Mama Rock's Rules: Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children

by Rose Rock, Valerie Graham

"To be a parent is and should be a calling. There is absolutely nothing as great, challenging, or rewarding as raising a child." So says Über-mom Rose Rock, who has raised 10 children in addition to caring for 17 foster children in her 40-plus years as a mother. As a mother who does not shy away from the hard conversations, Rose isn't afraid to present strong ideas about boundaries, discipline, choices, and consequences—and she tells it like it is. In Mama Rock's Rules , Rose shares the funny and highly practical lessons she learned both as a parent and an educator, while offering strategies for teaching a child to be self-reliant in this world. Written with a kicky blend of maternal spirituality and a "don't mess with me or you won't get old" sense of authority, the book spotlights 10 vital rules, each tackling a specific parenting issue. From "I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend," which helps parents regain their authority and establish respectful relationships with their children, to "Don't Lie Down with Anything You Don't Want to Live with Forever," which takes a different approach to the often tricky conversation about sex, each topic is lovingly explained and bolstered by stories from Rose Rock's own childhood and parenting experiences. We will also hear from her own kids, as they share memories and anecdotes about what it was like to grow up in the Rock household. Rose's heartfelt and no-nonsense advice—delivered with a dose of wit and homespun humor—will resonate with thousands of parents and will inspire them to teach their kids right, whether their brood is one child or ten.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

She speaks directly with a forceful, confident voice. She presents ten sections in this book focusing on ten major principles that guided her and her husband Julius in the parenting of their children. The rules cover the whys and hows of setting boundaries, discipline, structure, respect, positive communication, routines and traditions, integrity, education, expectations, responsibility, inspiration and determination. I found her no-nonsense approach to be heartening and based on common sense.

I have to say that nothing in this book was a surprise to me, since I have been blessed with two parents that taught me all the same lessons. It's good to hear it all again, however, and laid out in a down to earth, comfortable style. You could imagine yourself sitting down in her kitchen listening to her wisdom while she brews you some coffee and dishes out cookies. Even if you came to realize that, yeah, maybe you do let the kids watch a little too much TV and you hate homework time yourself, she's right that those are important and worthwhile things to keep trying to improve on. Eating dinner together, feeding the kids and listening to them chatter about their days; those are the blessing times. It's worth all the clean up to take the time to teach them table manners and there is no substitute for family laughter.

Since this is an early reviewer's copy I noticed there are a few places where it could use a little more editing. Some of it is repetitive and some of her folksy talk is distracting to someone as "cut to the chase" as me. Others may enjoy it more but I tend to be impatient. I just want to know the bottom line: how did she raise all those fine Black men? Give me the code.

[Chi Chi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly intelligent and delightful. I thought it would be fun and interesting but had no idea how excellent, deep and inspiring this book really is! Lots of ideas form babies to the big kids. Wonderful stories form the Rock house are a bonus. Love hearng about "Chrissy" and his brothers and sisters, but there is so much more. You can keep this book forever and give it to every new mom. It's for everyone. Loved it!

[Desiree' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for parents (married, divorced, or single). Chris Rock's Mom gives grounded advice regarding child rearing. She particularly focusses on how to have a balanced life with children.

[Kjersti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written by the mother of Chris Rock the comedian. Some of it was a little old fashioned or outdated (a liiiittle bit sexist sometimes imo) but overall I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and you could tell by her voice she really loves children and she is not a mom you mess with lol.

[Ice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more than Chris Rock's mom, first-time author and radio show host (The Mom Show) Rock has been a special needs school teacher, a preschool administrator, a mother of 10 and a foster mother of 17. Rock begins simply, and significantly, with her own mother's advice: "Being a parent is not about being right, it's about doing right." Rock believes in the absolute authority of parents ("Some parents tell me... their kids' bedrooms are off limits. Are you kidding me?") but also in the need for those parents to be "steadfast role models."

Divided into chapters like "I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend," "No Child Really Wants to be Left Alone," and "Feed Them and They Will Tell You Everything," Rose's rules are sensible and well illustrated, embracing traditional values like discipline, everyday spirituality and togetherness. With the help of editor and columnist Graham (who works with Rock on The Mom Show), Rock weaves practical advice and reminiscence without a hitch. Asides from her children buttress the text, providing perspective on their mom's parenting methods and their own, but fans of comedian Chris Rock (who provides a foreword) won't find an inside scoop here. Instead, they'll find a smart, relatable and empowering approach to parenting that's been proven effective many times over.

[Kate Campos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about parenting written by comedian Chris Rock's mom? Heck yes, I'll read it! While I anticipated Mama Rock's Rules to be a bit funnier, I found her no-nonsense lessons ("rules") interesting and thoughtful.

Each chapter focuses on a different set of rules for an area of parenting, with the Mama's Mojo sections providing practical tips for implementing said rules. I found many of her lessons insightful (i.e. Kids learn responsibility by being in charge of something; Be a full course meal, not a sexy snack; Let your kids see your deeper, fun relationship with your husband; Honor and respect your children) and admired the stories of ways she connects with and loves her children even now as adults.

