I have been referring back to these again and again over the past nine years. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive list, just my favourite books.
(By the way, this isn’t a sponsored post, and I paid for these books, these are just my opinions)
I Was a Really Good Mom, Before I Had Kids
Sincerely my favourite because it speaks so clearly about defining our priorities, letting go of guilt, advice from a Dad’s perspective and so much more. When I read this book, I was so relieved to learn that I wasn’t the only mom around who doesn’t always enjoy playing with my kids. There are some extremely funny quotes too, and a list of bitchy questions moms ask one another in an attempt to demean or inadvertantly induce guilt upon each other. A great read all around, my copy has earmarks throughout! (I actually gave away a few copies of this book, here, back in April 2008)
“A boner in the back is not foreplay.” – one of my favourite quotes from the book.
$16.68 paperback or $9.69 Kindle download on Indigo.
The Three-Martini Playdate: A Practical Guide to Happy Parenting
This is borderline fiction, because it truly is just a light read with no real expert advice, although it’s quite funny. I do refer back to it from time to time when I need a laugh about the daily frustrations of parenthood! With amusing chapter titles like “Preschool – The Fast Track To Harvard” and “Diaper Bag or Steamer Trunk”, it’s a cute easy read and would be a fantastic gift for any mom-friend!
“Once you’re ready to go [leave a playdate], it’s wisest not to ask permission of your progeny.” – so true. Great advice.
$11.36 on Indigo.
The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood
This one made it into my top five because it has all these great graphics and lists, and is simply based on 10 basic ‘rules’ we can follow that will ultimately drive us to enjoy our parenting experiences.
1. take the easy way out
2. aim low, and go slow
3. trust your gut
4. keep it real
5. find your tribe
6. go with the flow
7. make your bed
8. have a plan
9. look out for number one
10. love your love life
“You + momhood = awesome”
$12.88 on Indigo.
The Baby Book
This isn’t a light read, but it’s everything I needed to know when I had my first baby. This book gave me the reassurance I needed every time I questioned a choice like co-sleeping or babywearing, and breastfeeding, it’s all in here. I really respect Dr. Sears’ parenting theories and advice.
“Be patient. It takes more time, support, and perseverance to achieve a successful breastfeeding relationship following an operation [cesarean]”
$18.23 on Indigo
The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal
A step by step workbook on incorporating self-care and balance in your life. I think moms need to find more ways to seek out ways to rejuvenate and make themselves a priority and this book can help us do that. Laid out so that you can work through it with various exercises, it’s “roadmap for mothers to tap into their innate capacity for wisdom, renewal and self-love”.
“I believe it’s your birthright to live the life you desire.”
$16.68 on Indigo.
Tell me in the comments, what is your favourite parenting/mom book?
I have “I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids” and “The Baby Book” and liked them both – I Was a Really Good Mom especially. I hadn’t heard of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal but I’m going to add that one to my Chapters wish list – don’t we all need a little more self-care!
My favourite mom book has always been “Between Interruptions” by Cori Howard. She’s a Vancouver author but this particular book is stories from 30 different women and their motherhood truths. It was just such a great book to pick up and book down whenever I had time and I loved all the different perspectives.
That’s a great line up of books. Right now I’m reading ‘Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman’ and I highly recommend it!
Ohhh, I have that book and have never read it. NEED to!
I loved “Operating Instructions” by Anne Lamott. The chapters were short so it was easy to read a bit at a time when I had a minute to myself. There is one line that I will never forget, it was something along the lines of “Just when you think you couldn’t possibly make it any longer, you’ve gone ahead and done it.” I think about that all. the. time. I’ve gifted that book a few times to new moms 🙂
I love the – aim low and go slow!! YES!!