What do you think?
Rate this book
Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
You can apply the same techniques of efficiency, intention, and purpose that you've used in other careers to your most important position in life-motherhood. Steady Days takes you through the process of becoming a professional one who is organized and excited to spend time with your young children. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a lack of direction in your parenting, this book can help. You already have the skills you need to be an incredible mother. Empower yourself by reading Steady Days and implementing the ideas to benefit those important little people who call you "Mom." To learn more about the author, Jamie C. Martin, visit her blog at www.SteadyMom.com.
158 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2009
29 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Jamie C. Martin
8 books132 followersJamie C. Martin is an introverted mom of three, who loves books, tea, and people (not always in that order), and avoids answering the phone when possible.
She created the site Steady Mom in 2009, and began SimpleHomeschool.net in 2010, where she’s been writing about intentional education for nearly a decade. Jamie is also the author of Introverted Mom, Give Your Child the World, Mindset for Moms, and Steady Days.
Her work has been featured by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow, the Washington Post, Apartment Therapy, (in)courage, Parents, ProBlogger, Ann Voskamp, The Art of Simple with Tsh Oxenreider, and The Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie.
She created the site Steady Mom in 2009, and began SimpleHomeschool.net in 2010, where she’s been writing about intentional education for nearly a decade. Jamie is also the author of Introverted Mom, Give Your Child the World, Mindset for Moms, and Steady Days.
Her work has been featured by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow, the Washington Post, Apartment Therapy, (in)courage, Parents, ProBlogger, Ann Voskamp, The Art of Simple with Tsh Oxenreider, and The Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 11, 2015
This book was tough on me. For one, this is a difficult time for us right now...we're in the process of moving. Secondly, it touches on lifelong issues I have with organization, tidyness, scheduling, punctuality, etc. Thirdly, rice sensory bins make me see red (but I will come back to that). I agree with what the author is saying in theory. Yes! I want to be more organized as a mother. Yes! I want to have a well-scheduled household. Yes! I want to enjoy my kids and have my kids enjoy me! But actually making that happen. Gah!
While I appreciate the suggestions offered, I think the author put me off the moment she said, 'I have always been a highly organized person.' Well great for you. From that moment on, I just felt like, since you've never known what it's been like to be disorganized (a chronic condition that has followed me from childhood to my own home today), then how can you really help me? I recently read another self-help book about being more organized in the home, and the author (though I honestly doubt it) claimed that she herself was by nature a messy, lazy person. I loved her immediately and took to all that suggested. I like Martin's approach - let's be serious and intentional about motherhood - but her recommendations, I don't know. I'll try a planner/schedule. It hasn't worked yet, but I'm willing to try again. I'll try setting my clock 15 minutes ahead to be more punctual, but really how does that help when my cellphone is my clock? I felt like Martin has a superficial understanding of disorganization, which propels her to make suggestions that may or may not get at the root cause of the problem and affect change.
I think Martin reminds us that if we make motherhood our profession, our "job," then being present for our children isn't necessarily a chore, it's an important responsibility. This is a truth that I would like to incorporate more fully into my life; however, there is something to be said for also have time for me. I mean, every professional also has "me" time to pursue hobbies/interests/passions. I guess, in the end, I was put off by what I thought was a too rosy picture of her own household. Children that play in their own rooms happily? Children that stick to corners and play with their own, select toy, not trying to take another's toy? Amazing! Perhaps this is because she has instituted a set routine (steady schedule), or perhaps this is the temperament of her children? I felt like there was a lot that could be said about physical home organization, toy storage, etc that went unsaid.
Another issue was not enough exploration of balance. I resent the idea that motherhood should be the only thing that defines me. Putting time for me on the calendar is one thing, but failing to explore that in the text/not devoting time to that concept of balance makes it feel like it's not important to the author/not worthwhile, which doesn't sit well with me.
