Today I've been thinking a bit about my job. I actually have one of the most important jobs on earth. In my mind, even more important than running a nation or flying to the moon: I am a mother. Some people may assume that becoming and being a mother is a natural process and that every women knows just how to do it. I agree with that to a certain extent, but I also add that from my personal experience it takes a lot of desire and determination. I expect a lot of myself in regards to my motherhood career, and because of this I am constantly trying to learn and implement new tactics. For me, motherhood must be deliberate. Because of this, I have found myself drawn to certain parenting books this year. I have been able as I read these to take what i feel will work for my kids/family and leave the rest. This entry is an attempt to report my findings of what has worked for me over the years.
#1 – Favorite parenting book is the scriptures! In the scriptures I read of other parents trying to put the Lord first in their lives and teaching their children to follow His ways. When I am diligent with my scripture reading, I find that somehow what I've read, at least once a week, will come in handy with a challenge or situation that my children are battling. I am amazed at how the spirit works in our homes when we are humble and let it. I have quoted scriptures to certain kids that I didn't even think i knew – probably some of the seminary scripture mastery's from 20 years ago. I am appreciate of the way the scriptures fan my faith and help me understand that my children are actually God's children and with that reminder prayer becomes a greater life line for then inspiration I need to be prepared. My all time favorite scripture right now about parenting from the Book of Mormon is found in 1 Nephi 8:37-38…look it up it is all good, but the last line is what I would love to be better at: "and he did cease from speaking to them".
#2 -The Entitlement Trap, by Richard and Linda Eyre. I LOVE this book. It outlines the remedy to the problem of entitlement as being ownership. It then goes into why it is important to have ownership in all areas in our lives and then how we can implement it. I appreciate how this book helped me find a better balance, that being a good parent isn't rescuing our kids from their mistakes and coddling them when hard things come, but encouraging them and assisting them in solving their own problems.
#3 – The five Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. This book was the first one I read to help me understand that my kids don't necessarily accept and feel love the same way as me. It gave good ideas of how to help me with my kids and how they may learn at school in a less traditional way and then be able to support my child better.
#4 & #5 – How to talk to your chlid about sex, by Linda and Richard Eyre & Where Do Babies Come From? by Brad Wilcox. We have used these two books together as an introduction to teaching our children about the birds and the bees. Let's face it, this topic is NOT a comfortable one to talk openly about, but our kids need to be told in a loving and gentle way the correct way to view this topic. I would never want their friends to teach them, or be left to figure things out after listening to songs or watching a movie or TV show. They need to know how beautiful this topic is and treat it with reverence and respect.
#6 – The Child Whisperer, by Carol Tuttle. Very interesting read. She teaches how to "type" children's natures. This is done with facial profiling and also the energy in which children lead with in life. I have found it very enlightening and helpful in being a more patient mom, and letting my children be who they are and not be what I think they should be. It has also helped me in many other relationships in life – to be more understanding and get what motivates different people and their personalities. This concept has also helped me understand myself much better and be more content with who I am and not feel like I have to try and be someone I'm not.
#7 -The Parenting Breakthrough, by Merilee