So, for me, reviewing this book was not like other reviews because I got to meet a happy, energetic mom who has run the race and is now enjoying her grandchildren. Her daughter is carrying on the principles her mother lived by and heartily endorsing them.

Secret Code Time is written by Paula and Sky, a mother/daughter team who believe in the relational principles of Secret Code Time and practice what they preach. Well written and engaging, the book is 142 pages long. Not a long book to get through. You will enjoy all the photographs through the pages of the authors and their family. The book itself looks lovely and would make a great gift for another homeschooling mom for birthday or Christmas.
When Sky was a baby, Paula purposed in her heart to begin building a lifetime friendship with her daughter. The foundation of the this relationship is loving communication.
When Sky needed to talk to Paula, she would say, "Secret Code Time 305." Paula would drop everything. Sky was able to say anything she wanted without fear of punishment, reprimand, or any other reprisals. Sky could talk to Paula about anything, any place, any time.
This established complete trust as the foundation of their mother/daughter relationship. They remained close through the middle and high school years. Today, they remain dear friends and Sky has continued this tradition with her own children.
Paula did instruct, encourage, and help Sky walk through issues in her life with Biblical principles, but Secret Code Time was simply a time that Sky could share her thoughts and feelings freely.
Another relationship builder was a weekly date with Mom and a weekly date with Dad. Though Paula admits that weekly dates would be impossible with large families, she does encourage monthly dates instead for parents of many children. Paula did everything she could to make these dates special by dressing up, going some place fun, and even shopping for special treats.
Paula began these all these habits with Sky when she was a very young child and calls it "Advanced Parenting." She set the stage early in life for Sky to know that she was valued and loved unconditionally.
What about Boys?
While some boys are great talkers, willing to share their emotions with Mom and Dad, others would rather visit the dentist than share their feelings. So, can this work with boys too?
There is advice given to help with boys who are more active and less likely to want to sit and chat. Recommendations include throwing the football together or engaging in an active pastime together first. But, the authors believe that Secret Code Time is just as important for boys as it is for girls.
Does the Book Talk about Anything Else?

The book talks about my favorite thing: books! They describe the role books have played in bonding them together. There is a chapter on how to build relationships while chauffeuring...very practical in certain seasons of mommyhood.
Paula was also a very strict mother, even by homeschooling family standards. She remained vigilant through the teen years, always knowing where Sky was and who she was with. She never hesitated to forbid anything that would be harmful to Sky's walk with the Lord.
What if my Children are Almost Grown?
Paula and Sky both believe that it is not too late to begin Secret Code Time with your sons and daughters. Explain to them that you wish to build a closer relationship with them and share the principles of Secret Code Time. God is the God of second chances!
As Paula mentions in her book, life with Jesus is a cycle of repentance, return, and restoration. Maybe you need to begin this cycle with one or all of your children. Don't hesitate. This book contains practical advice and enthusiastic inspiration to help you cultivate your own lifelong friendship with your children.
You can purchase Secret Code Time from Media Angels Productions for $16.95. This books looks like a great investment!
Happy Parenting!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)