December 7, 2006 9:52 AM
The scoop on my books
Laurie and Celebrian asked me to explain the difference between my books. Thanks for asking about this. Let me try to explain:
The Mommy Manual is specifically aimed at helping moms establish a pattern of mothering that will allow the potential for joy to be released in themselves, their children and their families. It is based on everything I learned from my Montessori training plus 37 years experience using those principles with my own kids. My theory is that if you understand the child's needs - the way God designed him to be a person who loves life and loves to learn - and if you prepare an environment that meets those needs, then you will raise a child who is at peace with himself, his family and the world. That sounds very ethereal, but in everyday down-to-earth language, I mean that you will have a child who is not frustrated and frustrating you. For instance, if you understand that the child's need for independence is not a bad thing and if you provide opportunities very early on for that need to be fulfilled - like choosing what to wear, learning to do chores, etc - then your child will have an inner sense of satisfaction and will not be throwing tantrums in the grocery store.
There is also information in The Mommy Manual about how to build a strong family foundation no matter what your background (my own was pretty bad) - through building character, wise media choices, reading and the arts. There are lists of recommended books and movies. There's also a section on the importance of holidays in building a family legacy.
When I try to decide if a book is for me, I read the book description and reviews at Amazon and if I have the book in my hand, I read the tale of contents. So do check out what others have said at Amazon and then this may help as well:
The Mommy Manual
Table of Contents Preface
Planting Roots and Wings and Growing Wings
Part 1: Treasures1. The Keys to Joyful Motherhood
Observation
Understanding
Example
Flexibility
Confidence2. The Keys to Joyful Childhood
Sensitive Periods
Independence
Order
Self-Control
ConcentrationPart 2: Measures
3. The Keys to Gracious Service
Small Beginnings
Team Work
Delegation
Housework
Hearts to Serve4. The Keys to Gracious Character Gratitude
Respect
Accountability
Contrition
GenerosityPart 3: Pleasures
5. The Keys to Our Cultural Heritage Reading 0-2
Reading 2-5
Reading 5-7
Movies
The Arts
6. The Keys to a Family Legacy
Unity
Traditions
Celebrations
Hospitality
FaithRoots and Wings – A Second Look
The Mommy Survival Guide is like a scrapbook of motherhood – really written like a blog (in fact, some of the material was first published here!) with short entries and little related pieces of inspiration, recipes, ideas to jumpstart your motherhood. It covers the spectrum of motherhood from birth of first baby through all different stages to letting go of a prodigal and loving your adult children. But it should be read by mothers of young children as it gives you an idea of where this motherhood journey is headed – and glimpses of how we can make it the most graceful and grace-filled journey we can.
There are no reviews at Amazon yet, but the book description is there. Here is the table of contents:
The Mommy Survival Guide Table of Contents The sooner you surrender, the better.
I Used to Be Normal
Making Peace with Sleep Deprivation
First Baby Blues
It’s Their House Too
It Came to Pass, Not to Stay
Kids will be kids. Let them.
Digging Holes
New Baby Blues
Keeping Kids Busy
It’s Okay to Win or Lose
The Truth about Boys and GirlsA little bit of Mommy goes a long way.
Say It with Stories
Raising Kids with Self Control
Steps to Healthy Communication
Get a Grip on Sibling Rivalry
What They Really Need is JesusLess is more. Really.
No Time to Be Choosy
Back to Basics - Toywise
Bringin’ ’Em Up with the Be’s
A Worn-Out Welcome
Some Things Are Better Left UndoneWhen the going gets tough, just keep going.
Be Prepared for Miracles
Helping Kids Make Sense of Disasters
Desperate Motherhood
Making a Fresh Start
Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room: Heavenly Help for Earthly Moms is more a story of my spiritual journey as a mother - through telling my story to help other moms see their own lives in a more spiritual light and to see how God is and always has been with you:
Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room Contents 1. The Chapel of the Wash and Dry
2. His Little Girl
3. Any Kind of Mother
4. A Mommy's Life for Me
5. Not-So-Perfect Motherhood
6. Serving from the Heart
7. Just a Mommy
8. A Little Extra
For a new mom, I would recommend The Mommy Manual - it will give her a little time to make the inner and outer adjustments that will help her find more fulfillment in motherhood from the earliest years. I recommend this book for mothers of kids 1-6 (or grandmothers).
The Mommy Survival Guide is a great fun book for moms of all ages - for mothers of older kids it will bring back memories but also help them see the things they are going through with older children in a different light.
Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room: Heavenly Help for Earthly Moms is an encouraging and emotionally-appealing book on what it means to be a mother and to find satisfaction in that role.
I hope this helps!
Posted in Babies, Big families, Books, Family, Inspiration, Montessori, Mothering, Preschoolers, Toddlers | Permalink
Comments
Thanks for clearing that up! I originally thought the new book was a revised version of The Mommy Manual.
Kristina
www.kristinaseleshanko.com
Posted by: Kristina | December 7, 2006 12:06 PM
I LOVED the Mommy Manual and keep flipping through it as my daughter continues to grow at warp speed! After reading the table of contents for the Mommy Survival Guide, I'm really excited! Our baby boy is due any day and I'm sure so much of what's in that book will be relevant to this new experience as I'm seeing it with fresh eyes this time around. I think I was shell shocked with my first baby two years ago. :) Looking forward to the book!!
Posted by: Laura | December 7, 2006 12:52 PM
