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The Potentially Sane Mother's Guide to Raising Young Children
Every mom with young children needs a little help – and sometimes a lot of help! "While working on the manuscript," writes Tamara Fackrell, "I’ve had to deal with messy baby fingers pounding on the keyboard or crying children threatening to turn off the computer. Our children usually won those battlers because I couldn’t say, ‘Children, don’t bother me. I’m trying to write a book on how to be a better mother!’" Writing from experience, Tamara offers empathy and lots of parenting suggestions tat are both fun and enlightening. Chapters include Giving Your Children Choices; Building Trust Through Rules and Consequences; Time for Yourself; and Early Gospel Teaching. Readers will be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually lifted by these ideas and activities to strengthen the family.
321 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 2, 2008
The best part about this book are the Family Home Evening activities at the end of each chapter. They were well-thought out and looked great for the age group.
The worst part of this book was the rest of it. While there are a ton of great ideas, I had a hard time getting past my growing annoyance with the author. She writes that she wanted to write a book about rearing young children while she was still "in the moment" rearing them, so to speak. A mother of four (she has had one more since writing the book), I think she may have been better off waiting until she had more maturity to write the book. She comes across as really trying to prove what a wonderful mother she is -- all the good examples are from her family, all the bad are from "friends'" families. She seems a bit condescending towards those with fewer children than her, comments like, "My friends with just one or two just don't understand," etc. She also seems a little shallow in her conclusions. For example, she describes a friend who is burnt out on parenting who had said she's tired of just giving, giving, giving. She concludes, "She just hadn't taken time for herself." Her solution seems just a little too trite for me, and one-dimensional.
If you're the type who is always looking for more FHE ideas, I'd certainly buy this and read it. Or if you simply like to read parenting books, this is of value. There's even some recipes in the back for those who like that.
The worst part of this book was the rest of it. While there are a ton of great ideas, I had a hard time getting past my growing annoyance with the author. She writes that she wanted to write a book about rearing young children while she was still "in the moment" rearing them, so to speak. A mother of four (she has had one more since writing the book), I think she may have been better off waiting until she had more maturity to write the book. She comes across as really trying to prove what a wonderful mother she is -- all the good examples are from her family, all the bad are from "friends'" families. She seems a bit condescending towards those with fewer children than her, comments like, "My friends with just one or two just don't understand," etc. She also seems a little shallow in her conclusions. For example, she describes a friend who is burnt out on parenting who had said she's tired of just giving, giving, giving. She concludes, "She just hadn't taken time for herself." Her solution seems just a little too trite for me, and one-dimensional.
If you're the type who is always looking for more FHE ideas, I'd certainly buy this and read it. Or if you simply like to read parenting books, this is of value. There's even some recipes in the back for those who like that.
October 25, 2008
I shouldn't have read any reviews for this book before I read it. One really ruined it for me. It was along the lines ofhow the author used herself for all the good examples and friends for the bad examples. This was so annoying! I'm not sure it would have bugged me so much if I hadn't had it pointed out to me before hand.
Overall, there were some really good parenting ideas in this book and some that I just really disagree with. I felt like the author was a little self rightous. I wish she would have admitted her mistakes in parenting more because mistakes are how we all learn. Instead, everything seemed a little too idealistic and I just really want to know how she handles those horrible days when no patience is left.
Overall, there were some really good parenting ideas in this book and some that I just really disagree with. I felt like the author was a little self rightous. I wish she would have admitted her mistakes in parenting more because mistakes are how we all learn. Instead, everything seemed a little too idealistic and I just really want to know how she handles those horrible days when no patience is left.
January 15, 2008
A few good tips mingled with "how blissful I feel when surrounded by my many children." Too many recipes with cream of something soup.
July 11, 2011
I had a lot to say about this book, but then I forgot to write the review in a timely manner, and now I only vaguely remember what I was going to say. It had some good tidbits in it, and I started out liking it quite a bit, but then the author's style of writing got kind of repetitive and I ended up just getting through it. It's written from a very specific point of view - that of the Utah valley LDS mother of young children. That's exactly what I am, but I still felt distant from whatever world she was writing this in. A world where she keeps saying how she's not perfect while telling us all the perfect things she does with only slight sidetracks into imperfection. It's that kind of parenting book style that subtly suggests that her way is the best way and every other way will mess up your kids for life. And that annoys me.
This review is starting to feel overly critical though. I'll sum up this way: it's like a piece of food that tastes really good, but then leaves a bad taste in your mouth so it's hard to justify taking another bite.
This review is starting to feel overly critical though. I'll sum up this way: it's like a piece of food that tastes really good, but then leaves a bad taste in your mouth so it's hard to justify taking another bite.
