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Be the Mom: Overcome Attitude Traps and Enjoy Your Kids
The role of mom is often described as the most important job in the world. Rightly so, for so much is at stake during children's early years and moms are central in shaping character and personhood. However, when the going gets tough (the endless diapers, the continual messes, the endless conflict resolution, the complete lack of personal time, etc.), moms are often tempted to quit their "mom job." While few would endorse an outright abandonment of motherhood, others may recommend that a woman treat her role as secondary to personal desires in order to combat feelings of discouragement and/or unfulfillment. The enemy has laid intentional traps cleverly designed to discourage and redirect a woman towards self rather than family. Moms need to know how to recognize these traps . . . and avoid them. "Be the Mom: Overcome Attitude Traps and Enjoy Your Kids" explores and validates the life of a mom who makes her family a priority and introduces the reader to seven Mom Traps that may be preventing them from a full, joy filled life.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 5, 2018
I had such high hopes for this book. The tagline is "overcome attitude traps and enjoy your kids." Something I've been struggling with lately is enjoying my kids, and I was so excited for some practical advice. But I was a little disappointed. Mostly, Eyster tells us WHY we need to be better moms, not HOW. There were nuggets of truth throughout that I appreciated:
". . . every child's expectations for what others will do for him or her later in life are being groomed now . . . Think through how you can model good behavior patterns and instill in your child the ability to have realistic and appropriate expectations." (97)
And I liked this little "script" for responding to your child's mistakes: "Okay, you messed up; you made a bad choice. God wants us to learn from our mistakes. So what did you learn from that bad choice?" (140)
I also liked the last couple of chapters about bonding with your kids and prioritizing family time.
But overall, I felt like she was a tad condescending and basically says, "Quit being a martyr. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and enjoy those kids while you have them because soon they'll be gone and you'll be alone."
Mostly, I think my negative feelings toward this book stem from extreme personality differences between the author and myself. She was a wealthy career woman before having kids. I've always been on the low end of middle class, never had a career, and had kids young. She's bubbly and energetic and extroverted. I'm quiet and low-energy. I just didn't identify with many of her "mom-traps." Busy mom? Nope. Keeping up with the Joneses? Nope. And those I did identify with didn't offer much in the way of new advice.
3 stars because it wasn't a bad book. It just didn't really speak to me, personally.
". . . every child's expectations for what others will do for him or her later in life are being groomed now . . . Think through how you can model good behavior patterns and instill in your child the ability to have realistic and appropriate expectations." (97)
And I liked this little "script" for responding to your child's mistakes: "Okay, you messed up; you made a bad choice. God wants us to learn from our mistakes. So what did you learn from that bad choice?" (140)
I also liked the last couple of chapters about bonding with your kids and prioritizing family time.
But overall, I felt like she was a tad condescending and basically says, "Quit being a martyr. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and enjoy those kids while you have them because soon they'll be gone and you'll be alone."
Mostly, I think my negative feelings toward this book stem from extreme personality differences between the author and myself. She was a wealthy career woman before having kids. I've always been on the low end of middle class, never had a career, and had kids young. She's bubbly and energetic and extroverted. I'm quiet and low-energy. I just didn't identify with many of her "mom-traps." Busy mom? Nope. Keeping up with the Joneses? Nope. And those I did identify with didn't offer much in the way of new advice.
3 stars because it wasn't a bad book. It just didn't really speak to me, personally.
January 8, 2020
The author encourages moms to embrace motherhood and offers anecdotes and practical advice. She addresses familiar “mom traps” that affect our attitudes as mothers. (Some of the examples are so very relatable.) The strongest takeaways for me emphasized connection and investing in relationships with our children. The author’s children are teenagers, and she shares what she has learned from her personal experiences and her mentors.
The book can be read in a day, or a chapter a day could be easily read. I really liked the questions at the end of each chapter that ask readers to reflect and write down ideas that can be used to help us connect with our children. I plan to use some of the ideas that I recorded after reflecting and asking my kids questions.
This would be a great book for a women’s small group or a women’s bible study. The author is Christian and she relies heavily on bible verses and uses Christian ideas and language throughout the book. I feel the practical ideas could apply to any parent of any faith, but the intended audience is definitely Christian families.
