Taking Care of the Me in Mommy: becoming a better mom - spirit, body & soul : your family's well-being depends on yours

by Lisa Whelchel

Moms get so busy with the ?doing? and the ?giving? for their families that they never seem to have enough time to ?rest? and ?receive.? So many moms have bought into the world-view that they can ?have it all? and then believe the self-talk that ?if I don?t do it, it won?t get done!? Isn?t it ironic that so many mothers are running on empty? Lisa Whelchel delivers a book full of practical tips and advice for mothers on how to find lost time in their day to nourish body, soul and spirit.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith

280 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2006

About the author

Lisa Diane Whelchel is an American actress, singer, songwriter, author, and life coach. She is known for her appearances as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club and her nine-year role as the preppy and wealthy Blair Warner on The Facts of Life. In 1984, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance for her contemporary Christian album All Because of You. In 2012, Whelchel participated as a contestant on the CBS competitive reality series Survivor: Philippines and tied for second place. She was also voted fan favorite and was awarded $100,000.

Reviews

[Kimberly Patton]

Someone recommended this author to me so I got this book from the library. It is so outdated that I laughed at some of the suggestions made in (2006)!!

It was helpful to know that I’m not alone and that it really is important to take care of myself and my marriage as we raise kids. I’m in a crazy season of young babies, and I feel in over my head many days. But at the same time, it’s a relief to know other moms feel that way and we can build community and friendships in the chaos.

It’s easier said than done to take care of yourself, organize babysitting swaps, and make friends in a new place. But I’m slowly doing it and see progress. I appreciate Lisa taking the time to encourage moms and give practical tips that seem do-able.

[elizabeth sawyer]

I LOVED, LOVED this book. I received this as a gift around the time of the birth of my second son. It was JUST what I needed at the time to be able to stop/start. However, an important note is this is a book suited to Christian faith-based moms. While I think all moms would love lots of her advice, many of her values that drive her recommendations & thoughts are faith-based. Would be an EXCELLENT book for mom discussion groups, but great to read on your own. In fact, the author (Blaire from Facts of Life tv show back in the day) mentions how she would often read on the treadmill or multi-task with her quiet time & exercise. I quickly took that idea and tucked this book in my purse for reading at the gym or waiting for kids. Very easy to feel motivated and encouraged. Really like how she shares her thoughts on a topic, then has an entire section on putting things into action in your own life that suit you within that topic area. Don't just sit around and complain, read or gab... do something to make things work for your family, yet remember you are a beautiful woman that God uniquely created.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired)]

I enjoyed this book. I was actually able to review part of it before it was published and my review is part of the reviews in the front of the book. Lisa Whelchel understands mothers. She has tapped into the heart of every wife and mother. She gives us the permission needed, and more importantly, the gentle reminder, to take care of ourselves, as well as our families. The ideas are easy and practical, but more importantly, it's nice to read a book and know that the author truly does understand your heart and has been where you are. It's a good book, filled with practical suggestions for enriching your spirit and taking care of you.

[Jenny]

I liked the format. It was easy to pick-up and read a few pages in between chasing Maggie around. Lots of good tips. I plan to keep it around and use the "rest stop" chapters for inspiration and reference for when I need new ideas in a certain area of life.

I really like her characterization of life as a mommmy moving through "seasons." It helps me when I am having a particularly challenging day to be reminded that 1) this "season" will not last forever, 2) try to enjoy it while it lasts.

[Maria (Ri)]

While this had several suggestions that I really enjoyed, it was just not my cup of tea. I can see how someone committed to a Protestant Christian faith would find it quite appealing and helpful. I just don't happen to fall into that category. One thing I really did enjoy was her section on journaling. Looking at it from so many different perspectives and ways to journal gave me lots of ideas both for myself and for my clients to use. I also got many ideas from the relationships section. She has lots of little ways to stay connected to friends and partners.

[Christina]

I would highly recommend this book for any new mom- it would make a great gift (if they have time to read it)! I marked a number of ideas and things I wanted to remember. I didn't feel overwhelmed by the book (it has almost too many ideas and areas to consider) but was encouraged by Lisa's honesty. She definitely has a gift for connecting with moms. This book reminded me of another book I read last year, "The Worn Out Woman", but I thought this book was more practical and holistic.

[Larisha]

Lisa uses God's word to help moms take the time to care for themselves w/out the guilt we far too often feel as moms who give and give and don't refuel ourselves. She does this through her "picnic basket full" :) of time-saving tips and down to earth ideas so we moms can fully enjoy the things that value most = God, family, and relationships!!

[Carolyn]

A solid book about how to stay healthy as a mom with young kids. The chapters are short and still include personal stories, scripture to back up all her points, and lots of practical tips for implementing them. A well-rounded approach to spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health during a particular season of life when all of those can be elusive.

[Jennifer]

Inspired me. I liked all of the tips and ideas for each section. Also, it has a great website where you can sign up to receive 21 days of emails for each topic (spirit, scripture, prayer, etc) to encourage you to strengthen your skills in each area. Good resource to renew and refresh your ideas of how to stay connected to God and be a good mommy.

[Holly Mace]

This was one of those "reading for my final school project" books, but it was actually pretty good. If you don't recognize the name, the author played "Blair" on "The Facts of Life". Now she's a stay-at-home mom and Christian author.

[Chris]

The information and ideas in this book are nothing new, but the way it is written is friendly, encouraging and uplifting. A nice read when you need a time of refreshing or feel run down or overwhelmed with the demands of being a wife and mother.

[Jennifer]

It was a very positive & uplifting book. There were lots of great tips on how to carve out time for yourself as a busy mother. It encouraged developing a close relationship with God to be the best wife, mom & person you can be.

[Alice]

A funny, self-help book that gives great ideas of how to take care of yourself (spirit, body, and soul) so you can better take care of your family. It is targeted to moms, but anyone who takes care of loved ones will benefit from this book.

[Shanella]

I love this book! It is all about learning to take care of yourself in order to be a better mom to your children. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!

[Kristi]

Lots of ideas in this book--reminds me to take care of ME!!

[Sara]

Lots of good tips and suggestions.

[Brenda]

I thought this was a great book. I would highly recommend it to any mom. It gives a lot of ideas of how to take a few minutes for yourself every day and importance of doing so.

[Mandy J. Hoffman]

Another good book with practical how-to-today advice.

[Mom2jngncna~ Stephannie]

Reading parts of this at Moms Morning Out :)

[Maisie]

Great tips for keeping up with your emotional, spiritual and physical well being as a mom without losing your self identity.

[Amy]

Good boom on taking care of yourself (spirit,body, & soul). I enjoyed the rest stops at the end of each chapter which gave ideas and examples for that area.

[Sarah Boyette]

Often very cheesy to the point of nausea, but I'm still glad I read it. It's nice to read something that is affirming about what I experience daily.

[Jana Bruhschwein]

Resource book full if good ideas .

[Jenna]

Great for the heart of Christian moms.

[Brenda]

Awesome book. Really helps to think through and act on priorities!

[April Brown]

This is a great must read for moms! Especially moms with children 8 and under. The book was originally written in 2006 but most of it is still applicable 12 years later! This book is super practical. It reads as if your BFF was writing to you. I usually do not hold on to books after I’ve read them but I’m hanging on to this one! If your looking for a good practical book on mommying, that aligns with God’s word, this be the book for you!

[Kendra schmidt]

This book is really pointed and intended more for moms of school age kids. It’s got some really great and helpful suggestions for almost every area of life! The writing in between the suggestions though didn’t feel very relatable for me. But if you skip the middle stuff and go right for the suggestions at the end of each chapter it’s a very helpful book.