Good Books for Moms

I’ve got young moms on my mind this month. My top 3 books for February are some that I used and treasured when I was a young mommy.

1.  Tips for toddlers by Brooke McKamy Beebe

My paperback copy of this book was opened so many times, its pages are not all intact. Of course, it is almost “thirty” years old. (Sorry baby girl, I keep reminding you of that number!) It was fun getting to know “my old friend” again and seeing some of the tips that I highlighted. I suspect my daughter would tell you she remembers these. Some examples, “Offering limited choices distracts the child from what you want him to do. Say, ‘Do you want to wear mittens or the gloves?’ And “Tell your child stories of your own childhood and how you hated to have your hair brushed, etc. Emphasize how much better she is than you were.” And I’m sure this one is my daughter’s favorite memory, “Some children respond well to the suggestion, ‘Go to your room and find a happy face before you come out.’” All of these – and many more – worked well for us!

 2.    How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Many great and effective roll-play examples in this book! I was working on my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education when I was first introduced to this book. My daughter was around seven years old I think. I brought her to class with me one day and she helped me roll play some examples of arguments between a mommy and daughter but with good mommy listening skills. She had a blast! A couple of lines I underlined back then were “Steady denial of feelings can confuse and enrage kids. Also teaches them not to know what their feelings are – not to trust them.” And “After all we were two separate people, capable of having two different sets of feelings. Neither of us was right or wrong. We each felt what we felt.”

 3.    Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

This is a great book with a message for both children and moms! I was first introduced to this book when I was working on my undergraduate degree and taking an education class working as a teacher’s aid in a second grade classroom. “Some days are like that” is a comforting message at the end of what feels like a very bad day. That simple idea helped both my daughter and me to sleep better and be expectant that a new day can and will be better!

Notice to all moms out there! I would love to know what some of your favorite, instructive, helpful and encouraging “mom” books have been and perhaps a sentence or two telling why. Then I will share your recommendations in my blog! Thank you!