52 Things Kids Need from a Mom: What Mothers Can Do to Make a Lifelong Difference

by Angela Thomas

Bestselling author and mother of four children Angela Thomas brings her trademark storytelling and biblical teaching to this book of encouragement for moms who, in the daily whir of busyness, long to connect with their kids in new ways. With compassion and creativity, Angela presents 52 inspirations to help moms experience intentional mothering, intentional living, and intentional joy as they: Moms at all phases of parenting can adopt one idea a week or try several at once. This is a fun, guilt-free resource to help every mom lead with God’s love and delight in the small moments that make up an abundant life.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Relationships, Childrens, Religion

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Angela Thomas is the best-selling author of numerous books including DO YOU THINK I'M BEAUTIFUL and MY SINGLE MOM LIFE. She is a gifted teacher and story-teller speaking to thousands each year. Angela teaches and transparently shares life experiences that draw her and others into a deeper passion for knowing God. Thomas graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Dallas Theological Seminary. Angela has filmed and written four video studies with LifeWay including WHEN WALLFLOWERS DANCE. Living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Angela is also a wife, mother and an ordinary woman.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents have always wished for a parenting handbook and this should be it. This book was the best parenting book I've ever read. She wrote it from a Mom's loving heart and with a heart for God. Instead of feeling bad about the things I've done wrong (which a lot of self help books can do), it felt more like I was talking to my girlfriends who had 20 yrs experience. Even though it's a book for mom's, I feel dad's could benefit from reading this book to. They also have 52 things kids need from their Dad. I think I'll be reading both.

[Savannah Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Practical advice and easy to follow. So many great tips that are useful for our kids. Loved her outlook and guidance on things based on the Bible. God speaks through this book.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stalled out on this -- I did three library renewals and still didn't finish in time. Too much stuff "to do." I may go back to it at some point, but now now.

[Amy Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to help you focus on what our kids need instead of what they don't. They need a momma to point them in the right direction with love, patience, understanding and firmness. I have not always done the right thing, none of us are perfect but this is a good read to help you remember what's important and what is not.

[Nativa Rodeback · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this book, it inspired me and reminded me of the things that I should be doing consistently. #14 Occasionally be a Supermom, #20 Give Grace-Filled Consequences, #44 Set the Tone for the family are just a few of the needs that I implemented right away. I've been so exhausted with homeschooling, this book was just what I needed.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out this ebook from my local library and didn't realize what I was getting, but I LOVED it. Such great reminders of things I am trying to do for my kids and good ideas for things to start. I wish I could have underlined things while reading this. ;) I may have to buy my own paper copy.

[Sanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me think about the things MY kids need from THEIR mom, some of which were in the book and some weren’t. It’s a quick read because each “thing” is a short chapter, which made it easy to pick up and read here and there when I had a few minutes.

[Kathhzzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book! I am praying that I would be able to apply these takeaways in raising my sons.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author. She is down to earth but her ideas helped inspire me to be and do better without feeling guilty for not always hitting the mark.

[Miri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very religious, I was not expecting that in the beginning, but if that is what you’re looking for then this is for you. I definitely did not agree with some of the things said, especially regarding the forcing of religious beliefs and gender expectations, however the base message to go out of your way to show your child you love them and set good ideas of how they should treat themselves and others is good.

[Lacey Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mom should read this book. It's eye-opening. God really spoke to me through each page.

[Rachel del Toro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I have really enjoyed books written by Christian authors from other religions. They are uplifting and this book was the same. Lots of good ideas (not the overwhelming kind that some parenting books present) about how to raise good, thoughtful kids who will can contribute to building a peaceful world.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always one for improving on my mothering skills and with this book I’ve gotten some ideas for how to make some things more special and create memories in my children as they grow. The author knows that moms aren’t going to do all 52 ideas and that is fine, and some I couldn’t see myself agreeing with, but the others are so right on. Like to pray with the door open, the idea of this is that even though the children will come in and use you as a human jungle gym keep on praying and let them know you are praying so that they have that modeled for them.

Even though I mentioned there are things I didn’t agree with in actuality it was really only two things and both are on a realistic level, my husband and I can’t take a date night every week, it’s not feasible. Nor do we feel the need to do this, yes, there are times the children stay a few hours with their Grandparents and it’s a nice time between my husband and I but we don’t need it every week and I don’t think my children are missing out since we don’t. Otherwise this book has lots of ideas like keeping a family blog, treat their friends like family, to miss a few things that they mess up, make a big deal out of God and more.

