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Slow Down: Embracing the Everyday Moments of Motherhood
The days are long, but the years are short.
No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood.
Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake.
Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.
Nichole Nordeman has sold more than 1 million albums as a Christian music artist and has won 9 GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nichole released a lyric video for her song “Slow Down,” and it struck a chord with parents everywhere, amassing 14 million views in its first five days. She lives in Oklahoma with her two children.
No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood.
Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake.
Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.
Nichole Nordeman has sold more than 1 million albums as a Christian music artist and has won 9 GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nichole released a lyric video for her song “Slow Down,” and it struck a chord with parents everywhere, amassing 14 million views in its first five days. She lives in Oklahoma with her two children.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2017
31 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 30, 2018
A wonderful book that I used as a "devotion" book each morning. A good way to self reflect on motherhood and challenges you to enjoy the moment. This book would be a great gift to any momma!
April 1, 2024
I am forever a fan of Nichole Nordeman: her music, her faith journey, and her wisdom. This was a gift to read big reminders about motherhood put simply by someone I am such a fan of in so many ways. Nichole, be my bff.
February 4, 2019
Life is too short. They fo not need to grow up that fast.. let them be kids and enjoy it with them...it goes so fast 💕
June 29, 2018
With most books like this, it’s almost sufficient to just read the front and back covers, and you’ve got the gist. I read every word of this book and felt inspired, convicted, understood, and like I was having coffee with a good friend. I appreciated Nordeman’s honesty, transparency, and beautiful writing style.
August 23, 2017
No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood. Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake. Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.
This is a collection of essays about motherhood, written in an honest way, such that it feels like a more-experienced girlfriend is sitting you down and giving it to you straight. "The days are long, but the years are short," my grandmother used to say, and she was right. If I had to sum up this book in one phrase, that would be it. The author doesn't minimize the struggles of motherhood, but she doesn't allow you to dwell on them either. She also recommends that you be yourself, and quit trying to be so Pinterest-perfect when it comes to parenting...or life. Much of the book is photographs, designed to evoke certain emotions, and so it could be used as a coffee table book.
This is a collection of essays about motherhood, written in an honest way, such that it feels like a more-experienced girlfriend is sitting you down and giving it to you straight. "The days are long, but the years are short," my grandmother used to say, and she was right. If I had to sum up this book in one phrase, that would be it. The author doesn't minimize the struggles of motherhood, but she doesn't allow you to dwell on them either. She also recommends that you be yourself, and quit trying to be so Pinterest-perfect when it comes to parenting...or life. Much of the book is photographs, designed to evoke certain emotions, and so it could be used as a coffee table book.
August 18, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
At first glance, this book is a gorgeous coffee-table quality book that seems tailor made for new mothers. The book's front page makes it clear that this book is designed to be a gift from experienced mothers to less experienced ones, and throughout the book the text is interspersed with high quality photos of adorable children, sometimes with their mothers. At the end of chapters there are additional notes and comments by some of the author's famous friends, including writers like Natalie Grant [1] and Jen Hatmaker, and fellow Christian contemporary musicians like Amy Grant. This is a book that seems constructed and designed to help mothers feel like a tribe and stick up for each other and avoid the conflicts and drama that seem to happen frequently between women. Obviously, as a male reader of this book I am likely somewhat unusual because this is not a book that seems written with any kind of male audience in mind. Although I am no stranger to sympathetically reading books written by women, about women, and for women [2], in this particular case I believe that the exclusive focus on women is a serious mistake.
In about two hundred quarto-sized pages, a length considerably padded by generous amounts of photos, the author writes fourteen short chapters about motherhood. She shares stories like that of her son coloring all of the keys on her piano black as she writes a new song, "Slow Down," that serves as the bonus track of her new cd as well as the title of this book. She writes about surrendering to the storms of life, recognizing the folly of being rigid about foolish family traditions like having a particular mall Santa, being a part of a strong herd of mothers, accepting that a great deal of life is a matter of fixing things up, commenting that much about motherhood and its struggles has remained consistent through the generations, and that practice makes practice and not perfect. This is an author who seems content with her messy and imperfect motherhood and who seeks to encourage other mothers to be honest and open about their struggles and to avoid putting on a false front of perfection that leads them to be harsh and ungenerous to other women.
There is, however, a massive problem with all of this that may be obvious to you all. Motherhood is not the obvious companion of sisterhood, as this author writes often, but fatherhood, about which this author writes almost nothing. Indeed, the absence of fathers and fatherhood in this volume is a malign one that shows the author is still engaged in image management even while proclaiming her messiness as a mother. Once the author makes a comment about having put her music career on hiatus because her marriage was on life support and she felt it necessary to prove herself as a wife, and another time her mother comments about the author having survived the wreck of her marriage, but aside from these comments the author never comments on her ex-husband at all. The author's failure to be candid and to support cooperation and harmony between husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, greatly undercuts the credibility of the author as someone who can speak as an authority on motherhood and a positive influence on other mothers. The lack of harmony between parents and within marriages is a far larger problem than the intratribal issues between women, and about this massively important issue the author says almost nothing. This book, therefore, does not help mothers because it fails to encourage women to be better wives in happier marriages, where motherhood has less pressure and more resources. All of the pretty pictures this book has cannot cover that shortcoming. Sometimes, as is the case with this book, what is not said is far more important than what is said.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
At first glance, this book is a gorgeous coffee-table quality book that seems tailor made for new mothers. The book's front page makes it clear that this book is designed to be a gift from experienced mothers to less experienced ones, and throughout the book the text is interspersed with high quality photos of adorable children, sometimes with their mothers. At the end of chapters there are additional notes and comments by some of the author's famous friends, including writers like Natalie Grant [1] and Jen Hatmaker, and fellow Christian contemporary musicians like Amy Grant. This is a book that seems constructed and designed to help mothers feel like a tribe and stick up for each other and avoid the conflicts and drama that seem to happen frequently between women. Obviously, as a male reader of this book I am likely somewhat unusual because this is not a book that seems written with any kind of male audience in mind. Although I am no stranger to sympathetically reading books written by women, about women, and for women [2], in this particular case I believe that the exclusive focus on women is a serious mistake.
In about two hundred quarto-sized pages, a length considerably padded by generous amounts of photos, the author writes fourteen short chapters about motherhood. She shares stories like that of her son coloring all of the keys on her piano black as she writes a new song, "Slow Down," that serves as the bonus track of her new cd as well as the title of this book. She writes about surrendering to the storms of life, recognizing the folly of being rigid about foolish family traditions like having a particular mall Santa, being a part of a strong herd of mothers, accepting that a great deal of life is a matter of fixing things up, commenting that much about motherhood and its struggles has remained consistent through the generations, and that practice makes practice and not perfect. This is an author who seems content with her messy and imperfect motherhood and who seeks to encourage other mothers to be honest and open about their struggles and to avoid putting on a false front of perfection that leads them to be harsh and ungenerous to other women.
There is, however, a massive problem with all of this that may be obvious to you all. Motherhood is not the obvious companion of sisterhood, as this author writes often, but fatherhood, about which this author writes almost nothing. Indeed, the absence of fathers and fatherhood in this volume is a malign one that shows the author is still engaged in image management even while proclaiming her messiness as a mother. Once the author makes a comment about having put her music career on hiatus because her marriage was on life support and she felt it necessary to prove herself as a wife, and another time her mother comments about the author having survived the wreck of her marriage, but aside from these comments the author never comments on her ex-husband at all. The author's failure to be candid and to support cooperation and harmony between husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, greatly undercuts the credibility of the author as someone who can speak as an authority on motherhood and a positive influence on other mothers. The lack of harmony between parents and within marriages is a far larger problem than the intratribal issues between women, and about this massively important issue the author says almost nothing. This book, therefore, does not help mothers because it fails to encourage women to be better wives in happier marriages, where motherhood has less pressure and more resources. All of the pretty pictures this book has cannot cover that shortcoming. Sometimes, as is the case with this book, what is not said is far more important than what is said.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
September 1, 2017
About the Book:
The days are long, but the years are short.
No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood.
Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake.
Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.
My Review:
This book come to me at a point in my life that it needed to, I guess. It came when one of my older children were fighting me for independence and I'm feel like they should try harder to be independent but still hold on to the morals that were taught them.
When do we as parents come to grips that we are no longer in control of our children? When do we go say you know what my hands are off of this? There is a world out there ready to gobble them up and its real hard as a parent to allow them to go off in it and its hard to decide how hard to hold on.
The author has written a book of encouragement for those moms that seem like they can never do anything right with their kids. That no matter what they do, its all wrong. Nichole writes true statements from the heart. They really hit home with my mommy moments and I know it could work for you to. Each chapter has questions to ponder and space to write.
Great coffee table book or a baby shower gift!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
The days are long, but the years are short.
No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood.
Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake.
Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.
My Review:
This book come to me at a point in my life that it needed to, I guess. It came when one of my older children were fighting me for independence and I'm feel like they should try harder to be independent but still hold on to the morals that were taught them.
When do we as parents come to grips that we are no longer in control of our children? When do we go say you know what my hands are off of this? There is a world out there ready to gobble them up and its real hard as a parent to allow them to go off in it and its hard to decide how hard to hold on.
The author has written a book of encouragement for those moms that seem like they can never do anything right with their kids. That no matter what they do, its all wrong. Nichole writes true statements from the heart. They really hit home with my mommy moments and I know it could work for you to. Each chapter has questions to ponder and space to write.
Great coffee table book or a baby shower gift!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2017
Title: Slow Down
Author: Nichole
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Motherhood, Parenting, Children
Plot: During the hectic busyness of raising children, in this day and age especially, we often find ourselves rushing through beautiful moments or focused on trivial details or so scheduled with one activity after another that we blink and suddenly those adorable chubby babies are grown and heading off to college. And we're left with momentos, shadows of the past and memories.
In her book, mother of two Nichole Nordeman lets us know that we are not alone in the daily struggles of raising children, of dealing with headache after headache mixed in with sticky kisses, clinging hugs that end too soon and the sheer amazement of watching God shape and develope these beautiful,little people He gave us. Every day can be treasured if we slow down and taste each precious fleeting moment.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved the flow of the writing. I could connect with Nichole's parenting struggles and her cry for more time is echoed with mine. I loved the journal spaces and the questions were very thoughtful. The whole tone of the book read for new moms though, not necessarily moms of older children. I have a three and one year old so I'm right in the hectic "Please just slow down and let me rest!" Moments right now but I'm certain I'll miss these days and I want to look back confident that I did my best and gave my girls plenty of time and attention, not just a clean house and cooked food.
Rating: G - all ages. Highly recommended.
Date Review Written: September 14th, 2017
I received a copy of this book courtesy of BookLook Bloggers for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions pressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Nichole
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Motherhood, Parenting, Children
Plot: During the hectic busyness of raising children, in this day and age especially, we often find ourselves rushing through beautiful moments or focused on trivial details or so scheduled with one activity after another that we blink and suddenly those adorable chubby babies are grown and heading off to college. And we're left with momentos, shadows of the past and memories.
In her book, mother of two Nichole Nordeman lets us know that we are not alone in the daily struggles of raising children, of dealing with headache after headache mixed in with sticky kisses, clinging hugs that end too soon and the sheer amazement of watching God shape and develope these beautiful,little people He gave us. Every day can be treasured if we slow down and taste each precious fleeting moment.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved the flow of the writing. I could connect with Nichole's parenting struggles and her cry for more time is echoed with mine. I loved the journal spaces and the questions were very thoughtful. The whole tone of the book read for new moms though, not necessarily moms of older children. I have a three and one year old so I'm right in the hectic "Please just slow down and let me rest!" Moments right now but I'm certain I'll miss these days and I want to look back confident that I did my best and gave my girls plenty of time and attention, not just a clean house and cooked food.
Rating: G - all ages. Highly recommended.
Date Review Written: September 14th, 2017
I received a copy of this book courtesy of BookLook Bloggers for my honest opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions pressed in the above review are my own.
August 22, 2017
This book will resonate with any Mom I believe because we all soon come to realize that time passes quickly as we are raising our children. I really enjoyed reading this book and the reminder as a Mom to slow down and to accept our children as they are. The days pass and soon a new stage comes before we realize it....sometimes we are ready for that stage to be over and other stages we don't want to let go of. But either way we need to enjoy the moments we have with our children, not trying to change them or worry over things that don't really matter.
The book has 14 chapters on a variety of wisdom and insight for mothers using stories about her children. Then it follows up with a few questions about that topic for you to consider. There are also short little inserts from other Moms too. The pictures of children are beautiful as well and add to the beauty of the book.
This book will encourage you as a Mom! I highly recommend it to you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The book has 14 chapters on a variety of wisdom and insight for mothers using stories about her children. Then it follows up with a few questions about that topic for you to consider. There are also short little inserts from other Moms too. The pictures of children are beautiful as well and add to the beauty of the book.
This book will encourage you as a Mom! I highly recommend it to you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 24, 2018
This great little book will help you take a few moments each day to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow -- and Slow Down!
I've enjoyed Nichole Nordeman's music for years, so I was excited to read what she had to say in this little devotional.
It doesn't matter if you're new to this parenting game or a seasoned veteran, because there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by!
This compact book is filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole as well as other beloved Christian writers, like Jen Hatmaker.
It includes spaces to journal alongside all the great tips covering topics such as traditions, keepsakes and intentional parenting.
Thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter help you process what you've just read.
Each of the 14 chapters ends with questions to ponder about your family and your children and plenty of space is provided for you to jot down your thoughts, right there in the book!
This is such a practical book, allowing you to apply what you're reading to your own life.
This book would make a perfect new-momma gift or even just a sweet little "I was thinking of you" pick-me-up for a friend.
It includes a presentation page and plenty of color photos to enhance its pages.
I received a free copy of this product as a member of The Booklook Bloggers Program in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed Nichole Nordeman's music for years, so I was excited to read what she had to say in this little devotional.
It doesn't matter if you're new to this parenting game or a seasoned veteran, because there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by!
This compact book is filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole as well as other beloved Christian writers, like Jen Hatmaker.
It includes spaces to journal alongside all the great tips covering topics such as traditions, keepsakes and intentional parenting.
Thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter help you process what you've just read.
Each of the 14 chapters ends with questions to ponder about your family and your children and plenty of space is provided for you to jot down your thoughts, right there in the book!
This is such a practical book, allowing you to apply what you're reading to your own life.
This book would make a perfect new-momma gift or even just a sweet little "I was thinking of you" pick-me-up for a friend.
It includes a presentation page and plenty of color photos to enhance its pages.
I received a free copy of this product as a member of The Booklook Bloggers Program in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2019
I liked this book a lot. Some parts I had trouble identifying with as my daughter is still quite young. But some of the chapters at the end....especially the one about our own needs. The night after I finished that chapter I sat down with my husband and told him something I needed. It felt good and sure lifted a load off of both us. It wasn’t anything big or life changing, but it’s one small thing. Parenting is so challenging right now and this book made me feel a little less alone on this journey.
January 29, 2018
Mamas! Read this book. Yes, Nichole Nordeman is a Christian artist. I listen to a ton of her albums. Her song “Slow Down” makes me cry all the time!
This book is a reflection of motherhood, just like the song. Each chapter, except the first, includes 2 pages of reflection. After she shares her journey through motherhood, Nichole gives you a time to think about your own adventures in motherhood.
I highly recommend this book for all the mamas out there, especially mommies with littles.
This book is a reflection of motherhood, just like the song. Each chapter, except the first, includes 2 pages of reflection. After she shares her journey through motherhood, Nichole gives you a time to think about your own adventures in motherhood.
I highly recommend this book for all the mamas out there, especially mommies with littles.
April 18, 2019
Really delightful and relatable read! Nichole focuses on being present, slowing yourself down, and letting your kids fail. This book is honest and real and wants you to be the same with yourself. It's about embracing imperfection and community. "Motherhood isn't some rite of passage. It's not just what women do. The cry of a mother is the cry of a warrior."
March 6, 2020
I read this around the same time I read Catastrophic Happiness by Catherine Newman, and that book connected so much better for me. This book has a few jewels in it, if you search, but if you have the choice and are looking for something to help you savour these messy moments of motherhood, try Catastrophic Happiness.
May 31, 2018
A beautiful guide to being a mom. It enforced abandoning perfection for the growth of your children, teaching faith, and that love isn’t about how things reflect upon you, but how it helps those you love. Truly inspirational!
November 24, 2018
As a new parent, becoming overwhelmed is easily done. Slow down is great at making you see how to look past the small things and enjoy the little moments as they come. Be present not perfect. A little more religious references than I was expecting.
November 27, 2025
This is just a hug of a book for moms. The book is all about slowing down and enjoying our kids, but also prioritizing self care and being a little counter cultural in our pursuit of presence. This was quick and sweet and a good permission slip to do less in favor of finding more meaning.
October 25, 2017
Great book full of insights and wisdom.
November 4, 2017
Great real read
Nichole speaks to the heart of motherhood and makes it okay to not always get it right. Loved this book.
Nichole speaks to the heart of motherhood and makes it okay to not always get it right. Loved this book.
January 15, 2018
Very insightful book.
February 23, 2018
My youngest is 21 and my oldest will be 30 and has 2 babies of her own.
It still applies for me today, brought back happy memories and is a book to pass on to my daughter.
It still applies for me today, brought back happy memories and is a book to pass on to my daughter.
April 23, 2018
very quick read. loved all the stories! almost every chapter made me cry. very relatable and honest. parenting is hard and they don't shy from that! but how to shift perspective.
July 10, 2019
A quick and easy read that helps motherhood feel less isolating.
December 18, 2019
A wonderful gift from my church family that I read when I could during those first few weeks postpartum.
March 30, 2020
While written more toward women / mothers, this book is beneficial for dads as well.
Read
February 17, 2021Probably would be better as a print book and not an ebook. Did not finish.
June 7, 2021
This book would be a lovely gift to give a new mother.
July 8, 2024
This book was pretty good, however, not my favorite Christian mom devotional book - especially compared to some other books out there like “Rosen Motherhood”.
November 15, 2024
This was such a sweet short book with some special insight into the journey of motherhood. I really loved the journaling prompts. :)
February 10, 2025
Good book. I just don't enjoy devotionals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews