I didn't write this book because mothering little ones is easy for me. I wrote it because it isn't. I know that this is a hard job, because I am... read full description
reviews
Dec 03, 2011
Shelley
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Rachel Jankovic's Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches is a collection of short vignettes written to counsel Christian parents, and, more specifically, mothers, in the throes of raising children. Herself a young mother of five children, all under age six, Jankovic is blessed with wisdom and maturity that seems to transcend her age. Yet, despite her assertive confidence, she is humble and transparent, making her a winsome role model for young, Christian mothers seeking guidance, s
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Jul 19, 2011
Joceline
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This is absolutely the most encouraging book I've ever read on parenting. I could have underlined about 3/4 of the book if I hadn't reigned myself in. My kids are currently three, two, and one, and I admittedly have many days when I feel defeated, exhausted, and like I'm doing unproductive work. Of course I love my kids, and I enjoy them, but three kids that little are a LOT of work. Jankovic (the mother of five children five and under) gives Biblical wisdom, practical tips, and encouragemen
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May 31, 2011
Steve
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This little book of little chapters about little people was more than a little helpful. While dishing up some juicy ones about nursing twins while the ever helpful husband sleepwalks, and the like, the author encourages and points to important principles.
The encouragement is to take heart that your labor is not in vain. Rejoicing in the task before you is possible! You can be in the trenches (and the author knows them in depth), and not be overwhelmingly frazzled and frustrated.
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The encouragement is to take heart that your labor is not in vain. Rejoicing in the task before you is possible! You can be in the trenches (and the author knows them in depth), and not be overwhelmingly frazzled and frustrated.
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Dec 02, 2011
Abby
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This book left me with very mixed feelings. I didn't just "like it" - I loved parts and hated parts. If I could, I'd give it 40% one star and 60% four to five stars, but will accept that we have to communicate in averages.
There were a lot of very practical points in the book. Some of the images and statements have really stuck with me. I like the concept of not being a "picky chicken" and tearing our family members down. This is a great principal for marriage too.
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There were a lot of very practical points in the book. Some of the images and statements have really stuck with me. I like the concept of not being a "picky chicken" and tearing our family members down. This is a great principal for marriage too.
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Jan 15, 2012
Amy
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This was such a wonderful, little book! It's one that I will be pulling off the shelf time and time again to remind myself to be a Godly parent. Our little people deserve all the patience, respect and love we can give them!
It was interesting to read this soon after The Happiness Project (THP) and in a weird way I found connections between the two. One of the principles from THP that I found in this book is that to be happy, you must make those around you happy and when those around you More...
It was interesting to read this soon after The Happiness Project (THP) and in a weird way I found connections between the two. One of the principles from THP that I found in this book is that to be happy, you must make those around you happy and when those around you More...
Jul 07, 2011
Sean
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This is the best book on parenting I've ever read. I'll admit that I haven't read as many books on parenting as I probably should have and I'm sure I've forgotten too much of what I have read. That said, every Christian mother and father should own this book, inside and out.
A certain sort of parent will not enjoy this book at all. Parents who view authority as a control mechanism rather than a means to fellowship, who prefer dispensing law rather than following it, and who expect cha More...
A certain sort of parent will not enjoy this book at all. Parents who view authority as a control mechanism rather than a means to fellowship, who prefer dispensing law rather than following it, and who expect cha More...
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Dec 15, 2011
Jacqueline
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This is a quick book; I think I read it in about an hour this evening (no skipping). Maybe it's just the stage of life/mothering I'm in, but this book felt like a tall drink of water (or maybe a splash of water in the face). It's nothing ground-breaking or literarily stunning, but the author's advice is very helpful and practical. I've known for awhile that my attitude regarding my children/my time/my life needed adjusting, and the simple admonishments in this book perfectly addressed my issues.
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Nov 16, 2011
Gregory
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This was simply a fantastic book! It was also quite painful to read, because I've been such a poor parent in numerous ways. One can still "do it all right," and yet get it all wrong. Rachel (our friend from college-days) brings us back to the JOY of parenting, even when life is chaotic, which it frequently is with our four little ones! Rachel has wisdom beyond her years, which is no doubt due to the faithful parenting of the two generations before her. A must-read, especially for
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Jul 28, 2011
Audrey
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I gave this book as a Christmas gift and then a friend of mine recommended that I read it. What a refreshing book!!! So many "older" parents just remember the good times with their kids and forget how they got through the rough times, or how they did the simple, necessary things in life with children underfoot. This author is a mother who is still in the trenches and she provides such practical advice and lessons that she has learned while rearing young children. I learned many pra
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Oct 22, 2011
Shay
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This book is written for moms. So to be a dad and being reading it is an interesting experience.