If you’d like to know more about ideas on being a more intentional (I seem to be using that phrase a lot lately) parent then this book may just be the place to get you started. The chapter on the phone really hit home, since I do reviews, schedule field trips, and am appointment maker extraordinaire I’m on the phone and compute a lot but I’ve been in the process of rethinking how to schedule my day so I’m not on the computer or phone as much during their waking hours, during school, etc.

**Special thanks to Karri James | Marketing Assistant | Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not yet a mom, but when the time comes, I'd want something like this book nearby. The writing drew me in from the first chapter, and the structure is created perfectly for busy moms. 52 easy things to remember in 52 short chapters (short enough to finish while baby's napping!).

The writing is honest, the suggestions doable, and the book's tone doesn't make you feel like you're the worst mom on earth and your children are doomed.

The first chapter echoes my sentiments, and is aptly first and foremost in a book like this: Kids Need Their Mom to Pray in Secret with the Door Open. Nanay has done this since we were little (and continues to do so), whether or not anyone was watching. She would kneel in prayer over our beds while we were out, praying for God's protection and guidance for us. I see her pray on her knees all over the house, any time of day. I think, as a result, I was more secure, knowing that someone loved me enough to constantly cover me in prayer. Every child should have such a mother.

[Janna Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book because as a mother of 7 wonderful kids I know that no matter how hard I try there is always more I can do. I do feel spread awful thin sometimes and know that I can't always give each of my kids individually what they need from me. I love the way Angela lays this book out. She has 52 wonderful topics and ideas that give me as a parent something to shoot for. Some of them affirm me that I am doing something right. Some of them give me some great ideas to work on. None of them made me feel condemnation for not being perfect. This book is an excellent way to take one chapter a week and work on the little things that can make a big difference in your children's life. Excellent book!

[Codi · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is filled with good things, I just got bored. I didn't finish it. As a mom, I always need reminders for things I can improve on, but I guess reading them all at once in a book is not my best way of receiving them. I did like how there was a "disclaimer" about how we're all different and some of these things may not be what you want to do as a mom. Agreed. Turning down my kids' beds and turning on a lamp for them every night before bed time- no thank you. I will gladly tuck them in and give them kisses, but they can turn down their own darn bed. No need to be lazy. LOL! Good stuff, just not for me. Time to read some more fiction books and continue to be a mediocre (if that) mom.

[Krista Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring ! I re-read whenever I have time to remind myself of the little things!

I love how the book is written. Short little spurts of advice, never overwhelming, easy to read. Could grab a quick chapter on a commute or during a break (better than a quick surf on social media). Not only does the author give you a background for each piece of advice, but she gives examples. She has 4 children so she is experienced with several different types of personalities and shows how each one may react differently and gives examples as to how to handle the same thing with each different child.

Again, I really admired the author and her parenting style and praise this book!

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. I really, really love this book. It's a book I think all Christian mothers must read. Angela Thomas is thoughtful, compassionate, and thorough. I can't say enough about the positive impact this book has had on my parenting. Her chapter called To Never Stop Touching Them was vital for me. My own daughter is not a huggy, touchy girl and I was struggling with how to show affection without irritating her. That single chapter alone was worth ten times the price of the book for me. I plan to reread it again soon.

[Danielle Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books for mothers. It's a subtle reminder that the smallest things we do on a day-to-day basis have a long-term impact on our children and their lives. It is encouraging to see that there are simple, realistic things we can do to improve our relationship with our children and to help them learn how to do life.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, short chapters for busy moms, but packed with helpful information. The author has combined practical advice with good spiritual wisdom to help moms reach the hearts of their children, no matter what ages are involved. I'll be adding this to my gift list for new parents!

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I highlighted a lot of stuff. I do wonder if maybe coming up with 52 things was too many tho. Some of these don't seem like things kids actually need from their moms. But overall great suggestions. I just hope I can remember all this.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this devotional book very much. It was easy to read and had practical suggestions to help keep your family close and strengthen it. I thought the stories Angela shared was interesting and that she was honest and open in sharing her life. A good read for all who are parenting today.

[Brenda Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Filled with all kinds of good advice about life lessons that moms can teach their children... From family meal time to extending grace to being a good listener. Many of these lessons are things we already do, but others are really great ideas I hadn't thought about

[Michael A. Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reading.

This book is fun to read. She gives great examples from her own experience. I learn a bunch of ideas to change at home. This book is full of God's word. I will read again and am going to give a copy to a friend.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!! Some things I do, some I do sometimes, and some I need to work on.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book! non-condeming and encouraging... really enjoyed this author's style and "voice" in her writing... easy to read... valuable lessons.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and easy to understand. Encourages me to keep improving as a mom!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. The authors love for her kids is intoxicating. There are many easy little things we can do to make our little ones feel our love each and every day.