If you are looking for a book that thinks society expects too much of women, this is not your book. This is more of a call to adjust our attitudes and attempt to be more intentional, attentive, selfless, and patient while our children are young. It reminds the reader that the mother often sets the tone of the household and our kids look to us to model our priorities.
The book can be read in a day, or a chapter a day could be easily read. I really liked the questions at the end of each chapter that ask readers to reflect and write down ideas that can be used to help us connect with our children. I plan to use some of the ideas that I recorded after reflecting and asking my kids questions.
This would be a great book for a women’s small group or a women’s bible study. The author is Christian and she relies heavily on bible verses and uses Christian ideas and language throughout the book. I feel the practical ideas could apply to any parent of any faith, but the intended audience is definitely Christian families.
If you are looking for a book that thinks society expects too much of women, this is not your book. This is more of a call to adjust our attitudes and attempt to be more intentional, attentive, selfless, and patient while our children are young. It reminds the reader that the mother often sets the tone of the household and our kids look to us to model our priorities.
October 10, 2012
Be the Mom is a quick boost of encouragement for the moms out there. I really enjoyed it! The chapters are relatively quick to read through, so it's a perfect book to read here and there. It became my favorite "waiting room" read.
The author and I really didn't seem to have a lot in common, but I still connected with her. We do have the "mommy" part in common. I liked her! She's writing as an experienced mom with older(teen) children(from my understanding). The suggestions she gives are methods that worked for her. She saw things that wasn't working for her family and she changed them. We get to see how these changes worked out. I'm not at all against moms who give suggestions as a "young" mom(young children), but it is great to get advice from the "wise" moms(older children).
I have quite a few quotes marked throughout this book, and I was having a hard time deciding what to share. Unfortunately, I have misplaced this book at the moment, so I can't share any of them. This book is already really late, though, so I'm going ahead with posting. "sigh" I assure you there are lots of things to leave you thinking, though!
The sections on being busy and comparisons are the parts that I got the most from. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes Facebook/blogging is my worst enemy. I see moms who are keeping busy going here and there, and I think I'm just not doing enough. Being busy doesn't automatically equal a great mom, though, and I appreciate the reminder. We're very simple around here. And comparisons. I've came a LONG way from what I used to be. I'm finally realizing that it's okay that my home and family doesn't look like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine. It has never been spotless, and I no longer expect it to be at any point soon. It's okay that I can't cook worth anything, and that many of our meals come out of a box. I've spent so much time imagining a life of perfection that I've forgotten how to be content with what talents God has given me. I'm finally learning to do what works for us, and that's okay! This book helped me along with those journeys.
Overall, this is a simple, down to earth book with great mommy advice. I liked it!
*I was provided a review copy from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion.
The author and I really didn't seem to have a lot in common, but I still connected with her. We do have the "mommy" part in common. I liked her! She's writing as an experienced mom with older(teen) children(from my understanding). The suggestions she gives are methods that worked for her. She saw things that wasn't working for her family and she changed them. We get to see how these changes worked out. I'm not at all against moms who give suggestions as a "young" mom(young children), but it is great to get advice from the "wise" moms(older children).
I have quite a few quotes marked throughout this book, and I was having a hard time deciding what to share. Unfortunately, I have misplaced this book at the moment, so I can't share any of them. This book is already really late, though, so I'm going ahead with posting. "sigh" I assure you there are lots of things to leave you thinking, though!
The sections on being busy and comparisons are the parts that I got the most from. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes Facebook/blogging is my worst enemy. I see moms who are keeping busy going here and there, and I think I'm just not doing enough. Being busy doesn't automatically equal a great mom, though, and I appreciate the reminder. We're very simple around here. And comparisons. I've came a LONG way from what I used to be. I'm finally realizing that it's okay that my home and family doesn't look like it came out of a Martha Stewart magazine. It has never been spotless, and I no longer expect it to be at any point soon. It's okay that I can't cook worth anything, and that many of our meals come out of a box. I've spent so much time imagining a life of perfection that I've forgotten how to be content with what talents God has given me. I'm finally learning to do what works for us, and that's okay! This book helped me along with those journeys.
Overall, this is a simple, down to earth book with great mommy advice. I liked it!