Finally, any author that suggests you should make a sensory bin of rice for your child to play with and plunk it down in the living room on top of a sheet to ensure "easy" cleanup later, should be forced to come over to my house after such an experience and clean up little pieces of colored rice deposited all over my living room. I don't know why children of these authors seem to have no problem keeping the rice in the bin or on the sheet, but my child has no difficulty getting the rice everywhere. Yes, he loves it. And he has so much fun with it, but for us, rice will have to be an outside activity. To be enjoyed when it's warm outside and at someone else's house ;) This of course is a personal pet peeve. I'm sure there are people reading this review thinking, 'my child has no problem with a rice sensory bin! He/she always is so careful, orderly and clean with the rice!'
While I appreciate the suggestions offered, I think the author put me off the moment she said, 'I have always been a highly organized person.' Well great for you. From that moment on, I just felt like, since you've never known what it's been like to be disorganized (a chronic condition that has followed me from childhood to my own home today), then how can you really help me? I recently read another self-help book about being more organized in the home, and the author (though I honestly doubt it) claimed that she herself was by nature a messy, lazy person. I loved her immediately and took to all that suggested. I like Martin's approach - let's be serious and intentional about motherhood - but her recommendations, I don't know. I'll try a planner/schedule. It hasn't worked yet, but I'm willing to try again. I'll try setting my clock 15 minutes ahead to be more punctual, but really how does that help when my cellphone is my clock? I felt like Martin has a superficial understanding of disorganization, which propels her to make suggestions that may or may not get at the root cause of the problem and affect change.
I think Martin reminds us that if we make motherhood our profession, our "job," then being present for our children isn't necessarily a chore, it's an important responsibility. This is a truth that I would like to incorporate more fully into my life; however, there is something to be said for also have time for me. I mean, every professional also has "me" time to pursue hobbies/interests/passions. I guess, in the end, I was put off by what I thought was a too rosy picture of her own household. Children that play in their own rooms happily? Children that stick to corners and play with their own, select toy, not trying to take another's toy? Amazing! Perhaps this is because she has instituted a set routine (steady schedule), or perhaps this is the temperament of her children? I felt like there was a lot that could be said about physical home organization, toy storage, etc that went unsaid.
Another issue was not enough exploration of balance. I resent the idea that motherhood should be the only thing that defines me. Putting time for me on the calendar is one thing, but failing to explore that in the text/not devoting time to that concept of balance makes it feel like it's not important to the author/not worthwhile, which doesn't sit well with me.
Finally, any author that suggests you should make a sensory bin of rice for your child to play with and plunk it down in the living room on top of a sheet to ensure "easy" cleanup later, should be forced to come over to my house after such an experience and clean up little pieces of colored rice deposited all over my living room. I don't know why children of these authors seem to have no problem keeping the rice in the bin or on the sheet, but my child has no difficulty getting the rice everywhere. Yes, he loves it. And he has so much fun with it, but for us, rice will have to be an outside activity. To be enjoyed when it's warm outside and at someone else's house ;) This of course is a personal pet peeve. I'm sure there are people reading this review thinking, 'my child has no problem with a rice sensory bin! He/she always is so careful, orderly and clean with the rice!'
July 10, 2012
I read a glowing review of this book somewhere and picked it up because I'm always looking for something to inspire me as a SAHM. I skimmed it in an hour and can't say that there is anything I'll take away from it. She emphasizes the importance of organization and routine and lots of 3 ring binders (but then you have lots of binders taking up space!).
Somehow she also manages the amazing feat of getting all 3 of her kids to routinely play alone in their rooms and/or alone in different corners of the living room for significant stretches of time every day. She, of course, credits this to her routine. I think it's more a matter of personality. My social, hates-to-be alone oldest child rarely wants to be in another room from the rest of the crew, though my youngest is happy on his own for long stretches.