April 7, 2008
I loved this book so much that I actually went and bought a copy for myself (which anyone who knows how frugal I am knows is saying a lot). I would HIGHLY recommend it for anyone with small children of their own, grandparents, aunts, or anyone who interacts with young children in any capacity. Applying the ideas from this book has helped me keep things in perspective and really appreciate my time as a mom. We've done a few of the FHE ideas and they were a good experience for the whole family. I've found that I'm more positive and patient as I've applied several of Tamara's suggestions in my own interactions with my toddler.
January 29, 2009
Don't we learn from mistakes? Well apparently, this author never makes any. All the good examples of what to do in parenting are her experiences, and all the bad examples are her friends experiences. It drove me NUTS how she comes across as the perfect mother.
On the other hand, there were a couple of ideas that I really liked, as well as FHE activities that just might work for us. If you can get past her self righteous attitude, then it's a decent read.
On the other hand, there were a couple of ideas that I really liked, as well as FHE activities that just might work for us. If you can get past her self righteous attitude, then it's a decent read.
October 15, 2010
I really liked this book. It was full of stories and examples, both of the author and of others, and I thought it was well-written. I didn't agree with some of the other comments on this book that the author was narrow-minded, that she deemed herself the font of wisdom, even though she's still a young mother who's never raised teenagers, and that she always puts herself forward as the good examples and uses others for the bad.
That wasn't true at all--she often told of her own shortcomings, and then how she fixed problems. She did use herself as a good example sometimes, and I think that's great! There were so many fun family activities and ideas for FHE.
Very good book.
That wasn't true at all--she often told of her own shortcomings, and then how she fixed problems. She did use herself as a good example sometimes, and I think that's great! There were so many fun family activities and ideas for FHE.
Very good book.
June 3, 2011
I think I had some negative feelings about this book simply because I was hoping to write it and apparently someone beat me to it. Even though she really tried not to make it this way, sometimes I felt that her home life must be quite perfect. I wish there had been a little more about when your kids really are only babies and toddlers (since that's where I'm at).
Getting that out of the way though, it was a fun read! I thought there were some very clever activities suggested. I like the collection of recipes at the end. I liked the sections on Time for Yourself and Time for Your Husband. I definitely would recommend it--I imagine I'll be referring to it again.
Getting that out of the way though, it was a fun read! I thought there were some very clever activities suggested. I like the collection of recipes at the end. I liked the sections on Time for Yourself and Time for Your Husband. I definitely would recommend it--I imagine I'll be referring to it again.
July 9, 2007
While the author seems to sometimes border on bragging, and often the chapters don't seem completely unified (the summaries and activities don't always gel with the chapter that precedes them), there are many good tips and usable plans in this book. It really made me stop and think about many of my own habits and practices as a mother. We have used several of her suggested activities successfully for FHE, and her ideas of a "family team" and "trying harder next time" have really translated well into our family.
March 15, 2008
I enjoyed reading this book, although it is one I have been working on for a month or two- not a kind of book you get through quickly. It was nice to have time to digest it, take in bits at a time. I didn't totally agree with the author on everything, but she had great ideas. Her family night activities seem like cute ideas, but I feel like most of them were for kids just a little older than mine. I wish I would have taken the time to mark this book up in places where I was impressed, but I always think of that after I'm done reading.
February 29, 2008
Some good ideas on parenting. Nice meal planning/ time saving kitchen ideas. Nice to have some back-up ideas from the author. Kind of boring to read -- or maybe it's just hard to read about other people's mid-afternoon temper tantrum from a 2-year-old, broken bones, manner teaching, etc etc etc when as a parent my mind is already full working with my own kids. This is why I don't watch "Super Nanny". I don't need to see struggling parents . . . don't all parents struggle???? Anyway, nice book for some reference things too.
September 3, 2009
The best thing I got out of this book was the "bed,clothes,dishes" concept. Tackle those three things in the morning and you will be amazed at how much more on top of your housework you feel! Some people might say "duh" to that, I say "ah ha!"
Anyway, there were a few other simple ideas throughout the book that made it a worthwhile skim, but in general I had a hard time getting passed the author's tone throughout the book. She makes herself out to be such a martyr. I've never been a fan of the martyr attitude and therefore have a hard time becoming a fan of this book.
Anyway, there were a few other simple ideas throughout the book that made it a worthwhile skim, but in general I had a hard time getting passed the author's tone throughout the book. She makes herself out to be such a martyr. I've never been a fan of the martyr attitude and therefore have a hard time becoming a fan of this book.
January 9, 2012
I thought this was an excellent book. I'd like to get my own copy to be able to refer back to. It has some great ideas for family activities. It also had lots of advice that really made me think and adjust how I approach some things. A great reminder that motherhood CAN be a joy and a reason for happiness in life, even though it's really hard. I loved the scripture references and the references to the Gospel teachings. Motherhood and the Gospel are woven together beautifully, if we always put Christ first in our life.
