I Love My Mother, But...: Practical Help to Get the Most Out of Your Relationship

by Linda S. Mintle

For any woman who would complete this title with "she drives me crazy!" this book is a goldmine of guidance from nationally recognized author, speaker, and family life expert Dr. Linda Mintle. Many grown daughters struggle to find balance and perspective with their mothers, and they don't realize that this emotionally charged relationship greatly impacts the health of all others in their lives. With expertise, great examples, and biblical insight, Dr. Mintle reveals how women can reinvent their connection with their mothers by This resource offers practical and spiritually powerful ways for women to find wholeness as they seek healing and renewal in their relationships with their mothers.

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter the state of your relationship with your mother, this book has good advice for every daughter. Divided into two main parts, the book deals with improving your relationship with your mother and discovering ways to better understand each other. The practical advice offered in this book can also help readers in their other relationships; how to handle conflict, benefits of self control, balance, boundaries and more. I like that this book touches on just about every scenario possible – daughters that have great relationships with their mom and daughters that have little to no contact or difficult relationships. Each chapter ends with thought points that help the reader evaluate themselves and their relationships. All throughout the book Linda encourages forgiveness, healing and reconciliation if possible and keeps the reader focused on God’s love and intention for mothers and daughters.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be upfront and say that I feel like the relationship with my mother is fine.  But, that’s not to say we don’t have the occasional issue arise…mostly from a breakdown in communication.  This title can help even women in my situation to get a better handle on things so that time is not wasted on dividing occurrences.  Like any relationship, those with a parent need to be nurtured and perspective is often required.  And, that is what this book is targeting.

I can’t say if I’ll see any huge shift in my relationship with Mom.  But, I figure it never hurts to consider ways to improve things.

Love ya’, Mom!

[Ginelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really about how to love, honor, and respect your mother despite issues in your relationship. Mintle addresses common conflicts, negative relationship styles, and stigmas associated with the mother-daughter relationship. She also offers many stories of real situations she has come across in her own therapy business. She uses these examples to explain certain conflicts and to illustrate how they can be overcome. She also gives examples and suggestions of how to go about bettering your relationship with your mother, even how to move forward if she has already passed on.

I like that this book forced me to think through conflicts in my relationship with my mother that I wouldn't have given time to otherwise. It has good suggestions, and is steadily laced with scripture. But in all honesty, you will only get as much out of this book as you are willing to take - if you aren't open to making changes, or seeing where things might be your fault, you will stubbornly put it down.