*I was provided a review copy from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 31, 2013
"The Creator of the heavens and the earth fashioned you to be the mother of the children He has entrusted to you. What joy it is to embrace the role of motherhood, free ourselves from the traps that aim to devour and devalue us, and live a momlife worthy of His calling. This doesn't mean a momlife without challenges or mistakes, but a momlife increasingly dependent upon our heavenly Father" (p. 153).
Motherhood is full of blessings and challenges. And sometimes it can seem that the challenges outweigh the blessings. Eyster takes a candid look at the most common attitude traps that moms fall prey to. Using humor and real-life examples, she helps debunk these traps and points us to the one perfect parent: God. She discusses seven traps: Just a Mom, Me Mom, Martyr Mom, Busy Mom, Mirror Mom, Tomorrow Mom, and They Say Mom. Each chapter ends with a brief quiz to see how embedded in each trap you are, as well as though provoking questions to help pull you out of that particular trap.
Just glancing through the chapter list, it was easy to see a couple of particular traps that are catchy for me, but reading the entire book helped open my eyes to just how subtle some of these traps are. I really appreciated Eyster's candidness and the encouragement that she offered. At the end of the book, she brings it all together by providing four practical faith steps to stay in tune with God as we allow Him to equip us for the task of motherhood: spend time daily in prayer, find a mentor, seek opportunities to serve, and study His word daily.
I would definitely recommend this book to all moms, particularly those that are really struggling with embracing their role as mother. The set-up of the book also makes it perfect for book clubs or small groups to read together and discuss. Overall, this was a great read!
(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
Motherhood is full of blessings and challenges. And sometimes it can seem that the challenges outweigh the blessings. Eyster takes a candid look at the most common attitude traps that moms fall prey to. Using humor and real-life examples, she helps debunk these traps and points us to the one perfect parent: God. She discusses seven traps: Just a Mom, Me Mom, Martyr Mom, Busy Mom, Mirror Mom, Tomorrow Mom, and They Say Mom. Each chapter ends with a brief quiz to see how embedded in each trap you are, as well as though provoking questions to help pull you out of that particular trap.
Just glancing through the chapter list, it was easy to see a couple of particular traps that are catchy for me, but reading the entire book helped open my eyes to just how subtle some of these traps are. I really appreciated Eyster's candidness and the encouragement that she offered. At the end of the book, she brings it all together by providing four practical faith steps to stay in tune with God as we allow Him to equip us for the task of motherhood: spend time daily in prayer, find a mentor, seek opportunities to serve, and study His word daily.
I would definitely recommend this book to all moms, particularly those that are really struggling with embracing their role as mother. The set-up of the book also makes it perfect for book clubs or small groups to read together and discuss. Overall, this was a great read!
(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
July 28, 2024
Have you ever started reading a non-fiction book and been floored at what you’ve read?
That’s how I feel about this latest title.
No, I’m not floored thinking it was a complete waste of time.
If anything, I could hear God speaking to ME through Tracey’s words. And, that’s both awe-inspiring and a little scary when the message isn’t always the one you want to hear.
Like I’ve already said, quite a bit came right at me as I read this title. Tracey does a wonderful job covering the different kinds of ‘traps’ moms can find themselves in regularly.
Here are the different traps Tracey writes about:
Just a Mom
Me Mom
Martyr Mom
Busy Mom
Mirror Mom
Tomorrow Mom
They Say Mom
At the end of each chapter, there’s a little quiz for you to take and some questions to get you really thinking about the topic. Then there is a scoring chart to show you just how ‘stuck’ you might be in that particular mom trap.
While I’ve spent a little time in each of the different categories, I was a little surprised to see that the evaluation I did after the “They Say Mom” trap gave me this result: “You are aware that the influence of the world is swaying you, but you area allowing your best possible life to be altered by the world’s standards.”
Wow! I mean, WOW! Here I have been deluding myself in thinking that I’m trying to be the good Christian who lives in the world, but is not of the world. Yet, further reflection has me seeing that I do envy some of the material trappings of others and that I’ve allowed the boys to make a little too judicious use of electronics in the last few years.
Now, I say I was a ‘little surprised’ and not full on blown away. That’s because God was already planting the seeds of this message on my heart. I’ve just had my inner toddler kicking and screaming about what I want and not necessarily what is best for the family as a whole. And, we all know that just about any mother out there will say that they want what is best for their family.
The way out? Awareness and God’s Grace!
