The Christian Mama's Guide to Parenting a Toddler

My first impression of this book (when I saw the cover and title) was that it was a joke.  I didn't take it seriously.  But seeing as I have a 2 year old and the description on the front says that this book contains "everything you need to know to survive (and love) your child's terrible twos," I figured it was worth a shot!

This book surpassed my expectations.  It is a helpful collection of one mom's suggestions, along with input from her nutritionalist sister and early childhood educator/parenting coach mother.  I found many ideas that I plan to put into practice (including bedtime battles, tantrums, food fight, etc)!  It has helpful lists of creative discipline ideas, healthy snacks/meals, and more.  This book also includes special "time-out for mom" sections in every chapter which include a scripture and prayer relating to the chapter.

Now, some parenting "experts" come across in a know-it-all (annoying) way.  Erin MacPerson is quite the opposite.  She is quite willing to share her REAL life and parenting experiences with the reader.  Reading this book is more like having coffee with a good girlfriend rather than hearing a lecture from a well-meaning "veteran" mom who has all the answers.  It is an easy read, as well as humorous and helpful!  I hope to read the other books in this series as I have an infant, will soon have school-age children, and hope to be pregnant again too!

I would highly recommend this book.  Look past the cover and dig in.  You won't be disappointed!

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger review program.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review. (I actually think this is a good book!)

Love No Matter What by Brenda Garrison

Are your children making decisions that you don't agree with?  Are you struggling to find a way to grow your relationship with them while not condoning their poor choices?  Are you just not sure where to turn in your struggle to love your child unconditionally? 

Brenda Garrison tackles the issue of children making decisions that their parents don't agree with.  It is unavoidable and refreshing to read someone's thoughts on the topic.  Garrison, along with her daughter Katie, explore different facets of this topic, including: decisions parents don't want to make, types of decisions we disagree with, getting yourself out of the way, common mistakes parents make, lies that parents believe about their parenting, showing the real God to your child, practical ways to build lifelong relationships with your kids, giving your child room to grow and more.

Throughout the book, Garrison has included words from her daughter, Katie, who is the child the book is sort of centered around.  It is helpful to hear thoughts from the child who is making the decisions.  At the end of the book are questions for reflection and discussion on each chapter.

I would recommend this book especially to parents of youth/young adults, whether or not your child is making decisions that you don't agree with.  There are helpful suggestions for any parent of children who are learning what it means to be their own person and make their own decisions.  It could also be a good read for parents of children who are nearing adolescence, but not yet making many of their own decisions.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blog reviewers program.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.