March Top 3 Good Books for Moms

Good Books for Mom

 

The March edition of “Good books for moms” features three books my friends Karen and Peggy recommended. I’d love to share your suggestions in future blogs, so please share your parenting secret weapons. Or maybe you didn’t need books to fill you up with awesome parenting wisdom. If not, you’re welcome to share how you managed to raise the most incredible, intelligent children I have no doubt that your children are!

 

I love this title! Not that I ever felt like I was losing my mind. Well, perhaps I wasn’t very good at potty training, except with my dachshund. My potty training skills really shined there!

Making children mind without losing yours By Kevin Leman

Karen says that Making your children mind without losing yours “is an uncomplicated sensical approach to parenting!”

 Here’s the Amazon book summary:

Raising children these days can be daunting. But if anyone understands why children behave the way they do, it’s Dr. Kevin Leman. Equipping parents with seven principles of Reality Discipline–a loving no-nonsense parenting approach that really works–this internationally known psychologist, author, and father of five shows parents how to:

– Understand why children misbehave and what to do about it

– Foil finicky eaters, turn off temper tantrums, and minimize sibling rivalries

– Set suitable allowances, curfews, and privileges

– And much more

Real-life examples, questions at the end of each chapter, and a discussion guide for individual or group use make this book an engaging read for parents, teachers, and child care providers. With over a million copies in print, readers can’t go wrong with this classic and continual best-seller-now in a fun, new package.

Toilet training in less than a day By Nathan Azrin & Richard Foxx

Peggy recalls that Toilet training in less than a day “had a list of readiness skills, like being able to follow complex instructions such as ‘Go get daddy’s shoes out of the closet.’”

Here’s Amazon’s book summary:

THE CLASSIC GUIDE USED BY MILLIONS OF PARENTS!

MAKE TOILET TRAINING A TOTAL SUCCESS — IN ONLY A FEW HOURS!

From two noted learning specialists; here is the amazing, scientifically proved Azrin-Foxx method that teaches toilet training quickly — in less than four hours for the average child. And after that rewarding learning period, he or she will willingly use the toilet without assistance or a reminder!

Also inside is a wealth of information on related topics, including:

• Unexpected benefits — your child’s newfound pride and independence can increase eagerness to feed and dress him- or herself, and improve responsiveness to parental instruction

• Pre-training techniques every parent should know • Bed-wetting problems — and how this method can help end them

• Happy children, happy parents — how mastering toilet training benefits the whole family, increasing parents’ personal time and deepening the parent-child connection.

With more than 2 million copies sold, TOILET TRAINING IN LESS THAN A DAY is the one guide you’ll need to make this significant transition a rewarding and pleasurable experience — for both you and your toddler!

Finally here’s a parenting book written by a woman! I must admit I am surprised at how many parenting books are written by men. I’m not meaning to sound sexist or anything, but where I grew up, the daddies were not that involved “in the home,” shall we say.

Teaching Montessori in the home By Elizabeth Hainstock

Peggy says Montessori in the Home was the most well worn book in her home, other than her Bible lesson for her peace of mind. I don’t know if both of these editions were around when Peggy was wearing them out, but I see on Amazon that there are two editions – for “the pre-school years” and “the school years.”

Amazon’s book summary:

Claim quality togetherness with your child and fully enjoy the sensitive and formative years from two to five by adopting proven teaching techniques in your own home.

 

This acclaimed guide puts the entire range of the Montessori system within your reach, so you can make the most of your child’s vital years. Teaching Montessori in the Home has already helped thousands of parents with the techniques, exercises, and easy-to-make Montessori materials that are essential for success. It demonstrates how you can develop your child’s sensory awareness and practical life skills, as well as lay the foundation of preliminary reading, writing, and math. The author is recognized as one of the most influential proponents of the Montessori method in the United States and throughout the world due to her concise, accessible writing style. This bestselling book grants you the opportunity to teach your child at home and gain a truly rewarding experience. Hainstock takes great pains here to offer the reader a very thoughtful yet concise introduction to the Montessori philosophy.

 ♣

February's Top 3 Good Books for Moms

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!

Last day – Christmas of 1968 continued…

Give the gift of “Mamma.” A perfect gift for daughters of any age for any reason!

 Still recounting my lessons learned from the Christmas of 1968:

“…that joy is not dependent of money and circumstances, and that love is much stronger than hate and can dispel fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Mamma

 

Merry Christmas! And me and Mamma wish y’all a very happy New Year!