Moms Like Books Too

From time to time I get books in the mail.

Recently, I received a couple of books that have to do with effective parenting strategies.

Not sure if I should be insulted, but you know, I'm not.

I realize(and so do others, apparently) that I could stand to make some, um adjustments, let's say, in the way I parent.

Everyone has a skill, mine may not be parenting per se; it may be discussing parenting, for example.

So in an effort to improve in the area of child rearing (as it's my main job, I might as well be good at it), I actually read the books (or at least large portions of them).

I will share with you what I have learned.

The Momnificent Life: Healthy and Balanced Living for Busy Moms, by Lori Radun.

When I saw this one, I have to admit, I was not enthused.



The title was one of those play on words thingys that put me off sometimes, and overall I was a bit leery.

I flipped through it briefly.

I complained about having to read it (because do I look like I have time to read?).

I ignored it, I avoided it, I hid it from myself and others.

But...my someone-took-the-time-to-send-you-this-you-have-to-give-it-a-chance guilt ultimately kicked in(like it always does, damnation), and I read it.

And, honestly, the book didn't suck.

Go figure.

I would categorize this as an all encompassing guide to doing everything a little bit better.

The book has a wide breadth; it covers every womanly thing from spirituality to career issues. It discusses your concerns about your health, your finances, and of course, your family.

The chapter I found the most useful was the one that discussed how to "Zap the Mommy Guilt", because (as you can maybe tell from above) I'm riddled with it. I enjoyed the useful tips that I could realistically incorporate into my life that would help me better myself, and thereby have less to feel guilty about. Most importantly, Radun discusses how to apologize when you make a mistake, which is an invaluable tool for someone who spends a disproportionate amount of time making them.

Overall, I'd say the Momnificent Life is a positive, inspirational read that works to get you started on a path to greatness, or at least to general mental/emotional/physical satisfaction.

If you're looking for an easy to follow guide to awesomeness, check it out, it will get you started.

The second book I recently received is, The Triumphant Child: A practical guide to raising two, three, and four year olds.

I knew this book would be so for me because when it arrived #3 pointed to the cover child clad in his super hero garb and started saying #2's name over and over and over again. He thought it was a photo of his brother!

I was slightly put off by the title, because I thought, "#2 is already Triumphant. Why would I want him to triumph any more? He always wins. I want to win. I need a book called the Triumphant Mother: A Practical Guide to Beating Two, Three, and Four Year Olds into Submission."

Kidding! I would never beat a two year old.

I realized that having a triumphant child is akin to being a triumphant parent (go figure). Basically, when your child is able to experience success in challenging situations and overcome various difficulties, you (and your kid) will be able to live a more fulfilling, joyful, and triumphant life.

I'm down for that! I could definitely stand to up my triumph.

Any book that can help me deal with picky eating (a documented problem), lying (a newly developed issue), sibling rivalry (the reason I avoid long stretches of "family time"), and anger (have you not noticed #2's temper) is a hit in my house.

The book even discusses more touchy subjects (you know, the ones I avoid at all costs) like death, fear, and anxiety.

It's a good read for anyone entering the terrible twos, particularly if you are scarred out of your mind about your ability to cope with them (and when I say cope, I really mean survive).

So, there you have it: proof that while I may be dumb, at least I'm literate:).

Want to read a copy yourself?

First to email me your mailing address(parentingbydummies[at]gmail[dot]com), will get a free one in the mail; shipping's on me:)