Well, that might be a bit simplistic. Actually, Tracey closes the book with a call to action… to Be The Mom… in her last chapter.
I don’t normally share a bunch of quotes from a book, but feel moved to do so from that last chapter. (I almost NEVER write in a book, but felt compelled to underline and star, in pencil, while reading this chapter.)
“No matter the challenges you face, or will face, as a mom, you have been divinely equipped to face them an grow through them.”
Yep, that’s right…God knows that with His Grace I am ready for the challenges life throws at me. Do I always feel that way? No. But, those moments of despair are always lightened after falling on my knees and surrendering to His Will.
She shared a wonderful bit of Scripture and I’ll share the Catholic translation here:
Romans 5:3-5
(she stopped at verse 4, but I feel that verse 5 is important)
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
I thought about a few Christian homeschooling friends who recently left Alaska for other locations around the US as I read her easy and practical faith steps we are called to implement. Simply, we must pray, have a mentor (I’d say support network), serve others, and spend time in The Word each and every day.
This is definitely a book I’d recommend for all Christian mothers to check out. Those mom traps are all around us and the world would have us think it’s just part of life. But, they can’t be what God wants for our lives as they rob us of the rich and full life we could have.
Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy for review. All opinions are my own.
That’s how I feel about this latest title.
No, I’m not floored thinking it was a complete waste of time.
If anything, I could hear God speaking to ME through Tracey’s words. And, that’s both awe-inspiring and a little scary when the message isn’t always the one you want to hear.
Like I’ve already said, quite a bit came right at me as I read this title. Tracey does a wonderful job covering the different kinds of ‘traps’ moms can find themselves in regularly.
Here are the different traps Tracey writes about:
Just a Mom
Me Mom
Martyr Mom
Busy Mom
Mirror Mom
Tomorrow Mom
They Say Mom
At the end of each chapter, there’s a little quiz for you to take and some questions to get you really thinking about the topic. Then there is a scoring chart to show you just how ‘stuck’ you might be in that particular mom trap.
While I’ve spent a little time in each of the different categories, I was a little surprised to see that the evaluation I did after the “They Say Mom” trap gave me this result: “You are aware that the influence of the world is swaying you, but you area allowing your best possible life to be altered by the world’s standards.”
Wow! I mean, WOW! Here I have been deluding myself in thinking that I’m trying to be the good Christian who lives in the world, but is not of the world. Yet, further reflection has me seeing that I do envy some of the material trappings of others and that I’ve allowed the boys to make a little too judicious use of electronics in the last few years.
Now, I say I was a ‘little surprised’ and not full on blown away. That’s because God was already planting the seeds of this message on my heart. I’ve just had my inner toddler kicking and screaming about what I want and not necessarily what is best for the family as a whole. And, we all know that just about any mother out there will say that they want what is best for their family.
The way out? Awareness and God’s Grace!
Well, that might be a bit simplistic. Actually, Tracey closes the book with a call to action… to Be The Mom… in her last chapter.
I don’t normally share a bunch of quotes from a book, but feel moved to do so from that last chapter. (I almost NEVER write in a book, but felt compelled to underline and star, in pencil, while reading this chapter.)
“No matter the challenges you face, or will face, as a mom, you have been divinely equipped to face them an grow through them.”
Yep, that’s right…God knows that with His Grace I am ready for the challenges life throws at me. Do I always feel that way? No. But, those moments of despair are always lightened after falling on my knees and surrendering to His Will.
She shared a wonderful bit of Scripture and I’ll share the Catholic translation here:
Romans 5:3-5
(she stopped at verse 4, but I feel that verse 5 is important)
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
I thought about a few Christian homeschooling friends who recently left Alaska for other locations around the US as I read her easy and practical faith steps we are called to implement. Simply, we must pray, have a mentor (I’d say support network), serve others, and spend time in The Word each and every day.
This is definitely a book I’d recommend for all Christian mothers to check out. Those mom traps are all around us and the world would have us think it’s just part of life. But, they can’t be what God wants for our lives as they rob us of the rich and full life we could have.
Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy for review. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2022
The description of mom types was very good. There was too much about G-d for my taste. The phrase "speak into her life" is not a part of the English language.
Read
March 11, 2017A good read for any mom during her walk with children.