Somehow she also manages the amazing feat of getting all 3 of her kids to routinely play alone in their rooms and/or alone in different corners of the living room for significant stretches of time every day. She, of course, credits this to her routine. I think it's more a matter of personality. My social, hates-to-be alone oldest child rarely wants to be in another room from the rest of the crew, though my youngest is happy on his own for long stretches.
June 23, 2010
This is not a long book but I found a lot of good information for my life as a mother. For starters, I love the title - Steady Days: A Journey toward intentional, professional motherhood. So often I have found myself just letting the day happen. This book encourages mothers to have a plan - be intentional. You can use the methods in this book for a strict schedule or not so much, which is what I like. The author does it in a way that isn't crammed down your throat and doesn't make you feel guilty. Definitely one that buoys you up and helps you find a way to make the changes that you want. A resource I will refer back to often.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"It's easy to crawl into bed at night, after the children are finally asleep, and wonder,'What have I accomplished today?' By being intentional with your time, you can actually answer that question and ensure that the answer is what you want it to be. This is another wonderful reason to get organized."
"My motive is not to control my children, but to give them my best. I care enough to plan ahead; I also know myself well enough to realize that without a plan I drift along guided only by my feelings in the moment. That's not the most efficient or powerful way to live."
"A Steady Heart is even more important than a Steady Day, because if you have a Steady Heart, the Steady Days will soon follow. A Steady Heart contains a sense of purpose, the idea that you know why you are doing what you're doing, even down to the most mundane of tasks. Everything is involved in the big picture, so everything is important."
"I think consistency in parenting means consistently being around, trying to be fully present when we are with our children, being observant and aware, and being involved."
"Even the most qualified, experienced teacher is not as committed to our children's success as we are. Therefore, we are their best teachers. So let's be confident."
Some of my favorite quotes:
"It's easy to crawl into bed at night, after the children are finally asleep, and wonder,'What have I accomplished today?' By being intentional with your time, you can actually answer that question and ensure that the answer is what you want it to be. This is another wonderful reason to get organized."
"My motive is not to control my children, but to give them my best. I care enough to plan ahead; I also know myself well enough to realize that without a plan I drift along guided only by my feelings in the moment. That's not the most efficient or powerful way to live."
"A Steady Heart is even more important than a Steady Day, because if you have a Steady Heart, the Steady Days will soon follow. A Steady Heart contains a sense of purpose, the idea that you know why you are doing what you're doing, even down to the most mundane of tasks. Everything is involved in the big picture, so everything is important."
"I think consistency in parenting means consistently being around, trying to be fully present when we are with our children, being observant and aware, and being involved."
"Even the most qualified, experienced teacher is not as committed to our children's success as we are. Therefore, we are their best teachers. So let's be confident."
July 20, 2010
I'm not sure if I should give this three or four stars. The information contained in here is good, though a bit obvious. Sometimes as a mother, I get so burdened with the smallness of every day survival, even seemingly obvious points need reiterating. This was a good vehicle for that.
It was more like a book of essays, or a compilation of blog posts with a similar label. I liked her ideas and her perspective. I love the line of "journey toward intentional and professional motherhood". Motherhood is not a destination - it's a "journey toward", not "arrival at".
From the introduction: "As [my children:] are maturing..., I am maturing as a mother. In any career, experience allows us to grow, improve, and learn. But unlike other professions, many of us mothers have never had any training to prepare us for this new job filled with diapers, tantrums, and sleepless nights...We aim for professionalism in every other area of our lives; why should our children get anything less?"
And from the conclusion: "The professional mother holds the underlying knowledge that when it comes to her children, she is the only expert...In times of inner conflict or indecision, just remember - you are the expert! So what happens when the expert makes a mistake? As previously mentioned, expertise is not the same as perfection. This is why an atmosphere of grace can transform our homes and our lives. Just as we aim to be patient with our children, we must choose patience with ourselves."
This is a nice little book of encouragement, inspiration, motivation, and perspective on this season of motherhood.
