Book Review: The Mommy Survival Guide
Barbara Curtis asked me if she could send me some of her books and you better believe I jumped at the chance. In the first place, what mom could resist encouragement and inspiration from a mom of 12 who has been there, done that?
I lapped up her latest book while we were in the middle of moving - The Mommy Survival Guide: Making the Most of the Mommy Years. It was chock-full of great ideas (practical, down-to-earth kind of stuff!) and tried-and-true words of advice and encouragement.
The first chapter was my very favorite and if you can just read that, it would probably be worth the cost of the book. In it, she says:
I lapped up her latest book while we were in the middle of moving - The Mommy Survival Guide: Making the Most of the Mommy Years. It was chock-full of great ideas (practical, down-to-earth kind of stuff!) and tried-and-true words of advice and encouragement.
The first chapter was my very favorite and if you can just read that, it would probably be worth the cost of the book. In it, she says:
The tender love we experience when we meet our first baby can wear thinner than we expected when that squalling bundle of needs comes up against our own self-centeredness, our desire for a good night's sleep, or just a little peace and quiet. Nothing can prepare you for that -- nor for the loss of your autonomy. It's just gone. From Day One of motherhood, you belong to someone else.Like usual, I didn't agree with everything, but I really appreciated Barbara's emphasis on keeping things simple, enjoying your children, and using everyday happenings as opportunities for creative, teachable moments.
What happens then?
In my near-breaking moments, I've always found it helpful to remember James Dobson's definition of love, that it's not a feeling but a commitment. So sometimes I may not feel very loving, but I'm committed to loving. Reminding myself of this, and many other things, has helped me survive as a mother and a human being.
So, yes, motherhood will change you -- if you let it. And believe me, you do want to let it change you, because when you've refined the art of not thinking first of yourself, you will very much like the person you become. Plus, you'll experience so much more joy and satisfaction from your life with your children.
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:44 AM
1 Comments:
I am hoping to get a copy of this book soon. I love Barbara Curtis. In fact, when I do get time to read blogs, yours and hers are always the first ones I go to!
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