I didn't really understand the book until about 35 pages in, but once I realized that it's just one woman's experience and how she thought about it, then I I started to enjoy it. This is a handy book for moms to really just think practically and Biblically about raising young children. Lighthearted, joyful, and generally just a very encouraging book for moms who might be tempted to to compl More...
I didn't really understand the book until about 35 pages in, but once I realized that it's just one woman's experience and how she thought about it, then I I started to enjoy it. This is a handy book for moms to really just think practically and Biblically about raising young children. Lighthearted, joyful, and generally just a very encouraging book for moms who might be tempted to to compl More...
Jul 26, 2011
Craig
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As a father of 11 children I found this little book to be an absolute delight! Well written and filled with practical advice, but not in the ten things you should do kind of way. Rather this book deals with the essence of discerning parenting, with a heart to help your children grow into gracious, bold, Godly adults. In almost every experience that was shared I could whole heartily relate, saving the ones that only a mother could have, but even then I know my wife had walked those paths before.
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Aug 31, 2011
Hayley
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This book was okay. There were a few useful insights and mental imagery tools for coping with the frustrations of raising little kids. But, the author often casually mentioned spanking her kids. I chose not to discipline that way, and it made me wonder what other fundamental parenting beliefs her and I would disagree on. It made me doubt her advice.
A short and quick read, this book is divided into short 2-3 page chapters that are each relatively self contained. It is geared toward Christia More...
A short and quick read, this book is divided into short 2-3 page chapters that are each relatively self contained. It is geared toward Christia More...
Jan 28, 2012
ladydusk
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Own.
I was sick this week and thought I'd pick up something quick and easy to read. I chose poorly.
Quick, yes. Short chapters, easily read in the spaces of time or for a couple minutes before turning off the light for sleep.
Easy, not so much.
Jankovic has written a book that forces the reader to consider parenting techniques, philosophy, the ends and the means. It turns parenting on its head in many ways. It has me considering, as a recent sermo More...
I was sick this week and thought I'd pick up something quick and easy to read. I chose poorly.
Quick, yes. Short chapters, easily read in the spaces of time or for a couple minutes before turning off the light for sleep.
Easy, not so much.
Jankovic has written a book that forces the reader to consider parenting techniques, philosophy, the ends and the means. It turns parenting on its head in many ways. It has me considering, as a recent sermo More...
Jan 17, 2012
Sarah
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Wow! I don't know if it was that I read this book while rocking a newborn, or that it is simply a wonderful book, but either way it was hugely beneficial to me. Practical, whimsical and funny, Rachel Jancovic speaks out of her experience of mothering 5 little ones, and the picture isn't always pretty. Is there anything more helpful than a mother being honest about motherhood, both it's picturesque moments and the ones you want to forget? She teaches from both, and in a pithy way. I LOVED this bo
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Jul 27, 2011
Laura
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To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement! It was not one of those parenting books which gives you all sorts of rules and schedules to follow, which I really appreciated. The author focused on brief anecdotes from her own experiences (with 5 children ages 5 and under!) and each (short) chapter elaborated on a principle or observation related to mothering. She got down to the heart of the issue and not just the issues/behaviors themselves, and also reminded her readers to remember p
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Feb 06, 2012
Audra
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This is a good book to encourage mothers of young children to "keep at it." Rachel Jankovic writes this book much the same way as she blogs: the chapters are short and easily readable, topical, and try to end on a high note. I read the whole book in just over two hours. However, because the chapters are quite short and aren't as deep as I expected, I'm still stuck trying to figure out who the best audience for this is. It would be good for a book study for a group of busy moms who
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Jan 30, 2012
Ashley
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Liked: most of the anecdotes and practical tips, like "don't be a picky chicken," and it's not your kids' fault you had more than one
Didn't like: Even though the author is clearly "in the trenches," as opposed to many people who try to tell others how to parent, I still felt like her tone was a little superior - "If I have FIVE littles and can raise my kids, love my husband, and serve God with a happy face, then you people who have fewer should have an easy tim
Didn't like: Even though the author is clearly "in the trenches," as opposed to many people who try to tell others how to parent, I still felt like her tone was a little superior - "If I have FIVE littles and can raise my kids, love my husband, and serve God with a happy face, then you people who have fewer should have an easy tim
Dec 26, 2011
Brooke
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I got through this book in a couple hours this afternoon. It was an easy read and had some good thoughts and ideas. A couple of things she said I felt convicted of by the Holy Spirit (like my additude). Most of the things she said I could not really relate to because she has five kids, and I only have one. And then, a couple other things, I disagreed with.
