12 Tasks - Creating a Rite of Passage

A new book by Jack Taylor and Shel Arensen on how to do the 12 Tasks with your kids

12 Tasks - Creating a Rite of Passage

A new book by Jack Taylor and Shel Arensen on how to do the 12 Tasks with your kids.

How can parents help their preteens or ‘tweens’ on their road to adulthood? Children need to know what it means to be an adult with strong character and values. 12 Tasks will guide you on how to create a rite of passage for your emerging adult. The book tells the story of where 12 Tasks began 30 years ago among some families in Kenya. It traces the history and importance of rites of passage in traditional culture. Then it offers a clear how-to for designing your own version of 12 Tasks for your child – including ways to assess your child, choosing the tasks, completing and then celebrating at the end. 12 Tasks is not an easy journey, but it will help deepen your relationship as a parent with your child and it will help you guide your son or daughter in their transition toward adulthood.

This book was written by two fathers who are passionate about helping their children and grandchildren make a successful transition from being youth to being adults. 12 Tasks offers a personal and practical path for parents with the same passion to help their children on the journey to adulthood.  

Meet the Authors

Jack Taylor

Learn more about Jack and his other books.

Shel Arensen

Learn more about Shel and his other books.

Check out our 12 Taskers blog for stories and experiences of parents who have done or are doing the 12 Tasks with their kids.

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