While I got the sense that the book was written for an intended African-American/black audience, I (a Caucasian reader) still found it meaningful and only occasionally felt left out of the cultural loop. I think this would be an excellent book to read when your first child is around 4-5 years old. Reading it earlier (as I did) is interesting, but it's difficult to not have something to take away immediately and be able to put to practice in your own life.

Overall grade: 3 stars. I enjoyed the book and (though typically 3-star grades are a "do not plan to read it again") would like to read it again in a few years.

[Jeff Brailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Rock is comedian Chris Rock's mama. She raised seven children and this book tells you how she did it. It may be the most important child-rearing manual since Dr. Benjamin Spock published his seminal work.

Moma Rock's Rules ius chock full of practical advice that will make any mother's job much easier. If a parent took half the tidbits called "Mama's Mojo" that are spread throughout the book and put them to use, he or she would find raising his or her child a piece of cake.

In 10 informative chapters Mama Rock does what a whole season of Super Nanny tries to do. Each chapter includes a summary of rules and strategies at the end. I like the way the book is laid out almost as much as I do the incredible information contained in it.

If you are serious about parenting and want to raise some great kids, buy this book. At $22.95, it is a great investment in your child's future.

[Ami Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book and full of good insights for mothers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me laugh. Your point of reference, as a mother, only extends as far as your own mother or grandmother, so it is a very cool thing to read how other mothers have tackled the task of raising children. I found a great deal of her advice to be brilliant, and have started trying some of Rose Rock's ideas with my sons. This little book covers everything from discipline to mealtime to respect for your elders, and her approaches are practical and reasonable. There is none of the psychobabble that tends to run amok in parenting books, and it is written in a direct and personal manner - as if a family friend were giving you advice. I completely loved it, and highly recommend it.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a parents advice book. I really appreciated that Rose Rock is kind of 'old-school' in her parenting techniques. A quatlity that seems to be lacking in most parenting books. Some of her wise advice includes: being a parent -- not a friend, encouraging family unity, respecting your child/parent, and creating family traditions/memories. Overall, I think she gives good advice. I wasn't that happy with her perception of spritiuality, but it wasn't terrible. Anyhow, I think most parents would get something out of this.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mother of comedian Chris Rock, who raised 10 children and 17 foster children, sets down her philosophy of child rearing in ten rules. Most are common sense guidelines (“no child really wants to be left alone”), but are illustrated with stories and anecdotes about her children. Ironic is rule number three, Wipe your mouth out before you come into the house, given the content of much of Chris Rock’s stand-up routine.

[Reading_with_juls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this woman on Paula Deen's cooking show one morning while I was working out. She's Chris Rock's mom, and she made some comment about not finding Chris Rock very funny. Anyway, it made me want to read the book. It's a very quick read. Very basic ideas about raising good kids. Most of it is common sense, but every now and then I found a nugget. I like the part about expectations, talking about sex and talking about history.

[Ben Donahower · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a soon to be dad, I picked up a some books on parenting, and I'm glad I snagged this one at the library. Mama Rock gives no nonsense advice that's clear and practical but also thoughtful. While some her book was directed towards the black community and minority populations more generally, I still thought that there was application for this white, Christian, male in most of those sections. Speaking of universal application, this book is useful for parents of children of all ages. Recommended!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this...I would have loved it if I hadn't felt like there were subtle differences in standards for her male and female children. A few to many times I felt like she was implying that "boys will be boys" and they are just going to do what they are going to do, but girls SHOULD NOT do the same things. Frustrating. Otherwise, a good book with solid advice.

[TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, I don't have kids and really never intend to, but this is still a good resource for understanding kids and learning how to treat them. It's full of memorable stories and is a pretty enjoyable read. The audio is read by the author, and although she's not a strong narrator, I think she does a nice job for a first timer.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of the audiobook, as read by the author:

Mama Rock was very stilted in her reading of this book, making her sound elderly. Her reading lead to the feeling that she was relatable and down to earth.

When I first started the book, I didnt know it was a parenting book! Opps. The rules are a wonderful guide for parenting, most especially older children.

[Lupine · Rating 4 out of 5]

No nonsense parenting advice from Chris Rock's mom. Funny but practical and doable - my favorite kind of advice. I especially enjoyed the chapters, "I am Your Mama, Not Your Friend," and "Reading is Righteous."

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is freaking awesome. Every parent should read it.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because, like me, Chris Rock's mama don't play.

Update: Not bad. Not great. But not bad.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips on how to manage a household, establish traditions, and in general, raise your kids. I liked that it wasn't too scientific or based on studies...it was basically "notes from the field."

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda drab but contains good info I would use once I begin having kids. This is one book I recommend reading and not listening to.

[Bela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really quick, short read. She could've expanded a lot on her philosophies. She should've included more input from Chris Rock too, to boost readability and mass appeal.

[Lisa Bodner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny and down to earth guide to raising kids, written by Chris Rock's mom. I enjoyed it and picked up a few good ideas.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some really good ideas about parenting and was still fun to read. I like the Santa idea with the powdered sugar I have to use that one.

[Linda]

Memories of growing up and raising children ... it's all good.

[Kendra Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the many parenting books I've read over the years, this one was the most fun. Solid stuff here, too.

[Irene Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT, Must Read for all parents!