TGIF!
This has been a tough mommy week for me. Baby F is doing well and growing right on track, but has decided his new favorite place is super low in my pelvis. I’m having swelling in places I never dreamed would be able to swell, Braxton Hicks, and some killer back pain. On top of that I’m having a hard time keeping up with the kiddos- especially K.
We just don’t connect well this week. I’m tired and distracted. He is wild and loud and apparently deaf to pleas of his exhausted mama. His favorite activity has been egging sister on when she is doing something she ought not be doing.
Taking off the couch cushions? He’s there helping her.
Trying to stick her hands in the fish tank? He’s holding the lid up.
Dropping food on the dog? He is giggling and offering encouragement.
Putting my feet up to relieve some of the pressure and swelling has mostly been a pipe dream.
I admit I’ve cried a few tears of joy at bedtime the past few days. Love is choice. Some days it is easier than others. We’ve had a lot of other moments.
I was trying to think of another way to approach discipline with him (pleading and yelling are NOT what I really want to be doing) and I was reminded of one of my favorite parenting books that is currently gathering dust on my shelf. Why have I not been using all the tools I have?
You cannot fix every issue in your house with a hammer- why would you be able to solve every parenting issue with only one tool?
I love reading and research. I like finding new ways to do things and different strategies to try. I decided to make my Friday Favorites post about some of my favorite books. There are many more that my fried mom brain can’t remember right now, but here are a few:
1. Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers and Preschoolers
Once upon a time I was social worker. I was a family advocate for a non-profit agency. This was by far my favorite parenting book that we used. It has some absolutely great tools and ideas for discipline. There is also an older kid version. I seriously recommend this book to all parents. I love that it focuses on teaching life skills. Sharing, waiting your turn, and following directions are not concepts kids are born with!
This is another great one we used at the family center. It is concise, straight forward, and easy to follow. There are also versions for parents of teens. You can even visit their website and find a parenting group in your area.
This is seriously the best pregnancy book ever! It is hilarious and has little blurbs from real moms and dads on their experiences. Forget What to Expect and the Mayo Clinic Guide– this is it. I love how open they are and very non-judgmental on all different types of of birth and pregnancy issues.
These are just a small sampling all the amazing book that are out there. What books make you laugh? What books make you smile? What books make you cry? What books helped you get through a tough time? Please drop a comment with some of your favorites!
Mama Miller Parenting 
Mine are all collecting dust! I have several love & logic books that I remember liking but its been so long. Maybe I’ll bust them out to help me deal with my 2 yr old!
Love & Logic are good ones too!
I really enjoyed Jenny McCarthy’s books, belly laughs and baby laughs because of her honesty about the hard things that no one wants to admit they struggle with!
Yes! I almost added that one and forgot. So funny.