April 4, 2008
I loved this book!! While I only have one child,I felt like I had ideas for teaching all my kids as they grow up. Her activity ideas were inexpensive, realistic, and uplifting- for both mom's and kids. Most of all, I loved the way her positive, spiritually based ideas encouraged and strengthened my desire to be a better mom- and not just by spending better time with Alex, but by spending better time without him as well. A great read for all mom's!
November 20, 2008
This was an easy read with a lot of cute ideas of how to teach children simple principles. I loved that it was written from a young mother's perspective actually being a mother "in the trenches" as she calls it; rather than from someone who has raised their children and is looking back and giving advice. I also liked that I didn't feel too guilty reading it, I'm already doing a lot right and she just gave cute suggestions and advice to improve.
August 14, 2009
Excellent read. Lots of activies and ideas. Even filled with easy recipes at the end. She gives hope for sanity and ideas for achieving it. She comments on the typical judging young mothers get and how to deal with it. It about being a family team- being together and being strong, taking time for ourselves, our spouses and each child. Lots of laughs and useful knowledge. Also talks on undernderstandng our husbands needs to serve and work and tools to not be resentful. Would recommend
February 3, 2017
It didn't bother me that she uses her own life and family as an example for good parenting; what bothered me was that she used her friends' parenting "failures" as examples of what NOT to do. I don't think we could be friends.
She preaches diversity in motherhood, but then criticizes how others raise their children. There were still some good ideas in here, but I just lost some respect for her as an author.
She preaches diversity in motherhood, but then criticizes how others raise their children. There were still some good ideas in here, but I just lost some respect for her as an author.
September 14, 2007
What a great resource for families...especially in this "gotta do everything" world we live in. Practical and realistic advice, funny stories and fabulous family night/teaching moment ideas. If that weren't enough, there are even recipes for busy families at the back! Would highly recommend it to anyone with a young family.
March 20, 2008
I found this book looking the library for a "parent of toddlers" book. This book is more than perfect. It has family home evening ideas! My kids are just getting to the age where most of her book applies. I just love it. So many tips and ideas. I ended up buying this book and pull it out every few months for a refresher. I most definately recommend it.
January 13, 2009
I like that this book is written by a real mom, who is still raising her children, rather than someone looking back through their rose-colored glasses, giving you watered down advice, or worse, some brilliant PHD who has actually never been a parent! I've been applying some of these simple techniques with my little guy and we've already made some great progress.
February 6, 2009
I enjoyed this book. I like to pick it up when I am looking for some ideas. One of the author's suggestions that we use daily is her scripture reading idea (page 262). We all listen for a selected word repeated in the passage of scripture and then raise our hands when we hear "the word." The kids love to raise their hands and they actually pay attention (at least as well as little ones can!)
August 3, 2009
It was a good idea for a book and overall it worked. However, it wasn't what I was looking for - that being more my fault than the authors. I loved the variety of ideas but the format was a little difficult for me to follow. I appreciated the ideas because I don't know it all and need all the help I can get to become better at what I do.
January 18, 2010
I didn't realize this was written by a Mormom when I rented it. I will say there were some good family bonding games to play and some good thoughts in it. But there was just so much religious talk that it didn't really apply to our family. I don't know what kind of fantasy world this lady lives in, stop sheltering your kids from the real world!
November 28, 2007
I think that this book is full of great ideas and a wonderful resorce for FHE ideas. I found that it would better benifit a family with older children, but I did take a lot from it to implement into our young family.
April 21, 2008
My Grandma got me this book, and I have read it twice. Great ideas for young kids ages 3 and up. Slightly humorous, it reminds you to have some fun with your kids while giving you advice on how to get your kids to work around the house and help the family.
June 2, 2008
A friend told me about this book and I love it. It is so amazing how much of an improvement our lives can have when we put gospel priciples into practical application!! One of the things I loved about this book were the family home evening ideas at the end of every chapter.
August 12, 2008
I actually didn't finish the book. I think as with all parenting books you have to read it with the salt shaker handy. There was a lot of good info, but I'm just not that good yet. :) I did pick up a few things that are slowly becoming good habits. That's always a bonus.
December 8, 2008
This book was definitely enlightening and I took away some great ideas from it! Sometimes I felt like it was a little bit 101... tips like giving your kids choices, that sort of thing. On a whole, I would recommend it!
April 14, 2009
This book does have good FHE ideas at the end of each chapter. Some of the suggestions are a bit cheesy and not really up my alley, but there are some good things that I gleaned from it. It is basically one person saying how she raised kids and considers herself sane still.
July 4, 2009
I mostly skipped through A LOT of this book because there was tons that I did not love or necessarily agree with (it went against some of my beliefs with discipline etc) BUT a ton of the ideas in it were great! Good family activities and Family Home Evening ideas. Worth skimming through!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews