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Better Together: Because You're Not Meant to Mom Alone
Over 100 5-star reviews!
Being a mom is hard, but it doesn't have to be lonely.
Are you trying to do this mothering thing alone? So focused on the kids that you're hungry for friendships of your own? Have good friendships, but you want to enjoy them more?
Jill Savage, mother of five, knows those challenges well, and she's here to help. Presenting a compelling vision of motherhood as a group effort, Better Together shows how you
All these things are possible. Dive into this storehouse of creative ideas for how to make mothering easier, richer, and more fun than you ever thought it could be.
Being a mom is hard, but it doesn't have to be lonely.
Are you trying to do this mothering thing alone? So focused on the kids that you're hungry for friendships of your own? Have good friendships, but you want to enjoy them more?
Jill Savage, mother of five, knows those challenges well, and she's here to help. Presenting a compelling vision of motherhood as a group effort, Better Together shows how you
All these things are possible. Dive into this storehouse of creative ideas for how to make mothering easier, richer, and more fun than you ever thought it could be.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
15 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 1, 2016
I joined the launch group to read a pre-release copy of better together with the intention of a good book and being able to read it first. I was surprised at how truly amazing and accurate this book was for a mom of 3 kids. As I read about friendship dynamics and the loneliness we all deal with, I was humbled and grateful to finally have the words to express how I had been feeling for years. I became a stay-at-home mom 9 years ago when my daughter was born. I now have 2 boys, 6 & 4 years old. My husband is in ministry and we have moved to a new city 5 years ago. This book has helped me to find strategies for friendship and to trust in my relationship with God to meet some of my needs (instead of relying on friends to fill that gap). It's a practical read with something for every stage of mothering and grandmothering. We really are better together!
February 25, 2016
I was encouraged by this book to always continue to grow in being a friend. I think as an adult we think friendships just happen. But they take work. This book reminded me how valuable friendships are, and worth the work. I am so thankful for the other moms I get to "mom" with. A lot of the great encouragement came down to prayer, reading the Bible, being loving, and including others, saying encouraging words.
March 5, 2016
I'm having a difficult time finishing the book. I find the author's tone to be off-putting. In the first few pages, she spouts the stereotype of "female friendships being so difficult and dramatic". While I think she makes some fair and interesting points, I'm just not sure this is the book I thought it would be.
Clearly others have really enjoyed this book, so I think it's me.
Clearly others have really enjoyed this book, so I think it's me.
July 16, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I appreciated this book. I wondered if I would like it (another book about friendship, ho-hum), but I learned quite a bit about myself and was challenged to be a better friend.
One thing that stood out to me was the idea of medium low capacity vs. medium high capacity regarding how much physical and emotional energy different people have. I also was struck by her concept of 2 different kinds of people: "Here I Am" (waiting for others to come up and introduce selves, make welcome, etc) and "There You Are" (those who reach out to others).
I was intrigued at the groups her church had of 4-5 women who "committed to spend a year together. We'd meet once every other week to study God's Word, or read a book together, share what was going on in our lives and pray with and for one another. . .in addition we had slumber parties, girls night outs, and Serving Saturdays" (83) in which they took turns meeting at one another's home to help each other complete a project.
A large portion of the book was spent showing how we can help one another and addressing why we sometimes resist being a recipient of help and/or asking for help. "When you say no for someone, you talk yourself right out of relationship with them. Share your need and let them say yes or no for themselves" (100). "It's possible your family of origin instilled the lie of self-sufficiency in your head and heart. . .Maybe they were short on compassion and big on telling you to 'buck it up' and figure it out"(106).
But I was most struck by the "Don't ask, do" advice in the book when wanting to help a friend in a time of need instead of "let me know if you need anything." Suggestions were: "Can I take your kids for a few hours on Thursday? I'd like to come clean your house for you on Tuesday. I'd like to bring you dinner, would tomorrow night work? I have two hours free on Tuesday evening, what needs to be done that is bugging you that I can do for you? I'm headed to the store, is there anything I can pick up for you? I'm running some errands this afternoon, can I drop by for a 30-minute visit? Here's a gift card and delivery menu--dinner's on us tonight." These are such thoughtful suggestions and I want to implement them.
The author went through breast cancer and a marriage crisis and shared ways her friends "were Jesus to me in a time of crisis": 1) be there (stay with, don't have to talk), 2) think for the person (hand them food or drink to keep up energy, set up help systems, set up way to share information and updates with loved ones so they don't have to), 3) Provide food, 4) Help with daily routine stuff (cleaning, make guest beds, run to store, pick up prescriptions), 5) Do any unpleasant tasks (protect the friend from nosy phone calls, help go through clothing in case of a death)
"The next time you interact with a young mom and think "she's a good mom" TELL HER! The next time you are baking cookies and think "I should double this batch and take some to the neighbors GO FOR IT! The next time you can't get an old friend off your mind LET HER KNOW! The next time you see someone with fabulous hair BE BOLD AND TELL HER! the next time a friend going through a difficult time comes to mind PRAY FOR HER AND LET HER KNOW! The next time you think "I would like to do coffee with her TEXT HER AND MAKE A DATE!" (197).
"Stop trying to do life alone.
Find the courage to strike up conversations.
Keep the circle broken, always making room for another mom.
Move from passively waiting to actively pursuing friendship.
Stop judging and start accepting moms who are different from me.
Resist the urge to compare my insides to another mom's outsides.
Remember that I have strengths other moms can benefit from.
Stop offering to help and start helping.
Be Jesus to those around me.
Share my story so another mom can walk through her story.
Pray with and for my friends.
Remember my value is in Christ alone.
Practice forgiveness.
Let another mom peek into my imperfect life.
Encourage other moms whenever I can." (198)
"When was the last time you played with a friend? You know. . when you did something silly or 'just because'? When you laughed until you nearly peed your pants? When you went out for coffee with a friend and stayed so late laughing and sharing stories that the restaurant had to tell you were closing and you had to go home?(194)
Finally, I liked her idea of asking "What's your story?" We have LIFE stories, "a bird's eye view of the journey that has brought you to today" (135), FAITH stories, and EXPERIENCE stories, "life circumstances we've walked through and how God has grown us through these experiences" (139). "Some of the life circumstances you've experienced are positive stories that illustrate hope, courage, and faith. Some of the life circumstances you've experiences are painful stories that exemplify redemption, recovery, and restoration. . .walking through them ultimately gives us more depth and the potential to be a better friend" (139).
One thing that stood out to me was the idea of medium low capacity vs. medium high capacity regarding how much physical and emotional energy different people have. I also was struck by her concept of 2 different kinds of people: "Here I Am" (waiting for others to come up and introduce selves, make welcome, etc) and "There You Are" (those who reach out to others).
I was intrigued at the groups her church had of 4-5 women who "committed to spend a year together. We'd meet once every other week to study God's Word, or read a book together, share what was going on in our lives and pray with and for one another. . .in addition we had slumber parties, girls night outs, and Serving Saturdays" (83) in which they took turns meeting at one another's home to help each other complete a project.
A large portion of the book was spent showing how we can help one another and addressing why we sometimes resist being a recipient of help and/or asking for help. "When you say no for someone, you talk yourself right out of relationship with them. Share your need and let them say yes or no for themselves" (100). "It's possible your family of origin instilled the lie of self-sufficiency in your head and heart. . .Maybe they were short on compassion and big on telling you to 'buck it up' and figure it out"(106).
But I was most struck by the "Don't ask, do" advice in the book when wanting to help a friend in a time of need instead of "let me know if you need anything." Suggestions were: "Can I take your kids for a few hours on Thursday? I'd like to come clean your house for you on Tuesday. I'd like to bring you dinner, would tomorrow night work? I have two hours free on Tuesday evening, what needs to be done that is bugging you that I can do for you? I'm headed to the store, is there anything I can pick up for you? I'm running some errands this afternoon, can I drop by for a 30-minute visit? Here's a gift card and delivery menu--dinner's on us tonight." These are such thoughtful suggestions and I want to implement them.
The author went through breast cancer and a marriage crisis and shared ways her friends "were Jesus to me in a time of crisis": 1) be there (stay with, don't have to talk), 2) think for the person (hand them food or drink to keep up energy, set up help systems, set up way to share information and updates with loved ones so they don't have to), 3) Provide food, 4) Help with daily routine stuff (cleaning, make guest beds, run to store, pick up prescriptions), 5) Do any unpleasant tasks (protect the friend from nosy phone calls, help go through clothing in case of a death)
"The next time you interact with a young mom and think "she's a good mom" TELL HER! The next time you are baking cookies and think "I should double this batch and take some to the neighbors GO FOR IT! The next time you can't get an old friend off your mind LET HER KNOW! The next time you see someone with fabulous hair BE BOLD AND TELL HER! the next time a friend going through a difficult time comes to mind PRAY FOR HER AND LET HER KNOW! The next time you think "I would like to do coffee with her TEXT HER AND MAKE A DATE!" (197).
"Stop trying to do life alone.
Find the courage to strike up conversations.
Keep the circle broken, always making room for another mom.
Move from passively waiting to actively pursuing friendship.
Stop judging and start accepting moms who are different from me.
Resist the urge to compare my insides to another mom's outsides.
Remember that I have strengths other moms can benefit from.
Stop offering to help and start helping.
Be Jesus to those around me.
Share my story so another mom can walk through her story.
Pray with and for my friends.
Remember my value is in Christ alone.
Practice forgiveness.
Let another mom peek into my imperfect life.
Encourage other moms whenever I can." (198)
"When was the last time you played with a friend? You know. . when you did something silly or 'just because'? When you laughed until you nearly peed your pants? When you went out for coffee with a friend and stayed so late laughing and sharing stories that the restaurant had to tell you were closing and you had to go home?(194)
Finally, I liked her idea of asking "What's your story?" We have LIFE stories, "a bird's eye view of the journey that has brought you to today" (135), FAITH stories, and EXPERIENCE stories, "life circumstances we've walked through and how God has grown us through these experiences" (139). "Some of the life circumstances you've experienced are positive stories that illustrate hope, courage, and faith. Some of the life circumstances you've experiences are painful stories that exemplify redemption, recovery, and restoration. . .walking through them ultimately gives us more depth and the potential to be a better friend" (139).
July 11, 2016
It can be hard to make friends, be friends or have time for friends. Yet, God created us for community and to make connections with others. With that in mind, author Jill Savage and her daughter Anne McClane have collaborated to create a book on making friends for moms of all ages. This book, Better Together: Because You’re Not Meant to Mom Alone, caught my attention when I listened to an interview that Savage did on The Busy Mom podcast a month or so ago, and before I knew it, Better Together was making its way to my home.
In better together, Savage begins by explaining why you need Mom friends, what categories of Mom friends you need, where you can find friends and how to make them. Then, she has you go through some personality quizzes and apply the results to discover your Mom friend style, and how that effects the size and depth of your Mom friend circle. The rest of the book is spent describing ways that Mom friends benefit each other, and it has tons of practical help for being a better Mom friend as well as anecdotes from Savage’s life, as well as from McClane’s life and sidebars from other ladies as well. These chapters include, learning with friends, helping friends, caring for friends, sharing, praying, forgiving and encouraging each other.
This was a really warm and fuzzy read for me, and it helped me to realize that not every friend I have has to have a soul deep connection with me to be a friend. It also helped me to see that it’s okay when you drift closer to and farther from particular friends in certain seasons of life. As an introvert who processes internally and has a medium-low capacity for activity and a busy schedule, I’m going to have fewer friends and less activity than other moms do. I’m okay with that, but sometimes seeing friendship activities on social media do make me jealous, and that’s a character flaw in myself that I just have to deal with.
However, when I do feel the urge to branch out and make new friends, I feel much more empowered to actually take the extra steps necessary to make those friends. For that, I have to say that I really enjoyed Savage’s book and found it very helpful.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In better together, Savage begins by explaining why you need Mom friends, what categories of Mom friends you need, where you can find friends and how to make them. Then, she has you go through some personality quizzes and apply the results to discover your Mom friend style, and how that effects the size and depth of your Mom friend circle. The rest of the book is spent describing ways that Mom friends benefit each other, and it has tons of practical help for being a better Mom friend as well as anecdotes from Savage’s life, as well as from McClane’s life and sidebars from other ladies as well. These chapters include, learning with friends, helping friends, caring for friends, sharing, praying, forgiving and encouraging each other.
This was a really warm and fuzzy read for me, and it helped me to realize that not every friend I have has to have a soul deep connection with me to be a friend. It also helped me to see that it’s okay when you drift closer to and farther from particular friends in certain seasons of life. As an introvert who processes internally and has a medium-low capacity for activity and a busy schedule, I’m going to have fewer friends and less activity than other moms do. I’m okay with that, but sometimes seeing friendship activities on social media do make me jealous, and that’s a character flaw in myself that I just have to deal with.
However, when I do feel the urge to branch out and make new friends, I feel much more empowered to actually take the extra steps necessary to make those friends. For that, I have to say that I really enjoyed Savage’s book and found it very helpful.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2016
A few months ago I had the opportunity to review Moms are Scary. It was my first foray into the world of Mom books. It had quirky humour, geeky references, and a lot of uniqueness that resonated with me. So when I had the chance to read Better Together I was curious what other moms were saying and how this book would bring its own voice into the chorus of "momming"
Better Together is a book that holds true to its name. Written by the mother/daughter duo of Jill Savage and Anne Mcclane, these pages are filled with the insight of generations as Jill provides the wisdom of her experiences in partnership with her daughter who is still in the midst of raising her own children alongside the intended reader base.
I was pleasantly surprised at some of the highlights Jill and Anne brought to the forefront of their presentation. Topics such as levels of friendship (not everyone is going to or should be a BFF), differing personalities (and what those differences bring as far as strengths and weaknesses), all the way too being a friend through difficult times and what to do with conflict or dissolution of a friendship.
Their openness and honesty regarding the tough seasons, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and how to walk with grace through the lows of relationship towards the end of the book really help Better Together stand out from other parenting books in general (and I've read a few since my first foray in last year). So few books are willing to wade into that messiness through the venue of a book. I wonder if the authors connections to the blogging community and the ability to dialogue with readers in that format helped them push forward into these necessary discussions.
Indeed, the importance of community is woven into each breathe of this book, laid out plainly on ever page.
As far as personal preference goes, I enjoy a little bit more humour in my parenting reads since life is usually a bit stressful and hectic but Better Together still offers a solid experience for moms young and old.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed are entirely my own.
Better Together is a book that holds true to its name. Written by the mother/daughter duo of Jill Savage and Anne Mcclane, these pages are filled with the insight of generations as Jill provides the wisdom of her experiences in partnership with her daughter who is still in the midst of raising her own children alongside the intended reader base.
I was pleasantly surprised at some of the highlights Jill and Anne brought to the forefront of their presentation. Topics such as levels of friendship (not everyone is going to or should be a BFF), differing personalities (and what those differences bring as far as strengths and weaknesses), all the way too being a friend through difficult times and what to do with conflict or dissolution of a friendship.
Their openness and honesty regarding the tough seasons, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and how to walk with grace through the lows of relationship towards the end of the book really help Better Together stand out from other parenting books in general (and I've read a few since my first foray in last year). So few books are willing to wade into that messiness through the venue of a book. I wonder if the authors connections to the blogging community and the ability to dialogue with readers in that format helped them push forward into these necessary discussions.
Indeed, the importance of community is woven into each breathe of this book, laid out plainly on ever page.
As far as personal preference goes, I enjoy a little bit more humour in my parenting reads since life is usually a bit stressful and hectic but Better Together still offers a solid experience for moms young and old.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. The views expressed are entirely my own.
April 21, 2016
Jill Savage and her adult daughter, Anne McClane. do a great job analyzing the different levels of friendship and the various types of friends. The book has helpful tips for meeting new people and getting to know people. There is a mothering personality inventory and a variety of creative ideas for ways that friends can share each others' burdens in the busy seasons of life. These include swapping baby sitting or having freezer cooking get togethers. One that I had never thought of was working with a group of friends taking turns meeting at a different house to do a project with the friend that needs help.
Better Together is a useful resource, especially for those in women's ministry leadership. It helped me to think through the hurts of my past and admit that one of the reasons that I haven't made close friends is a fear of rejection and bitterness over past hurts. I also realized that another reason is that I am a bit selfish. I don't often offer to help others and I've failed to invite people over because I'm too busy with my own family.
Even though I can identify reasons in my own behavior to explain why I may have been in this season of lacking close friends, I also remind myself that God is sovereign. He knows that I've been going through this, and He could have sent a close friend in spite of my friendship flaws. Instead, I have learned more about contentment. In my loneliness, God has been faithful to draw me closer to Himself.
I'm reminded of a quote by Elisabeth Elliot,
"God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now."
So while I agree that friends are good for moms, I can't fully agree with the subtitle of this book. No, we're not meant to mom alone, we're meant to mom alongside a dad. Having close friends is a bonus.
Better Together is a useful resource, especially for those in women's ministry leadership. It helped me to think through the hurts of my past and admit that one of the reasons that I haven't made close friends is a fear of rejection and bitterness over past hurts. I also realized that another reason is that I am a bit selfish. I don't often offer to help others and I've failed to invite people over because I'm too busy with my own family.
Even though I can identify reasons in my own behavior to explain why I may have been in this season of lacking close friends, I also remind myself that God is sovereign. He knows that I've been going through this, and He could have sent a close friend in spite of my friendship flaws. Instead, I have learned more about contentment. In my loneliness, God has been faithful to draw me closer to Himself.
I'm reminded of a quote by Elisabeth Elliot,
"God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now."
So while I agree that friends are good for moms, I can't fully agree with the subtitle of this book. No, we're not meant to mom alone, we're meant to mom alongside a dad. Having close friends is a bonus.
February 27, 2016
I can’t express just how much I enjoyed this book. On almost every chapter, I found myself nodding along and being able to relate to so many of the concepts and personal stories shared by the authors. I have several handwritten pages of quotes from this book. It’s that good. As a mom who has benefited from “momming” together now and in the past, I can attest to the concept that sharing difficulties and struggles can be so helpful to not only to myself, but to the other moms too. The book encourages moms to be more real with each other and more understanding of our backgrounds, experiences, and differences. There are then seven chapters that detail how we can “mom” together: learning, helping, caring, sharing, praying, forgiving, and encouraging. The book also features the following helpful appendices: conversation starters, mothering personality inventory, mom co-ops, and 33 Bible verses to share with a friend going through a hard time. I found the mothering personality inventory to quite interesting and helpful to understanding why I act in the ways that I do. I also gathered at least two ideas for starting a mom co-op. Finally, the book has a small leader guide in the back that has discussion questions about each chapter. This was an inspiring book and one I can’t wait to share with my friends. I’d recommend you also read it no matter what stage of mommyhood you’re in. After all, Mrs. Savage said it best when she said “You’re not alone.” Surround yourself with other moms who can help and encourage you.
I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2016
I was so happy to be part of the Better Together launch team. Through the years I have read many books by Jill Savage and have always, always been encouraged. These are books I like to go back to and reread. We need encouragement as Moms to be reminded we aren't alone, and Jill Savage always does a great job at this. This new one is a great addition to the Jill Savage section of my personal library.
My thoughts:
Better Together by Jill Savage with Anne McClane (her daughter) is a wonderful resource for Moms. I highly recommend this book to you. It would be perfect for a Mother's Day gift for yourself or a Mom friend. Also, it would be great to do in a study with friends or a ladies class.
Why did I like this book? The information and stories are practical and from real Moms who understand the challenges we face as Moms. We NEED the support of friends. Friends can help us when a crisis arises or just be there in the day to day routine. Also, I learned that we have different types of friends, which are classified in the book. We are also all different types of Moms. This was very insightful to me to take the Mothering Personality quiz and learn more about myself.
Visit the Better Together website here to learn more. Get your copy of this fabulous book today!
#bettertogether #bettertogetherbook
(I received a copy of this book as part of the Better Together launch team. Thank you.)
My thoughts:
Better Together by Jill Savage with Anne McClane (her daughter) is a wonderful resource for Moms. I highly recommend this book to you. It would be perfect for a Mother's Day gift for yourself or a Mom friend. Also, it would be great to do in a study with friends or a ladies class.
Why did I like this book? The information and stories are practical and from real Moms who understand the challenges we face as Moms. We NEED the support of friends. Friends can help us when a crisis arises or just be there in the day to day routine. Also, I learned that we have different types of friends, which are classified in the book. We are also all different types of Moms. This was very insightful to me to take the Mothering Personality quiz and learn more about myself.
Visit the Better Together website here to learn more. Get your copy of this fabulous book today!
#bettertogether #bettertogetherbook
(I received a copy of this book as part of the Better Together launch team. Thank you.)
June 20, 2016
"Better Together" by Jill Savage and Anne McClane is a book about making mom friends and keeping them. This book was a toss up for me as it was encouraging for those with mom friends and would discouraging for those you can't seem to make mom friends no matter what you do. Why do I say both as a woman with an a very close friend that lives out of state I could see if we lived closer this book could be very encouraging. But for someone who has tried to make close friends in the Christian mom circle to no avail this book at times made me feel like I was missing something even though I know a group of Christian mom as good friends is not what God has plans for me right now. I will say I was thankful that the author did talk about how groups of friends should be open to new people even if they are different than your norm but sadly I have not always found that to be the case at least in the area I live in. I also was very encouraging on how the authors really encouraged you to stay in your scriptures and keep a bible study going. I will say that this is an excellent book formost woman but us odd balls it might be more of discouragement as it was for me. But that is me. I still highly recommend this book for most people as it can be very encouraging and does make you look at your friendships in a different light.
I was given this book from Moody Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
I was given this book from Moody Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
March 1, 2016
If you've never had the privilege of reading a book by author Jill Savage, let this be the place you start. If you have read one or more of her other books, you will find that this one does not disappoint. "Better Together" is a book that speaks directly to a Mom's heart and addresses the need we have for community! We truly aren't meant to mother alone! Jill, together with one of her daughters, shares not only the importance of these relationships, the roles they fulfill, but also how to strengthen and grow together. Not only is it written from a heartfelt place of encouragement, it also is extremely practical in regards to developing those friendships when you aren't sure where to start. Multiple suggestions, personality profiles, and "real life" application are packed into this gem. I love books that not only offer the emotional encouragement our hearts need, but also offer PRACTICAL suggestions. Whether you have a large circle of mom friends, a small group that do life with you, or your heart aches for deeper relationships, you will find in these pages something that will encourage you and challenge you to take the next step and do life, better together.
March 2, 2016
When you become a mother, life tends to become a blur, and someone else's needs all of a sudden trump your needs/desires. It becomes much more difficult and definitely less practical to spend hours on the phone with your best friend, hit up happy hour with the girls from work, or take a road trip to meet up with friends from college. Friendships start to wane. Apart from a text here or there, communication dwindles.
But, it doesn't have to be like this!
This refreshing book reminds women that friendships are needed and though they will require some effort, we are better off working together than apart. Jill and Anne are so relatable. I laughed, cried, and "Amen"-ed throughout the book! The chapters end with a point to think about and then a Friendship Assignment, so it helps recap the chapter and give practical steps to take to help your friendships flourish!
I also like leadership guide in the back that can help anyone lead a small group study through the book, and this is definitely one that you won't want to keep to yourself!
But, it doesn't have to be like this!
This refreshing book reminds women that friendships are needed and though they will require some effort, we are better off working together than apart. Jill and Anne are so relatable. I laughed, cried, and "Amen"-ed throughout the book! The chapters end with a point to think about and then a Friendship Assignment, so it helps recap the chapter and give practical steps to take to help your friendships flourish!
I also like leadership guide in the back that can help anyone lead a small group study through the book, and this is definitely one that you won't want to keep to yourself!
March 5, 2016
Being a mother is one of the hardest things you will ever do and the most rewarding! But when you are on this journey of rising littles ones you often feel alone. You tend to compare yourself to other moms when you’re in public. Other moms seem to have it all together, while you are hanging on by thread. But knowing you are not alone is powerful. Jill and Anne advice and wisdom is also powerful. Jill’s wisdom is always grounded in Biblical truths. Building your “Tribe” might seem overwhelming but in the end so worth it.
If you have never taken a Mothering Personality Inventory it will truly opened your eyes to truths about your children, husband, and yourself. Or it can just reinforce what you already know about your mommy style.
I have been to the Hearts at Home conference and I have met Jill Savage. She is down to earth. Her books and her wisdom always seem to find me when I need it the most. Raising four kiddos can get a little overwhelming. Knowing you are not alone is powerful. Go forth and build your tribe!
If you have never taken a Mothering Personality Inventory it will truly opened your eyes to truths about your children, husband, and yourself. Or it can just reinforce what you already know about your mommy style.
I have been to the Hearts at Home conference and I have met Jill Savage. She is down to earth. Her books and her wisdom always seem to find me when I need it the most. Raising four kiddos can get a little overwhelming. Knowing you are not alone is powerful. Go forth and build your tribe!
March 11, 2016
This is an amazing book that speaks to the heart of every mother. We all need friendships.
Better Together not only explains why we need friends but gives practical advice on how to make friends and make the most out of the friendships we have. One of my favorite parts about the book is the mothering personality quiz. The quiz explains in a very eye opening way that we are all different and that is okay. Being different is precisely what can make our friendships so amazing. Each chapter includes stories from other moms to encourage you and at the end of each chapter is an easy practical tip on how to build your friendships.
This book couldn't have come at a better time in my life. Friendships have been hard for me since our current move and this book gave me the courage and hope that I needed to continue to pursue new friendships and not give up. I am so thankful to Jill and Anne for having the wisdom to write such an encouraging heart felt book that all mother's can benefit from.
Better Together not only explains why we need friends but gives practical advice on how to make friends and make the most out of the friendships we have. One of my favorite parts about the book is the mothering personality quiz. The quiz explains in a very eye opening way that we are all different and that is okay. Being different is precisely what can make our friendships so amazing. Each chapter includes stories from other moms to encourage you and at the end of each chapter is an easy practical tip on how to build your friendships.
This book couldn't have come at a better time in my life. Friendships have been hard for me since our current move and this book gave me the courage and hope that I needed to continue to pursue new friendships and not give up. I am so thankful to Jill and Anne for having the wisdom to write such an encouraging heart felt book that all mother's can benefit from.
March 1, 2016
I have been blessed to be on the launch team for this fabulous book. I have read several of Jill Savage's books and each one of them seemed like they were written right to me. In this book Jill and her daughter Anne dive into the importance of having a strong mom community. They discuss how God puts certain people in our paths at just the right time and how wonderful it can be to have such a strong support system. They discuss many of the different stages of motherhood that can be particularly difficult to navigate (all of them) and how much better life can be when you know that you are not alone. I have been blessed with a phenomenal momming community and I hope that this book can be a tool for other moms out there and help them to better equip themselves with a community of companions to go through life with. I highly recommend this book to every mom in every stage and hope that they will find that they are not alone and that we truly are better together.
March 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book BETTER TOGETHER. I could relate to not having a lot of girlfriends when I was in middle school and high school, but now see a great value and benefit to having other moms to do life with. We don't have to be a BFF to each person, we all bring different things to the table and can support and encourage each other in all phases of parenting. Jill offers practical ways to connect and grow in friendships with other moms and reminds us we each have different skills and ways to encourage each other. Allow other moms and women to enter our "tribe" and support us along this wild journey. It will not be perfect, but we will have fun along the way. Relying on each other and learning from other mommas is a great life long skill - quit trying to figure it out all alone, ask for help, share your skills, and deepen friendships. Consider reading this book in any stage of parenting, you will be challenged and encouraged!
March 7, 2016
This book is an absolute gift to read for anyone like myself (imperfect mom, wife, sister, friend, etc.) that needs reminding of how important it is that we do not try to do mommying or life, for that fact, by ourselves. We all have baggage from childhood, past relationships, failed expectations that sometimes convince us we cannot rise above and become who God wants us to be. This book offers guidance on how to push past those insecurities and lean on the people that He has put in our lives ... even when we don't necessarily feel like reaching out for help. Regardless of your personality, parenting style, or relationship status -- this book will definitely speak to you on such a personal level. I couldn't get through a chapter without thinking -- so I'm not the ONLY one that feels like this?? I'm so grateful to Jill and Anne for allowing me to become a part of the 'Better Together' launch team!!
February 17, 2016
Being a stay at home mom has been so lonely. I wish I had read this book so much sooner. With practical tips on finding friends and the importance of friendship and not "momming alone" This book is a diamond in the rough. Find out what kind of mom friend you are as well as tips for expanding your friendship circle. There are also many great ideas for making motherhood easier because lets be honest it is not for the faint of heart. I think the thing I will take from this book that I didn't realize is that I am a terrible receiver of help. I am so set on trying to do it all myself (impossible to say the least) that I often turn away much needed help. This not only makes my life harder but also takes away someone else opportunity to give. I definitely recommend this book as a must read for moms!
February 28, 2016
This book was great. It gives practical advice on how to reach out and make new mom friends, strengthen relationships with mom's you are already friends with, and how to be a great friend. So many times in our busy lives, we feel so alone. Jill and Anne remind us that we are all facing the same issues and stresses and when you can talk about those and rely on others around you for help when you need it, the burden is so much lighter. This book gives ideas for how to start conversations with other moms and go out of our comfort zones to hopefully meet more people to invite into our mom circles. This book has reminded me that even when things are busy and stressful to really reach out to my friends and make the extra effort - because we are not meant to do this mom thing alone - but with one another! Very much recommend this book to any other mom in any stage of motherhood!
January 27, 2016
"Because You're Not Meant to Mom Alone" is something that's been on my heart for, well, all 4 years I've been a mom. Just like, as believers, we're not meant to do life alone, mommyhood shouldn't - and doesn't have to be a solo journey into space! This book not only speaks truth from God's Word and gives examples from Jesus' life, but gives you very practical ways to do life together. Not sure how to make mommy friends, or where to start? Start with Jill and Anne in Better Together. It's a perfect book for any setting, individually or with a group, and the friendship assignments at the end of each chapter really gets you started on the right foot for lasting relationships! Invest in the book and invest in your friendships with other moms, because we're better together!!
March 10, 2016
If you struggle with finding and keeping friends or ever feel alone in your job as Mom, this resource will get your brain rolling. It is filled with solid advice and good ideas on the importance of mom friendships, where to find them, how to grow them and even when to let them go. I was encouraged and challenged to be a "there you are" person and to act when a friend needs help instead of only offering a "let me know if there is any way I can help" response. Well-written and challenging, this is a helpful resource to anyone who struggles to find and grow meaningful friendships. As the subtitles suggests, we are not meant to mom alone. This book would be a great first step to finding a mom community you can lean into.
February 27, 2016
I received a digital copy of "Better Together" from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found the authors did a very good job of giving plenty of examples for ways that all mom's can make & keep friends. As a stay-at-home-mom when my children were little, many of the examples she gives were situations that I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed. Now, as the children are much older, remaining a good friend with the dear friends I met then, is just as important.
My one gut reaction feeling to the negative, was that I wondered how someone who was feeling isolated & alone would react to the book. If I was already feeling desperate, I think this book would make me feel even worse, rather than better, depending on the frame of mind at the time.
I found the authors did a very good job of giving plenty of examples for ways that all mom's can make & keep friends. As a stay-at-home-mom when my children were little, many of the examples she gives were situations that I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed. Now, as the children are much older, remaining a good friend with the dear friends I met then, is just as important.
My one gut reaction feeling to the negative, was that I wondered how someone who was feeling isolated & alone would react to the book. If I was already feeling desperate, I think this book would make me feel even worse, rather than better, depending on the frame of mind at the time.
March 2, 2016
This book was written by a mother-daughter team who have had many varied experiences making friends over their years of mothering. They are open and transparent about their many challenges while raising kids to maintain a "mom tribe" to share their lives. Full of practical hints, personal anecdotes, and even homework, it is the perfect go-to guide for women wanting friendships. Chapters include a mothering personality quiz intended to help us see ourselves better, and to judge others less, a clear explanation of how friendships change throughout our lives, and ways to find possible new friendships, enrich current ones, and let go of unhealthy ones. This is a fabulous addition to Jill's repertoire of books, and I recommend it highly to women of all stages of life.
February 25, 2016
This is great book on how we aren't meant to do this motherhood journey alone. Things have changed a lot since the days when families grew up in tribes and tight-knit families. Now we must work harder to find, create, and maintain our "tribe". "Better Together" offers suggestions and hints on ways to do this.
I've been so lucky to have so many great women around me in my church and neighborhood to have my own tribe to help me with my mothering journey. "Better Together" has given me more ideas on how to strengthen these relationships and ideas on ways to make life among our tribe even better.
I've been so lucky to have so many great women around me in my church and neighborhood to have my own tribe to help me with my mothering journey. "Better Together" has given me more ideas on how to strengthen these relationships and ideas on ways to make life among our tribe even better.
February 29, 2016
This book is a must read for moms at any stage. Forging friendships with other moms can be tough and confusing because all of our parenting styles are so different! Jill and Anne break it down for you chapter by chapter, giving encouragement, relating real life situations, and really driving home the fact that we aren't meant to mom alone. I am encouraged to be a better friend, ask for help when I really need it, and overall to be there for my friends no matter what stage of parenting they are in. It is so refreshing to know that I am not alone.
February 11, 2016
"Better Together: Because You Aren’t Meant to Mom Alone” by Jill Savage with her daughter Anne McClane offers practical, encouraging insights to why having a tribe of moms to share life with is healthy and helpful. It’s the kind of book every new mom should have and one that helps those of us who have been here awhile too. There are ideas for co-ops, encouragement if you’re facing hard times in friendship, an informative Mothering Personality Inventory, and Biblical truths of what friendship matters in our everyday life and our faith journeys.
February 23, 2016
This book is amazing. It outlines not only WHY moms are meant to be part of a tribe, but also HOW to find your tribe. I know firsthand how hard it is for a mom to make friends -- our family moves every 3 years or so, and a new place can be lonely. This book hit my heart in all the right ways. We're not meant to do this alone. Moms really are #BetterTogether. This book has led me to make new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. It has enriched my life in the deepest ways!
http://amzn.to/1UdcbWR
http://amzn.to/1UdcbWR
March 16, 2016
This book affirmed what I think we all intuitively know, that life wasn't meant to be lived all alone, but also delved into so many practical "hows". How to make friends as an adult..in a new community, how to navigate conflict with a friend, how to help a friend in crisis, how to allow others to help when you're in crisis...and more. The challenge was realistic and I've felt empowered to act on what I learned. Better Together is personal, vulnerable, and will change how you think about having and being a friend.
February 27, 2016
I love this book. I was selected to read this book as part of a launch team and help promote it. This book helps teach you about all the different kinds of friends there are and what type of friend I am. I learned so much about me and who I am as a person and friend. It also showed me the different types of friends I have. It comes out March 1. I highly suggest getting it for yourself and some friends!!
March 2, 2016
This book is amazing and everyone mom, no matter what stage of motherhood needs to read this book. I knew from the title, that I had to read this book. I am a SAHM, who is currently struggling to find new friendships and figure out exactly where I am in the mom circle. This book opened my eyes to so many things! I am feeling more confident and I have more tools to use to strengthen myself and my friendships now and in the future. Please buy this book! You won't regret it!
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