The Mommy Manual: Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings

by Barbara Curtis

The Mommy Manual is an encouraging book that will give moms the tools they need to plant a firm foundation from which to raise spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy children. Barbara Curtis teaches readers six essential keys to successful parenting, including how to - help little ones develop gratitude, respect, and generosity - teach children how to "play nice" and find contentment in everyday routines; and - help kids establish self-confidence Loaded with been-there empathy, personal stories, helpful sidebars, and practical advice, this book is ideal for moms looking for helpful ways to raise happy, confident kids.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't bring anything to read over Easter weekend to Beaumont and this was sitting on the bedside table. I read a lot of parenting books (I need reminders) so I thought I would skim it (esp during certain scenes of the Passion of the Christ), but I really enjoyed it and actually read the whole thing.
Often moms with lots of kids and who homeschool come off sounding like its right for them so you should do it too. I never felt this from BC; she seems really authentic. I loved her testimony at the end and some of her hippie day's tolerance has seemed to flow over to her Christian life in a very good way.
She has great practical ideas as well as overarching ideas for moms. Know your kids, as all are different. Great thoughts for teaching self-control, generosity and helping out. Thoughts on family traditions and lots of practical lists of books and movies for different ages.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET MOTHER OF MOSES! This book is an absolute must read for all moms! It has helped me see my boys in a whole new light. Barbara has a bunch of experience as a mother of 12 kids (some adopted) and many of them with Down Syndrome. She knows how to get things done! Great book!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed these basic, practical ideas on investing into the lives of our children, understanding them, and building a home and family culture that is special, uplifting, homey, and most of all centered on Jesus. Inspiring and challenging!

[Brandy Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great read for any mom with kids at home, no matter their ages. I had come across a lot of what Barbara Curtis suggests when I was reading up on Montessori education while researching homeschooling. I benefited from the reminders here and the practical realistic vision the advice in this book was presented with. This comes from a person with a varied background who by no means had it all together when her first child was an infant. It is encouraging to know that as a mom I don't have to have it all figured out form the start and changing the family's ways midstream, while hard, is doable and worth it. The word mommy is in the book a lot. That was kind of annoying as I usually read to escape that word, but all the same it's an excellent book.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in the month after my twins were born (and while I had an 18-month old running around at the same time)! I just reread it and was amazed at how much I learned from it the first time--Curtis really does have some insight into the toddler years. The author is a former Montessori teacher and mother of 12, so she's had lots of experience with toddlers and preschoolers. She shares great insight into helping develop the image of God in your toddler; she focuses on such traits as order, independence, self-control, generosity, etc. The book is filled with humor, empathy, encouragement, balance, and lots of great tips and ideas.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this! I won a copy but would pay for it any day. This is one I'll be referencing back to now and again. Uplifting and helpful.

I loved her reflection on the "merry-go-round". Often times as mothers we feel like we are going in circles on a merry go round with no destination, just trying to get through each day to turn around and do the SAME. EXACT. THING. the next day. Why do we let that frustrate us?? Since when is a Merry-go-round a bad thing?? Ever notice how much joy is on a kids face as they go up and down and round on the merry go round? This is just one little jewel from this book that I am letting be my inspiration for this month.

[Racheal Decker]

Very helpful. I'm enjoying the things that it has to offer on things to do with kids. Even has a list of great movies to watch as a family.everyone that still has kids at home should read this. you should read evern with know kids at home good for grand parents to.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly encouraging book that covers many practical ways to create an environment in which your children will love learning and growing. Also gives great advice on creating a family culture in which Jesus is honored and family is important.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not applicable to our baby yet, but I love the practical application of montessori method... also, I love this woman's blog!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives good ideas for teaching family values to your children. Also lists must-reads for children of all ages and gives ideas for creating family traditions. (Christian book).

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent advice from an experienced mommy

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. It helped me to understand toddlers before I had one. Now, I've implemented some of her ideas and it's really helped my 2 year old keep the tantrums down.

[Bethany Hansom]

Thank you to Erin for sharing this book with me!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great for anyone desiring to raise children with values and integrity and to establish strong family unity.