It was more like a book of essays, or a compilation of blog posts with a similar label. I liked her ideas and her perspective. I love the line of "journey toward intentional and professional motherhood". Motherhood is not a destination - it's a "journey toward", not "arrival at".
From the introduction: "As [my children:] are maturing..., I am maturing as a mother. In any career, experience allows us to grow, improve, and learn. But unlike other professions, many of us mothers have never had any training to prepare us for this new job filled with diapers, tantrums, and sleepless nights...We aim for professionalism in every other area of our lives; why should our children get anything less?"
And from the conclusion: "The professional mother holds the underlying knowledge that when it comes to her children, she is the only expert...In times of inner conflict or indecision, just remember - you are the expert! So what happens when the expert makes a mistake? As previously mentioned, expertise is not the same as perfection. This is why an atmosphere of grace can transform our homes and our lives. Just as we aim to be patient with our children, we must choose patience with ourselves."
This is a nice little book of encouragement, inspiration, motivation, and perspective on this season of motherhood.
May 17, 2011
I got this book as part of a giveaway. I probably wouldn't have chosen to read it if it weren't sitting in my house. That said, I got a lot out of it--particularly her suggestions for establishing a routine with kids that is diverse and fun. I have trouble playing with my daughter, because sometimes it feels like if I start, I'll have to play with her all day. The book recommends marking specific times for specific activities.
Martin casts vision for being intentional in our days with our kids, which I really want to be, but never am. Her suggestions are practical and seemingly do-able. In the end, she was also very laid back and doesn't seem to be a "super mom" who would normally turn me off to her ideas.
Martin casts vision for being intentional in our days with our kids, which I really want to be, but never am. Her suggestions are practical and seemingly do-able. In the end, she was also very laid back and doesn't seem to be a "super mom" who would normally turn me off to her ideas.
March 22, 2010
This is a great resource for both working moms and stay at home moms. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "A Steady Heart contains a sense of purpose, the idea that you know why you are doing what you're doing, even down to the most mundane of tasks. Everything is involved in the big picture, so everything is important. A steady heart comes from focusing on the end goal of raising our children into amazing individuals of character and influence."
May 15, 2010
This book is okay-- mostly composed of obvious stuff like organization and a flexible schedule for not losing your mind and wasting your days home with babies. Some kind of goofy ideas like making a bulletin board in your house to provide structure for learning-- not really necessary but okay. A good starting point for someone who is lost at home...
It does have some scripture and other Jesus-y stuff in it, which is fine, but neither the product description on Amazon or the book jacket indicates that there will be religious stuff inside, and since that is not everybody's bag it should probably be noted.
Oh-- and it kinda seemed to me (author was not clear) that she has a nanny...a "friend" who comes to help with the children. Which is fine, and wonderful for her, I want a nanny-- but that sorta took away from her credibility for me...
It does have some scripture and other Jesus-y stuff in it, which is fine, but neither the product description on Amazon or the book jacket indicates that there will be religious stuff inside, and since that is not everybody's bag it should probably be noted.
Oh-- and it kinda seemed to me (author was not clear) that she has a nanny...a "friend" who comes to help with the children. Which is fine, and wonderful for her, I want a nanny-- but that sorta took away from her credibility for me...
May 2, 2013
"Even though I have a nannny/housekeeper a couple times a week, and an involved husband, and my children are all fab nap-takers and play-aloners, I still have to plop all the kids in front of the TV for an hour a day. Hey, it takes time to make all those 3 ring binders!!"
Well, a lot of what she says resonates with me and I love that she is quick to say she's not the expert - you are and that she admits to flaws -- still, there's something brainwashy about this book (maybe the repeated illustrations of 3-ring binders? The italicized "Steady Day" when "our schedule" would do?) And setting up that system of binders and boards and note cards would take soooo much time. But, I must say, I did take one of her ideas and implement it- making a scaled down, pocket sized version of her catch-all binder. So clearly she's got something...
