Book excerpt: As a child growing up in primarily Catholic Dublin, Ireland, Methodist-raised Olive Speidel always knew the Lord had blessed her with wonderful parents. They provided well for Olive and her seven siblings and taught them successful parenting techniques in the process. Through the years, however, Olive realized that not all children grew up as fortunate as she had. Believing she should record her childhood memories to provide hope for those who had not been given the same blessings, she chose to chronicle her experiences in Safe Place to Grow. From Wednesday family picnics to emigrating from Ireland to the United States, the Speidels are a model of family togetherness. While reading this warm and amusing memoir, you will laugh and be encouraged as you discover the simple principles by which Olive's parents raised their large, close-knit family. If you are looking for ways to promote family bonding with your children or are interested in Irish culture, Safe Place to Grow provides the answer. While parenting her own two daughters, Olive figured out that the wisest path to take was to mete out love and law in equal measure and to provide for children a Safe Place to Grow.