October 7, 2012
- I received this book through Tyndale blog network in exchange for an honest review -
I have to admit, when I first started reading this book I was a little wary, because I don't necessarily have a positive opinion of Focus on the Family, seeing as we disagree on issues like homosexual marriage/rights (I'm an avid supporter), but reading this book I was pleasantly surprised. It was quite enjoyable.
Written for "all moms" (as claimed on page xi) , we are told that this book "offers an opportunity for moms to explore the emotions that are stirred up in the daily lives of mothers. It also reveals the traps that seek to ensnare moms along the way." (same page) I did enjoy how empowering this book can be, how positively it focuses on motherhood, with quotes like "momlife actually opens up a whole new aspect of womanhood that should be embraced and explored proudly," (page7) and (on page 12) how "there are options when you become a mom. You just have to have the tenacity to explore what is best for your own family and then be brave enough to make it happen." At the end of the book, as well, she insists that "You matter. You are loved," "You are not alone," etc, etc (page 153)
And while I may not believe, as the author does, in "evil," or in a devil (as she speaks of on page 14), I do agree that the "traps" the author speaks of are traps mothers need to be aware of, and work to not fall into. Traps like seeing yourself as "just a mom" and forgetting to take time for yourself, having to have things done perfectly your way instead of using opportunities to encourage confidence in your children, seeing yourself as, or acting like, a martyr with a poor attitude, trying to be "supermom" and taking on more than you or your family can handle, comparing yourself to other mothers, not being intentional with each stage of your child's life (forgetting that today matters and not being intentional with the time we have), and caring too much about what "they" say or putting the value of others above your own instincts.
The chapter that I enjoyed the most was the chapter on the "Me Mom Trap," (most specifically pages 29-36) and the difference between the "do it right" and "do your best" messages, offering our children opportunities to learn through trial and error and achieve a sense of accomplishment when they get it right (she also stresses, on page 37, how things can be done more than one way), using situations as teaching moments, always encouraging your children, and how "teaching our children with love and understanding should be our goal." (page 31)
I loved, on page 110, where she defined a relationship by saying she thinks "it looks like not taking yourself too seriously but instead having fun with your children as you do life together," and how, in the conclusion (page 150) she makes sure to assert that "there are no perfect moms, and there are no tips or suggestions that will make you the world's best mom." That may be true, but this book is a pretty good resource in deciding how one may feel is the best way for them to be a mother.
I would recommend this book to any mother looking for an empowering, encouraging read on motherhood. It was an enjoyable read, written in a pleasant style, and it is a quick read, too. I'd like to end this review with a quote the author used in her final chapter (on page 151), by C.S. Lewis, which says :
"The homemaker is has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only, and that is to support the ultimate career."
Rating : 4 stars
I have to admit, when I first started reading this book I was a little wary, because I don't necessarily have a positive opinion of Focus on the Family, seeing as we disagree on issues like homosexual marriage/rights (I'm an avid supporter), but reading this book I was pleasantly surprised. It was quite enjoyable.
Written for "all moms" (as claimed on page xi) , we are told that this book "offers an opportunity for moms to explore the emotions that are stirred up in the daily lives of mothers. It also reveals the traps that seek to ensnare moms along the way." (same page) I did enjoy how empowering this book can be, how positively it focuses on motherhood, with quotes like "momlife actually opens up a whole new aspect of womanhood that should be embraced and explored proudly," (page7) and (on page 12) how "there are options when you become a mom. You just have to have the tenacity to explore what is best for your own family and then be brave enough to make it happen." At the end of the book, as well, she insists that "You matter. You are loved," "You are not alone," etc, etc (page 153)
And while I may not believe, as the author does, in "evil," or in a devil (as she speaks of on page 14), I do agree that the "traps" the author speaks of are traps mothers need to be aware of, and work to not fall into. Traps like seeing yourself as "just a mom" and forgetting to take time for yourself, having to have things done perfectly your way instead of using opportunities to encourage confidence in your children, seeing yourself as, or acting like, a martyr with a poor attitude, trying to be "supermom" and taking on more than you or your family can handle, comparing yourself to other mothers, not being intentional with each stage of your child's life (forgetting that today matters and not being intentional with the time we have), and caring too much about what "they" say or putting the value of others above your own instincts.