Well, a lot of what she says resonates with me and I love that she is quick to say she's not the expert - you are and that she admits to flaws -- still, there's something brainwashy about this book (maybe the repeated illustrations of 3-ring binders? The italicized "Steady Day" when "our schedule" would do?) And setting up that system of binders and boards and note cards would take soooo much time. But, I must say, I did take one of her ideas and implement it- making a scaled down, pocket sized version of her catch-all binder. So clearly she's got something...
March 10, 2010
I love the concept, I love the inspiration to turn your role as a mother into a more professional position - meaning, to do it with intention instead of just rambling through your days. There are lots of great ideas in here as far as setting up your day for more regularity, for providing intentional learning at home, and for recognizing those moments of wonder/grace/happiness in the little moments.
February 10, 2012
This title gave me the focus I was looking for on motherhood. I crave structure, not strict structure for fear of boredom, just enough so that I feel productive. As if the blocks of time I spend are showing me I completed something other than the given occupation of keeping the children feed, clean and safe. Observing my 2 1/2-yr-old tells me she prefers a dependable schedule too. I think this will give us both something to look forward to if we create a pattern for the week.
March 30, 2012
I keep taking this book off of my shelf and referring to it. Not only for the good, easy to execute ideas, but also for the inspiring wisdom of this mother. I know at my age I should have this motherhood thing figured out, but I do not! I still need to steal some ideas here and there to get me through the ever changing phases of my life and my kids' lives. This book is an excellent resource for me:)
November 21, 2018
I thought it would be about professional working mothers and how to balance raising children and working outside the home. It is not about that but rather how to be a professional stay at home mom.
September 17, 2012
This book was very simple, very easy to read with extremely short chapters, and an overall encouragement to mothers with small children. This book would have been great for me ten years ago and, in fact, many of the tips she writes about I used. The idea of having a flexible structure to each day to make it "steady" is so important and really makes a positive difference! Had I read this book a decade ago I probably would have given it five stars.
I love how she talks about doing things not just for her, not just for her kids, but for what is best for the family as a whole. I appreciate that she acknowledges how many times you will find something that works for right now but in a few weeks you may have to find something else.
I love how she talks about doing things not just for her, not just for her kids, but for what is best for the family as a whole. I appreciate that she acknowledges how many times you will find something that works for right now but in a few weeks you may have to find something else.
October 25, 2015
I've read Jamie's blog for a while and was excited to come across this book at my local library.
There are four parts to the book: Getting Organized, Retaining Enthusiasm, Learning Together, and Making Memories. Under each of these categories are short chapters that are easy to read and full of practical insights and ideas that are simple to incorporate into everyday life.
I love her approach on motherhood as being a profession and therefore requiring as much purpose, creativity, and thought as any other career. Sometimes in the daily grind it's easy to lose sight of that and I found this book to be an inspiring reminder of the amazing job we have as mothers to nurture, guide, and teach our children - not forgetting to have fun in the process!
September 12, 2013
I was hoping for more info on time management and scheduling. The sample routines given were the most useful part of the book. Unfortunately, I had already pretty much settled on a routine I was happy with before I read this. Most of the book is common sense and extra filler. The suggestions to make memory books, learning books, scrapbooks etc. sound very time consuming in themselves and her routines never scheduled time for doing these things. The overall tone was pleasant and reassuring. Although she is obviously a very dedicated mom, she is not unrealistic about mom ending some time for herself too.
August 10, 2015
Finally a succinct parenting book! As I was reading this, I thought the principles she proposes are things I've basically learned by trial and error with some good, new tips thrown in. Then, after I finished the book, the two days following were rough for me, mostly due to my lack of preparation. I felt stressed and impatient with my kids, so clearly, I have room for improvement when it comes to organizing, simplifying, and streamlining our routines. The main takeaway for me is breaking down a daily schedule into columns for each family member. I think that will help me to use our time more intentionally. Check out steadydays.com for her free printables.
