4 Favorites for the Mom with Little Ones

Looking for some encouragement or help, Mom?

 

I’ve read some books over the last couple years that have really been a blessing.  Two are for moms with babies under a year old.  The other two are for moms of newborns and toddlers.  One of the books I even read before I had my newborn, while I was wearily dealing with teenagers.

Got a Newborn?  Not sure what to do or expect?  Need a refresher course, even though you just had a newborn a few years ago?

The Christian Mama’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Everything You Need to Know to Survive (and Love) Your First Year as a Mom by Erin MacPherson

Coming home with baby can be scary for a mom who doesn’t know what to expect or how to take care of that lil’ bundle of joy. The book covers caring for both mom and baby.   I hadn’t had a baby in 14 years, so I felt like a  brand new mom.

The best part of this book is that I felt like I had a friend that related to me as I went through the trials and joys of motherhood.  Motherhood can be so lonely at times. Erin shared what worked or didn’t work for her with her three very different children.   She wasn’t afraid to admit her fear of clipping her baby’s nails. She offered her advice on making baby food, something that I’ve wanted to try. If it’s something mom doesn’t want to do, then mom shouldn’t discount herself as a bad parent. Being one of those moms who doesn’t make her own baby food, Erin continued the section with step-by-step instructions for those moms who do want to try it. (I want to try, but let’s see if I am actually successful.)

Through the book are little pieces of Scripture with a prayer to guide mom through her baby raising days.

Read it for Yourself!:  The Christian Mama’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Everything You Need to Know to Survive (and Love) Your First Year as a Mom  

 

365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis

Another great read for the new mom is one you can find time for.  Reading a short piece each day of the baby’s first year of life is quite manageable for a tired new momma.   Within the pages you’ll find reminders for baby’s check ups with the doctor, as well as encouragement for the mommy who may be worried, tired or at a loss for what to do.  It is written by a Christian, so it includes prayer pieces.

Read it for Yourself!:  365 Things Every New Mom Should Know

 

Desperate by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson

Now we move on to the anxiety motherhood can sometimes bring.  Feel inadequate or desperate?   I know I have.  I have feelings of guilt, regret and inadequacy.  I have good intentions, but they are usually met with failure.  I want to be a godly mother in a desperate way and not the dysfunctional mother I see myself as.

After reading this book, I see motherhood from a new perspective.  I didn’t get a dose of rigid ways to do things.  Nor, did I get a guilt trip for what I’m not doing.  Instead, I found freedom to be the mother my heart desires and to create the kind of home I want to have.

I’ve found out why my home life is not the way I imagined it to be.  I also found out how to resolve that, including letting go of the expectations of others and looking at what I want for my home and family.   Including God in the mix, of course, is important, but I’ve learned that sometimes what others tell me that God wants for my family is not what God wants for my family.  I need to be the one listening to God directly, rather than listening to others for their opinion of what God wants for us.

The book is written for mothers of younger children.  I have teenagers, whom I feel I have not mothered as well as I could have.  I also have a 2 month old baby, who I hope to raise up in the Lord in a way that will glorify Him.   However, I’m not through raising my teenagers, so I hope to use the authors’ input to redeem the time I do have left with my two older kiddos.

Read it for Yourself!  Desperate by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson

Beyond Bath Time:  Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role by Erin Davis

When I knew I’d be faced with going back to work after having my youngest son, my heart was torn.  Yes, I enjoy my job and I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at.  Yet, I couldn’t imagine spending the day without my son’s sweet little laugh.

Another thing bothers me.   I have two teenagers that I feel I haven’t given my all in being a mother to them.   So, how am I supposed to be a great mother to this one on the way?

Guilt…  Regrets…  Blah…

This book is not about whether or not you should work outside the home.   However, it is a wonderful resource for helping moms – working or stay at home – realize their mission as a mother.  

I wasn’t given a guilt trip.  Instead, I was encouraged me to be in prayer about God’s calling for me in life and as a mother.   I was prompted to see my children as a blessing and not another mundane task on my list.   She has encouraged me to fight the temptation to be moody about life’s blahs, which many times is taken out on my children’s poor hearts, without me even realizing it.   I wrote so much more about this book in my review {read it here}, so all in all, I’d say it’s my favorite if choosing from the four books I’ve shared with you today.

Although this book is a skinny one, it is full of encouragement and one I will keep handy during those times I need a pick-me-up.

Read it for Yourself!:  Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood as a Sacred Role

 

 

Have you read any of these books?  Leave a comment telling me your thoughts on the book(s) you’ve read on parenting or parenting in general.