I think ""Parenting Is Your Highest Calling" And 8 Other Myths..." was a better book for me.
I think ""Parenting Is Your Highest Calling" And 8 Other Myths..." was a better book for me.
Jul 16, 2011
Mandy
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I will be reading this over and over. I think it is the best parenting book I have ever read. Maybe because of brevity. Probably because she is in the thick of it presently and really understands. I am finding, that while some of the more theory and theologically based books have their place, the struggles of a mother's heart are very unique and exposure of those struggles by another God-fearing, child-loving mother is quite powerful.
Jan 02, 2011
Jen4short
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Excellent book for the young mother who is trying to figure out how to live victoriously while trying to navigate the mine fields of the "little years." Written by a young mother with five little ones under the age of five, this book is a battle strategy book which will equip mothers of little ones to fight the evil within as well as to assess accurately and deal with the battles being fought in the hearts of the little ones in her care.
Jan 28, 2011
Nicole
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I agree with fellow reviews. This book provides great insight, and helpful advice on raising children from a godly perspective. It puts the responsibility of parenting where it should be, on the shoulders of mom and dad. I, like some, had an emotional response to what Rachel shared- but more than anything I was so excited to read something that I could really relate to. Thank you Rachel for writing this book from the heart.
Jan 01, 2012
Tracyl
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Loving the Little Years was a fun read.
Though I didn't necessarily agree with all the author writes, I loved her desire to train her children with a heart for seeing them grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
She was honest and open about the daily events that occur in a home with several little ones. She seems to keep a sense of humor, which was a blessing to read.
This is a book that I will enjoy reading from time to time!
Though I didn't necessarily agree with all the author writes, I loved her desire to train her children with a heart for seeing them grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
She was honest and open about the daily events that occur in a home with several little ones. She seems to keep a sense of humor, which was a blessing to read.
This is a book that I will enjoy reading from time to time!
May 24, 2011
Brandie
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Great book. At first, I thought it would only cater to families with very young children, but I found it really is written to families with many children. Rachel focuses on heart issues, not only of the children, but of the mother. This is one of those good "refresher" parenting books. The ones parents read every know and then to remind themselves of things they've temporarily forgotten.
Jul 21, 2011
Beth
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Great book for parents with young kids! It was a short with chapters only a few pages long, which is perfect for fitting in reading during a busy day. I will be going back trough this one many times for sure.
Favorite chapters: 3) picky chickens - about the power of our words, and 16) grabby hands and grabby hearts - addressing sin, restoring fellowship
So much to teach, and so much for me to learn too.
Favorite chapters: 3) picky chickens - about the power of our words, and 16) grabby hands and grabby hearts - addressing sin, restoring fellowship
So much to teach, and so much for me to learn too.
Aug 01, 2011
Christa
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Full of thoughtful, practical advice on how parents can shift their thinking about their children during the "little years." It's so easy for parents to get frustrated with little ones - and this book offers a great guide regarding what moms can do (and think about) to make these years more enjoyable. It does have a Christian theme, but even if you're not religious, I still recommend this book for all the great advice.
Jan 16, 2012
Josh
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This book is excellent. The subtitle is "Motherhood in the Trenches," but the book is great for dads too; I'll be coming back to it often for encouragement. It's one part memoir, and one part field manual for continuing to find the "overwhelming joy" (102) as you're in the "trenches" of parenting. Ultimately, it's a parent's guide to the good life.
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Nov 30, 2011
Kameron
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What a great book! How a busy mother of five under five had time to write such cohesive, encouraging, practical thoughts is beyond me! I was convicted by many of her truths and challenged to work on my own attitude as a mama of little ones. I will pass this book on to many of my sisters and friends. (Well, their own copies, of course. I need to keep mine!)
Apr 25, 2011
Kristyn
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This book is part encouragement, part advice. Jankovic provides a more positive perspective for exhausted mothers. There are some personal anecdotes, both funny and interesting. I did think she could have elaborated more because at times the writing was too generalized, not specific enough. This is a slim book one could read in a single sitting.
Nov 21, 2011
Nicole
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I'm not sure if I agree 100% with all of her discipline strategies...BUT, I loved how she makes me think about my own role, and responsibility, and effect on our own children. I hope I am as self-aware of my role in the attitude of my house and children as Rachel is. This is probably a book I will re-read in a few years.
Dec 30, 2010
Cassie
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Where to begin? This book is paradigm- shifting, life- changing stuff for mothers who have more than 2 small children. Rachel's perspective is fresh, encouraging, not bossy, but tell- you- what- you- need- to- hear. This book WILL help you love the little years as you rejoice in all of the messiness that is everyday life.