The chapter that I enjoyed the most was the chapter on the "Me Mom Trap," (most specifically pages 29-36) and the difference between the "do it right" and "do your best" messages, offering our children opportunities to learn through trial and error and achieve a sense of accomplishment when they get it right (she also stresses, on page 37, how things can be done more than one way), using situations as teaching moments, always encouraging your children, and how "teaching our children with love and understanding should be our goal." (page 31)
I loved, on page 110, where she defined a relationship by saying she thinks "it looks like not taking yourself too seriously but instead having fun with your children as you do life together," and how, in the conclusion (page 150) she makes sure to assert that "there are no perfect moms, and there are no tips or suggestions that will make you the world's best mom." That may be true, but this book is a pretty good resource in deciding how one may feel is the best way for them to be a mother.
I would recommend this book to any mother looking for an empowering, encouraging read on motherhood. It was an enjoyable read, written in a pleasant style, and it is a quick read, too. I'd like to end this review with a quote the author used in her final chapter (on page 151), by C.S. Lewis, which says :
"The homemaker is has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only, and that is to support the ultimate career."
Rating : 4 stars
February 14, 2013
I was torn over how to rate this book. Although I have tremendous respect for the author and I think that her aims are admirable she just doesn't speak my language. I feel a little guilty lowering my rating for purely personal reasons- otherwise this may have gotten a 2 star. I've read some really phenomenal parenting books in which I was constantly thinking, "Yes, Yes, YES!!!" this one was more of a ho-hum, "Yeah, yeah, I get it."
Much of the information just wasn't new to me. Plus, I have this weird aversion to people quoting from new revisions of the Bible. I have a special love for the King James version and I know I shouldn't let this bother me- but it just does. The words have lost so much of their meaning, cadence and power in these versions, for me. I know there are many people who struggle with the wordiness of the KJV but I just love it.
In each chapter Eyster focuses on a new "mom trap". I found that many of them applied to me not at all or just a smidgeon and two of them are traps that I do need to work on a bit. However, the "traps" that I need to work on I was fully aware of so all that this book really did for me was to remind me that I need to "just do it".
I DO like that the author gives all of her proceeds from this book to a Christian camp and that she wrote it out of love for others and her daughter. 5/10.
Much of the information just wasn't new to me. Plus, I have this weird aversion to people quoting from new revisions of the Bible. I have a special love for the King James version and I know I shouldn't let this bother me- but it just does. The words have lost so much of their meaning, cadence and power in these versions, for me. I know there are many people who struggle with the wordiness of the KJV but I just love it.
In each chapter Eyster focuses on a new "mom trap". I found that many of them applied to me not at all or just a smidgeon and two of them are traps that I do need to work on a bit. However, the "traps" that I need to work on I was fully aware of so all that this book really did for me was to remind me that I need to "just do it".
I DO like that the author gives all of her proceeds from this book to a Christian camp and that she wrote it out of love for others and her daughter. 5/10.
October 24, 2014
In the past year, I've gotten quite a few Christian non-fiction titles that have found a deep way into my heart. Much in the way that Ann Voskamp is poetic, Tracey Lanter Eyster is conversational and down to heart, a real mom talking to this mama from her words and experience. So why did it take me so long to read this book? I mean it is not even two hundred pages. I needed to wade in the water of these words and truly experience the knowledge this experienced mama is willing to pass on in her book.
My kiddos are much younger than Tracey's so I haven't had the experience and this mommy business is still quite new to me. While I'm not sure how much my future will be like hers I like listening to her stories. The best part that I'm finding in this book is the idea to relax and live in the moment. Not to get caught up filling days with this that and the other when you can just BE the mom.
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
My kiddos are much younger than Tracey's so I haven't had the experience and this mommy business is still quite new to me. While I'm not sure how much my future will be like hers I like listening to her stories. The best part that I'm finding in this book is the idea to relax and live in the moment. Not to get caught up filling days with this that and the other when you can just BE the mom.
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
May 10, 2013
This book came with another book I had purchased and I threw it on my stack thinking I might get to it someday. I wasn't expecting to like it, or to ever actually read it if I'm being honest. I picked this book up because it was the closest one too me during a late night baby feeding and I needed something to keep me awake. Turns out it was that little boost of encouragement I needed in this moment of my life.
The author describes the different traps moms can fall into that rob them of enjoying being a mother. She approaches each of these traps with a positive attitude, once the trap is recognized it can be overcome with practice, faith and little help sometimes from mentor moms (moms who've already been through your stage of momlife). I could see myself in each one of these to some extent and it was refreshing to know that I'm not alone and to get some words of encouragement.
The author describes the different traps moms can fall into that rob them of enjoying being a mother. She approaches each of these traps with a positive attitude, once the trap is recognized it can be overcome with practice, faith and little help sometimes from mentor moms (moms who've already been through your stage of momlife). I could see myself in each one of these to some extent and it was refreshing to know that I'm not alone and to get some words of encouragement.
May 12, 2020
I listened to author speak in an interview on a podcast and absolutely admired her so I bought her book! I really enjoyed it! I loved her explanation of the “traps” we find ourselves in motherhood and her practical advice to get out or avoid those traps. She really focuses on building relationships with your kids and remembering what a gift from God our children are and to seek his counsel in helping them “grow in wisdom”. She writes in a very encouraging way and her love for her sacred calling as a mother is so apparent throughout the book, and I loved it!!
—just reread this book and again, i love all the nuggets of wisdom! It’s funny that i read this book last may and decided to read it again this may! I guess this is my yearly May Book 💕
—just reread this book and again, i love all the nuggets of wisdom! It’s funny that i read this book last may and decided to read it again this may! I guess this is my yearly May Book 💕
November 6, 2012
I thought the book was short, but full of wonderful helpful hints. It's written very well and down to earth, from a woman who has lived these parenting traps. It's a great read for every mom. My FULL REVIEW is on my blog - http://whatsupfagans.blogspot.com/201...
September 6, 2012
Good book about different traps moms fall into when parenting and how to overcome these traps. This book focuses on ways to work towards becoming the mom God wants you to be to help shape your children into the people they are meant to be.
July 6, 2014
Awesome book! A must read for every mother in any stage! I wish I could buy this book for every friend having a baby- helps keep things in perspective and has helped me to see the small things I could do to give my kids my full attention!
March 24, 2016
I'm very happy I read this book! It is great, quick read for all MOMS out there who are just trying to live the best life for their kiddos! I recommend to moms and dads, especially with little children for a quick read about how to avoid traps of daily living! Great book!
Want to read
August 6, 2012Just read an article by the author
December 16, 2012
easy read -- short sections for moms to read during a few minutes here & there -- she highlights parenting traps that we all fall into & practical ways to get out of them
June 26, 2013
LOVE THIS BOOK!! Praise God for the blessing of my son.
July 29, 2013
Great way to identify bad attitudes. A must read for all moms. I just feel a little like..."ok, what's next then.."
February 7, 2014
Awesome Book!
January 20, 2015
LOVED this book!!!! So helpful and encouraging!
April 7, 2018
What a breath of fresh air!!! Tracey Eyster was remarkably frank, open, and honest. She shared her own personal life experiences showing moms that they aren't alone! Every chapter was engaging and fresh - sharing chapter after chapter of potential mom "traps" that we can easily get into if we aren't careful - these traps include: "Just-a-Mom," "Me Mom," "Martyr Mom," "Busy Mom," "Mirror Mom," "Tomorrow Mom," and "They Say Mom". Tracey explains each of these thoroughly yet with a good balance that she doesn't go overboard.
This book is incredibly practical and I would recommend this heartily to any mom that is wanting to be a godly mom. Not surprisingly, since this book is put out as part of "Focus on the Family" it is written with a Biblical worldview (for anyone that isn't looking for a Biblical worldview - this book is probably not for you as this is the context of the whole book). For those that want to raise their children to love God and want to raise their children according to the Bible - you will enjoy this book and find it extremely practical!!
I highly recommend this book!
This book was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Tyndale House Publishers. I was under no obligation to give it a positive review.
This book is incredibly practical and I would recommend this heartily to any mom that is wanting to be a godly mom. Not surprisingly, since this book is put out as part of "Focus on the Family" it is written with a Biblical worldview (for anyone that isn't looking for a Biblical worldview - this book is probably not for you as this is the context of the whole book). For those that want to raise their children to love God and want to raise their children according to the Bible - you will enjoy this book and find it extremely practical!!
I highly recommend this book!
This book was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Tyndale House Publishers. I was under no obligation to give it a positive review.
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