Sally Shank Reviews “There Came A Child” by Merle Roehr, House Parent at Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home
Perhaps you have wondered what it would be like to be a house parent at a childcare agency? I have. Even with over 60 childcare agencies associated with Churches of Christ in our country, I have talked with few house parents. Now we all have an opportunity for an insider’s view.
In There Came A Child, Merle Roehr shares and reflects on his experiences as a house parent. Through him the reader is introduced to Christian childcare from a house father’s point of view.
While many quote James 1:27 concerning “pure and undefiled religion,” Merle Roehr lives it. Serving as a house parent at Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in Gallup, New Mexico, for nearly two decades, Merle is dedicated to raising children to know and follow God.
“My mission as a house parent is to be here for each child, to bless them, and recognize them as important in God’s kingdom,” Merle writes. Merle grounds this mission in Mark 10:13-16 where Jesus takes the children in his arms and blesses them.
Being a house parent is not always easy. Through a collection of honest and open stories about raising children, Merle shares the challenges, failures and successes he experienced in living his mission.
The insights from him caring for over one hundred children give the reader a true picture of Christian childcare and a deeper appreciation for this work. The average stay of a house parent at a facility is six months. Merle stayed 19 years.
That experience allows Merle to discuss detailed aspects of childcare. Topics covered in the book include: the adjustment of a child moving into childcare, care staff becoming emotionally tied to children, the affect has on the caregiver’s marriage and birth children, staff relationships with a board of directors, and both the pain and joy that come with being a house parent.
I was immediately impressed with the cover of the book. Inside a white heart against a crimson background is a child’s drawing of a family. Since the book is filled with stories of children, I was disappointed that the story behind the picture was not told.
There Came A Child can be purchased from Amazon.com in both hardcover for $21.49, or paperback for $10.99. Those considering childcare and especially being house parents as a career, will benefit from this volume. Merle’s insights, however, may go beyond these special substitute parents since all parents raising children will find helpful direction from this volume.
There Came A Child; Bloomington; AuthorHouse; 2010; 83 pages, $21.49.
Sally Shank manages the website for CCFSA.
Tags: House parent, Manuelito Navajo Childen's Home, Merle Roehr, There Came A Child