October 7, 2016
This a great book for new mothers with young children. I find so many things in this book are valuable but I have already discovered many of these as a mother of 25 years. This book was just little too late for me. Still a great source. I find routines are key and keeping it simple is important to me. I mentally get overwhelmed easily so I don't like plans, notebooks etc. In my experience mom's often overwhelm themselves with plans and systems as much as with chaos. Find a balance that works for you and your family!
January 20, 2011
I read this out of curiosity from the subtitle, since I've been in online conversations about whether or not "professional" is a good adjective for mothering. Although using that adjective never bothered me before, it now does after reading this book.
Perhaps this might be an ok book for a thirty-something career woman turned stay-at-home mom who feels lost, but since that is nowhere near my experience, I didn't really care for this book at all. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't good.
Perhaps this might be an ok book for a thirty-something career woman turned stay-at-home mom who feels lost, but since that is nowhere near my experience, I didn't really care for this book at all. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't good.
July 28, 2010
This book really helped me get organized, set priorities and goals in all areas of life. Taking care of kids, house, plus other interests and professional goals, can all be part of the same purpose. I am lessed stressed out and value what I am presently doing after reading this book, and I often go back and re-read parts of it when I start to feel like I'm losing my mind!
August 2, 2010
I really resisted reading this book, because I don't like having my time scheduled. I did finally give in after Amazon kept recommending it to me :o) I love this book and it is revolutionizing my life. Now when we veer away from the routine, I can feel it pulling me back. I never knew how much I could enjoy a steady day!
November 5, 2014
I could feel the author leaving out references to her faith and her beliefs, I think to make it more accessible to all. This book has created a lot of discussion in my circle of friends as we seek to raise our children as best we can. I appreciate the short chapters and the friendly, non judgemental tone of this book. I'm recommending it to everyone.
Read
September 18, 2015Helps to frame the idea that motherhood is a chosen profession and must be done with professionalism and intentionality."Professionalism is not about achieving a desired result but is about living with purpose and focus. When we live with intention, we invest in our future and the future of our children.
April 15, 2010
An honest true book about motherhood. I wish it was written some years back to help me with the daily business of being a mother.
How to organize a day, set up a schedule, what activities for which age. Not the usual feel bad parenting advice but a true honest parenting advice.
How to organize a day, set up a schedule, what activities for which age. Not the usual feel bad parenting advice but a true honest parenting advice.
May 15, 2010
A straightforward, honest and helpful book of tips for making motherhood joyful, simplified, and do-able. I liked the non-dogmatic approach to sharing ideas and felt inspired to do my job as mommy better and with more joy, more pride, and less frustration.
August 12, 2010
I love this book! It wonderful to see a new generation of women embracing intentional motherhood, actually being present with your children. Something that was few and far between in the 1970's and 1980's and well...especially now.
December 1, 2010
Good info, but not a lot of "how-to" application. It's a lot of stuff you've heard before and still leaves you wondering how to apply it to your life. Each chapter is only a page or so long, and barely scratches the surface of what could be discussed.
April 20, 2012
Ew. This book made me cringe. Underneath all her preachy, icky, rich lady crap I reckon the author and I probably share some similar values, like raising children in a respectful, peaceful way. You have to dig through a whole bunch of yuck to get to those values though.
October 15, 2012
Simple, easy read, but has some good insights. (I read this in one day.) Jamie Martin explains a lot of principles she has learned to help their family have steady days. I learned many things, and got some great ideas to implement in our home.
December 13, 2012
It's a good practical read for young moms. If you need a jump start on organizing or need to know how to effectively schedule your busy family's hectic days from chaos to calm, this book has some great thoughts to help you evaluate and personalize a schedule for you.
March 31, 2013
Nothing earth-shattering here. She gives tips and ideas that seem to work well for her family, but also gives permission to other moms to find their own schedules and tools. I respect that. I cannot imagine having so many three-ring binder systems for organizing my life, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews