Rewriting your Emotional Script, Freedom From Performing, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, How To Listen So People Will Talk, Who Do You Say That I Am, Listen Well, Lead Better, and Psalms for the Anxious Heart and How to Listen so Your Kids Will Talk.
Tell us about your newest book.
Parents are more stressed out than ever. Pulled in a million different directions, parents are often too distracted or frazzled to really listen to their kids. As a result, they end up having discipline problems and kids feeling disconnected. How to Listen so Your Kids will Talk is a practical book for parents, encouraging them to prioritize building deeper connection with their child. Becky teaches parents to give their child a voice, rather than silencing them. Seek to understand rather than correcting feelings. Focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. And negotiate with grace rather than punishing with the gavel. How parents listen when their kids are young will determine how much their kids talk to them when they’re older.
What inspired you to write this?
I was inspired to write How to Listen so Your Kids will Talk by my third daughter, Stefanie. Stef seemed to come out of the womb arguing, and honestly, I thought I would lose my mind. I remember praying and weeping before the Lord asking Him for wisdom. The answer I heard was quite shocking. The Lord whispered to my spirit, “Give her a voice”. I realized in that moment, I needed to change. I needed to learn to listen to cultivate Stef’s voice rather than listening to control her. My journey was life changing. Now Stef is an adult and we enjoy a close relationship built on deep connection.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
If you want a close relationship with your child, put some effort into your listening skills. Only children who feel heard feel loved and that is the foundation for deep connection.
What genre do you focus on?
I write non-fiction books because it’s a way to teach biblical life principles through the power of story. It is also one of the best ways to disciple people in their walk with Christ.
Why do you write?
I feel called to help people on their spiritual journeys to grow in their relationship with Christ and others.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I try to write every day, taking small breaks to be with people in between. I’m an extrovert, so I know I need to connect with people in order to write with passion and purpose.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I think the hardest part of being an author is knowing when a piece or book is finally good enough. It’s easy to keep correcting and correcting and never finish.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part about being an author is the freedom I have to set my own schedule. I am often involved with my grandkids and because I don’t have a 9-5 job, I can pick them up from school or take them for little dates, etc.
What is your favorite pastime?
Hiking with my hubby, playing with grandkids, or drinking strong coffee with friends.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes. Rewriting Your Emotional Script, Freedom From Performing, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, How to Listen so People Will Talk, Listen well, Lead Better, Who Do You Say That I Am, Psalms for the Anxious Heart and The Extraordinary Power of Praise (Releases June 2021).
What are you working on now?
I’ve just submitted another proposal for a Bible Study. I am spending much time coaching: Communication, Leadership coaching and Parent coaching.
Website: www.beckyharling.com www.harlingleadership.com
Social media links: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries Instagram Beckyharling Twitter, @beckyharling
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