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31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom

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Mom, do you feel like you're running in ten different directions but getting nowhere? Are your kids driving you crazy? Does each day feel like a battle over screen time, homework, and eating anything besides chicken nuggets?

In 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, Arlene Pellicane helps you get a grip and find your smile again. In her easy-to-read-and-apply guide, you will discover the keys to being a happy mom. Packed with encouragement, funny stories, and wisdom from experienced mothers, this book will change your home for the better...beginning with you.

As with Arlene's other extremely popular "31 Days" books, this one is divided into 31 daily readings, each beginning with a Scripture passage and ending with a doable action step and prayer.

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

12 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Arlene Pellicane

13 books24 followers
Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and the coauthor of Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene’s other books include 31 Days to
Becoming a Happy Wifeand 31 Days to a Happy Husband. She has been a featured guest on
the Today Show, Fox & Friends, Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, The 700 Club, and
Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah.
Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Arlene worked as the associate producer for Turning
Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Arlene earned her BA from Biola University and
her master’s in journalism from Regent University. Arlene lives in San Diego with her
husband, James, and their three children.
To learn more and for free family resources, such as a monthly Happy Home podcast, visit
ArlenePellicane.com

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5 stars
31 (56%)
4 stars
12 (21%)
3 stars
8 (14%)
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3 (5%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Delina Soumis Roehm.
16 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
Parts were great , other parts I could just not get into. Her parenting style is not what mine is & it rubbed me the wrong way. I was hoping for more scripture or ideas other than things I know I SHOULD already be doing as a mother that for various reasons don't happen.
60 reviews
April 17, 2023
I was super skeptical about this book because the cover and title felt quick-fix and gimmicky to me. I was pleasantly surprised though and found it full of practical wisdom and encouragement. I wouldn't say it's 31 days to becoming a happy mom but more appropriately 31 practical tips to consider for more balance and contentment as a mom.
10 reviews
September 2, 2018
Great read for moms

This is a light-hearted read, that reminds us of all the things we do as moms. (Good and bad) It gives you practical advice as well as a devotional prayer each day. I really enjoyed this book. I plan to read it again.
Profile Image for Kelly.
614 reviews2 followers
Read
July 28, 2020
This was a light hearted read! I wanted to say quick but it takes 31 days soo scratch that. I loved some of the advice in this book, the scripture, and the prayer to wrap up each day!
4 reviews
August 27, 2020
Loved the shorter chapters as it held my attention and literally gave me something to practice and focus on daily. I read a chapter a day for 31 days.
43 reviews
October 2, 2020
Definitely recommend before you become a Mom. Arlene has great tips for handling one or more children. She helps you keep the drudgery out of parenting.
Profile Image for Chapters With Heather.
41 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
With its biblical applications, stories, and life lessons, this book is a must for every mom to read. I was both convicted and encouraged by these words.
Profile Image for Yonasan  Aryeh.
247 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2015
This review is from my wife, to better capture the value of this book:

As a stay at home mom of two rambunctious boys, I have struggled non-stop on how to be happy in the midst of all that is required of me as mom, wife, teacher, student, entertainer, punching bag, maid, and everything-we-need-you-to-be person. If you by chance feel like me, then let me suggest a tool that will not only encourage you but will also give you sound advice on how to make the changes that you so eagerly desire so that you can become the mom that G-d has called you to be. That tool is called 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane. In this book you will find uplifting and encouraging insight on how to implement practical steps to developing a happy “momitude”.

One of the most essential parts that I personally pulled from this book is the concept that Arlene calls “Vitamin G”. She explains that instead of popping chocolate chips (which I am so guilty of) when we are at wits end, we should pop a vitamin G, the G standing for gratitude. I can say from experience that taking the time to show G-d gratitude for my children and husband instead of grumbling truly has changed the condition of my heart. This is only one of many encouraging realizations that Arlene points out in how to become a mom who is truly happy, not only with her children or even with her husband, but rather who is happy with herself.

I applaud Arlene for sharing her insights and advice on how to curb grumpy mom syndrome and have a momitude seasoned with the nourishing fruits that we find in Galatians 5:22.


Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Theodene.
405 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2016
A few months ago, I asked my son if I was a "happy mommy." His response? "Not really, Mommy." This cannot be a good sign if even my child can recognize if I'm happy or not, can it? This gave me a reason to read 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane.

This book is a day to day read, targeting one area of motherhood at a time. Each day brings the author's personal stories along with scripture to back up how to depend on Jesus for the situation. There's even suggestions for what to do as a stepmom, which I found helpful as I also have step kids.

Some of the topics I found especially interesting was controlling the use of electronic devices, such as not allowing devices at the dinner table, not even allowing anyone to answer the phone. Another topic focused on spending quality and intimate time with your spouse. I am guilty of a lot of areas that is not helping this family be healthy, which doesn't help my happiness as a mother.

As a mother of a seven year old and a stepmother of a twenty and a sixteen year old, I found 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane 5o be quite useful as I attempt to incorporate many of these 31 ideas into daily life. I'd have to admit, when everyone else is following their uses, it makes my life much easier.

There are a few areas I find especially challenging, but we are taking these in baby steps and slowly becoming happier and happier as a mom. 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane is a fantastic book for any mother with children of various ages and I highly recommend it!

A complimentary electronic copy of 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane was provided for an honest review from NetGalley.

This book review was originally published at http://www.babookworm808.com/?p=373.
Profile Image for Jenny Falcone.
83 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2015
"Do you know what you call those who use towels and never wash them, eat meals and never do the dishes, sit in rooms and never clean them and are entertained til they drop? If you just answered, "A house guest," you're wrong because I just described my kids." - Erma Bumbeck

Many of you will recognize the verse from Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My hhelp comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Arlene reminds us on Day 15 that when we have problems we need to turn to the Lord and not to google, as the verse does not say I lift up my eyes to my smartphone - where does my help come from? My help come from Google, the holder of all information.

This book has scripture verses each day for 31 days with advice on how to make your life a bit easier while raising your children and also how to incorporate God into your everyday lives. Arlene Pellicane has advice for single and married moms with children of all ages.

This is a well written book with proven advice that you can tell Arlene Pellicane has actually done herself to make life easier. She quotes other mothers as examples of what she is discussing each day. This book is well written and flows nicely from one day to the next. You can either read this book one day at a time like a devotional or you can keep reading like a regular book.

I highly recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Shonda Knowlton.
87 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2020
31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom by Arlene Pellicane is her latest book addressing the happiness of moms. She explores the way moms should be feeling, thinking and doing so that their happiness is not dependent on the ups and downs of motherhood, but rather on a solid foundation of the these 5 keys: Healthy, Action-Oriented, Prayerful, Perseverant and Yes-Filled. It's not easy being a mom and Arlene knows that full well with her house of three active kids. This book takes you on a 31 day journey and so each day there is a Bible verse, a relatable story from Arlene's family, some quotes from other experienced moms, some words for step moms and single moms, an energy boost and a prayer for the day. Each day has a practical application to help the reader make it personal and profitable. She also includes a list of Bible Verses for the Happy Mom and a short discussion guide.


I was thrilled to be able to review another book from Arlene Pellicane. Each one focuses on a different aspect of who we are as women and this one was specifically for moms. I like how I can really relate to Arlene's stories and actually apply her suggestions to my every day life. Toward the end of the book I really felt challenged to step out of my shell and comfort zone and pursue some things that would benefit not only me, but also my children. After 31 days of reading this book, you will begin to see that you can be a happy mom. It's an intentional choice and one that you will not regret.
Profile Image for Ifeoma Samuel.
Author 15 books4 followers
August 15, 2015
I totally enjoyed this study devotional.
Arlene shares her own stories and understands what challenges young mothers go through. Her book touches many issues including gratitude, nagging, health, exercise, sleep etc.
Chapters are categorised into
H – Healthy
A- Action Oriented
P- Prayerful
P- Perseverant
Y- Yes-Filled

I found these quotes from the book to be absolutely true
“Sleep more be a nicer person”. Pg. 36
‘’Let go of replicating another mom’s experience. Don’t be another family’s play book”. Pg. 62

Her book will make an excellent read for moms in all seasons. It is exciting, practical and fun to read.

Thank you Arlene, your gracious words, carefully written will be a blessing to many women.
Profile Image for RaNelle Doty Hartless.
1 review
July 29, 2015
31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom is a must read for all moms who feel overwhelmed and stressed! Arlene Pellicane does a wonderful job giving us 5 keys (HAPPY) to happiness. I love that at the end of each day is action step that helped me implement what I have read into my daily life and a prayer. Favorite quote "You are not running a hotel; you are managing a home." Before reading this book, I was guilty of doing just that. After reading this book, my family and I have noticed a change in me and our home.
1 review
August 14, 2015
Another great book by Arlene Pellicane. Moms often get discouraged by all the things we aren't doing, but Arlene's approach to encouraging us to make small changes daily really make a difference. We need to discard the "I already know that mindset" and be open to learning new techniques and approaches to make us the best mom for our kids. By regularly evaluating our performances (and choices) we learn from our mistakes and know that we have a clean slate the next morning. This book was encouraging and a must read for all moms.
214 reviews
December 29, 2015
Reading this as part of a small group w/ moms in their 30-40's who have children from birth to 9 yrs. This is a good one from what I've read/we've discussed so far. Wish it had been around when my kids/grandkids were younger. Very practical approach.

In the end the book made for some good discussions but was a bit too simplistic in spots....in a perfect world OK, but....Takes lots of parental determination
Profile Image for Sarah Wiley.
120 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2015
Practical. Insightful. The author certainly helped orient the mindset of a mama of two with one on the way on days when I so needed it. She made me take inventory of my perspective and how it was measuring up with God's. The author also had a good balance of personal, easy to relate to stories from her own experiences as well as calling on other author's stories and wisdom, many of who I already have learned from in the past.
3 reviews
January 2, 2016
Quick read. I appreciated the section on humor. Belly laughed. Thought the Energy Boost's were simple and practical.
Profile Image for Candace.
4 reviews
Read
May 13, 2016
Awesome!

Loved this! I've been dealing with post-partum depression after my second son. I'm grateful for the transparency and the tangible examples in this book!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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