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Memory-Making Mom: Building Traditions That Breathe Life Into Your Home
What will your children remember of their childhood? Calling all moms who want to break out of monotony, distraction, and busyness to a life of making lasting memories with your kids and drawing your family closer to one another and to God! What’s the solution to gaining the balanced, meaningful life you desire with your family? Create traditions that bring joy and significance! Popular "Smartter Each Day" blogger and mom of three, Jessica Smartt explains why memory-making is the puzzle piece that today’s families are longing for. As Jessica shares her ideas, traditions, and beautiful insights on parenting in this well-written resource guide, she highlights the tradition-gifts kids need most with 300+ unique traditions Memory-Making Mom is jam-packed with her own favorite childhood traditions, those she has started with her own children, traditions tied to the Christian faith, and additional ideas that you can take and tailor to suit your needs. Jessica also offers spiritual guidance and practical encouragement to modern parents to keep on adventuring—even when they are fighting distractions, are on a budget, and exhausted.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
469 people are currently reading
6292 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Smartt
8 books74 followersJessica Smartt is a former English teacher turned homeschooling mama of three. A week after her first baby was born, she began her motherhood blog “Smartter” Each Day. Jessica and her husband live in beautiful North Carolina, where she loves hiking with kids (mostly), steaming coffee in the afternoon, family bike rides, and anything that’s ever been done to a potato.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
March 24, 2022
Before I write anything else, I’ll start off by saying that if you’re a Christian homeschooling mom that wants to start faith-based traditions with your family, this is the book for you. If you’re NOT a Christian homeschooling mom, reconsider choosing this book. I almost DNF this book, but at one point it drew me back in and then after that I felt too committed to finishing it.
I chose Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt because I’m a huge fan of nostalgia and memories, particularly those related to my family. I hoped that this book would serve as an encouragement to continue those traditions and potentially even give me some ideas to start new ones. This book did provide some of that, but more than anything else it was filled with faith-based information, encouragement, and scripture intended for Christian moms. There was even a part toward the end that said something along the lines that if your family traditions aren’t honoring God then they’re not really worth doing…NOT the sort of message I was hoping for.
Besides being an intensely religious book (which was not mentioned in the synopsis) parts of this book come across as condescending and privileged. Despite mentioning budgeting multiple times during the book, there is a lot of mention of trips and activities that are expensive and downright unattainable for some families. I wish that there was more focus on the experience of creating the memories (this can be done for free or cheap) rather than the actual experiences. The author also lectures readers to put down their devices and focus on creating memories, which I would expect most readers of this book would do naturally…I mean, they care enough about making memories to read/listen to a whole book on the topic.
I’m hoping that one day there are more encouraging books available for SECULAR homeschool families!
I chose Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt because I’m a huge fan of nostalgia and memories, particularly those related to my family. I hoped that this book would serve as an encouragement to continue those traditions and potentially even give me some ideas to start new ones. This book did provide some of that, but more than anything else it was filled with faith-based information, encouragement, and scripture intended for Christian moms. There was even a part toward the end that said something along the lines that if your family traditions aren’t honoring God then they’re not really worth doing…NOT the sort of message I was hoping for.
Besides being an intensely religious book (which was not mentioned in the synopsis) parts of this book come across as condescending and privileged. Despite mentioning budgeting multiple times during the book, there is a lot of mention of trips and activities that are expensive and downright unattainable for some families. I wish that there was more focus on the experience of creating the memories (this can be done for free or cheap) rather than the actual experiences. The author also lectures readers to put down their devices and focus on creating memories, which I would expect most readers of this book would do naturally…I mean, they care enough about making memories to read/listen to a whole book on the topic.
I’m hoping that one day there are more encouraging books available for SECULAR homeschool families!
December 29, 2018
Loved this book so much!! As a busy mom of 5 young kids, I’m always weary of books that are gonna tell me to do MORE and I can’t handle more! But Jessica gives so much grace for the little or tough years, and so many practical and fun ideas! I felt so much grace and love from her and will reference this one again and again!!
January 13, 2020
I guess I'm in the minority on this one. Or, more accurately, I'm on an island all by myself without another person to be found. I have officially befriended a volleyball. But, seriously, I really disliked this book.
I thought it would have functioned MUCH better as a long article, or maybe a series of shorter articles, but for me there wasn't enough here for a whole book. The idea is simple, make memories. Stick to traditions. Chapter one summed it up nicely.
I abandoned this read on page 76, but skimmed though the rest. At one point the author jokes about visiting a place which clearly mistreats and abuses tigers. She says they joke about wondering whether to call the police, but in the end they just leave it as a super funny memory. That doesn't sit well with me at all, those places aren't funny they are absolutely horrible.
The final, and probably the biggest issue I have with this book is how rooted in the author's religion it is. I am not religious, so it was very hard for me to relate. She doesn't just mention her faith here and there, it is constantly and obsessively mentioned every few sentences. She also does absolutely no work to include people of other religions, or those without. It should be marketed as a Christian book, that way I, and other non-Christian readers, would have been spared a few hours of our time and the guilt of abandoning a book. Okay, maybe this last part is only me, but I hate leaving a book unfinished; even one which in no way serves me.
The main idea, to make memories, I feel is a natural part of parenting. This is not a mind blowing realization, it is just enjoying your children while they are young.
I thought it would have functioned MUCH better as a long article, or maybe a series of shorter articles, but for me there wasn't enough here for a whole book. The idea is simple, make memories. Stick to traditions. Chapter one summed it up nicely.
I abandoned this read on page 76, but skimmed though the rest. At one point the author jokes about visiting a place which clearly mistreats and abuses tigers. She says they joke about wondering whether to call the police, but in the end they just leave it as a super funny memory. That doesn't sit well with me at all, those places aren't funny they are absolutely horrible.
The final, and probably the biggest issue I have with this book is how rooted in the author's religion it is. I am not religious, so it was very hard for me to relate. She doesn't just mention her faith here and there, it is constantly and obsessively mentioned every few sentences. She also does absolutely no work to include people of other religions, or those without. It should be marketed as a Christian book, that way I, and other non-Christian readers, would have been spared a few hours of our time and the guilt of abandoning a book. Okay, maybe this last part is only me, but I hate leaving a book unfinished; even one which in no way serves me.
The main idea, to make memories, I feel is a natural part of parenting. This is not a mind blowing realization, it is just enjoying your children while they are young.
July 4, 2021
Some good ideas, but so based in the author's Christianity that there was no space for people with other beliefs. I have no problem with references to her faith, but it was way too much of the book for my taste.
January 10, 2019
Basically, this is a Protestant's introduction into living liturgically. Yay for respect for tradition! It is imperative. Those Golden Nugget memories lock in the love and learning in one's childhood.
Sprinkled with personal anecdotes between the activity suggestions, the book makes it fathomable to integrate tradition in frequent succession. The author states that she wants this to be a real mom book, that the activities are suggestions, not a list of must-do items. It is a Christian book with multiple scriptural references. though the Kindle versions needs improvement, I'm sure the culture will fix the little bugs. I am giving it four stars because I am hoping that a book like this will inspire moms to use the liturgical calendar to teach kids about their faith in a fun way. Hopefully it will be deeper than simply a series of crafts.
There are many other resources you can use to go even deeper, including remembering wonderful people who have gone before us, the saints, and celebrating their feast days, as well.
Sprinkled with personal anecdotes between the activity suggestions, the book makes it fathomable to integrate tradition in frequent succession. The author states that she wants this to be a real mom book, that the activities are suggestions, not a list of must-do items. It is a Christian book with multiple scriptural references. though the Kindle versions needs improvement, I'm sure the culture will fix the little bugs. I am giving it four stars because I am hoping that a book like this will inspire moms to use the liturgical calendar to teach kids about their faith in a fun way. Hopefully it will be deeper than simply a series of crafts.
There are many other resources you can use to go even deeper, including remembering wonderful people who have gone before us, the saints, and celebrating their feast days, as well.
July 10, 2021
This was a wonderful book full of ideas and encouragement to moms who want to make memories for their children no matter what stage of life you are in. I really enjoyed it and may have to add this to my yearly reads
November 24, 2024
This book made me realize our family is already tradition rich. We are so blessed. It made me think about my favorite growing up memories and why they mean so much. There were so many ideas here it was almost like a Pinterest overload. Ideas that I read here might pop up at random times when I can put them into practice.
On a slightly different note than the majority of the book, I liked the chapter about work, which emphasized that work does not hurt children. Just a few short centuries ago, it was normal for children to be woken up before sunrise and sent to the barn to do chores. But also, the author emphasized that we are raising children, not (fill in the blank with whatever housework is on the to do list).
On a slightly different note than the majority of the book, I liked the chapter about work, which emphasized that work does not hurt children. Just a few short centuries ago, it was normal for children to be woken up before sunrise and sent to the barn to do chores. But also, the author emphasized that we are raising children, not (fill in the blank with whatever housework is on the to do list).
February 26, 2019
This book is a wonderful way to dive in to what traditions and memories you already have with your family, as well as offer new ideas of things you can implement. It doesn’t make you feel guilty if you don’t or haven’t done anything yet but is more encouraging on staying something and the why behind it. I have left reading this book more encouraged and empowered to continue certain traditions we already have and for stating some fun new ones. I love Jessica’s approach to her writing. She is very relatable and has such a kind way about her words. You feel valued, supported, and encouraged throughout the whole book. Get this book. It’s an easy pick up and read and come back to later book which many of us busy Moms need right now.
March 7, 2019
Part how-to, part memoir, and part food for your soul, Jessica Smartt’s “Memory Making Mom” is sure to have a lasting impact on your family. Jessica’s advice does not shy away from the reality of toddler tantrums and everyday responsibilities. She does not paint a picture that her own journey through motherhood is a breeze. Jessica never promises that making lasting memories and traditions will be easy, but she does make you believe from the first chapter that the hard work is worth it. She meets you in whatever place you are right now and helps you walk toward more joy for your entire family.
I love the honest voice Jessica writes with. She made me feel that she has stood in my shoes as a mother of young kids and that beautiful traditions can happen even in less than ideal circumstances. I found myself reminiscing about my own childhood as well as thinking more critically about how to cultivate traditions in my family as I read through the many practical suggestions. My children adore special events and regular routines. I can’t wait to take some of these ideas and use them to create memories with our family that we will treasure for years to come.
I love the honest voice Jessica writes with. She made me feel that she has stood in my shoes as a mother of young kids and that beautiful traditions can happen even in less than ideal circumstances. I found myself reminiscing about my own childhood as well as thinking more critically about how to cultivate traditions in my family as I read through the many practical suggestions. My children adore special events and regular routines. I can’t wait to take some of these ideas and use them to create memories with our family that we will treasure for years to come.
January 22, 2025
4⭐️ As a mom in young motherhood, I have always tried to make things “special”. I think this desire comes from not having much of that as a kid. Regardless, I loved this book for the reminders it gave and new ideas for my family to try implementing. I would recommend to any mom!
September 20, 2024
3.5-4. This was a cute, reassuring, hopeful parenting book— different from so many I’ve read! It’s filled with “you can do its” and “I see you, moms” and I really did feel like it wouldn’t destroy me to implement some of the things she discussed in the book. I kind of wish she would have pulled back the curtain on her own life a little more— a three year old getting a Bible story wrong doesn’t seem like a real illustration of why things aren’t actually perfect in their lives. But, I did feel like I’m already doing good things, and she gave me ideas for more good things we could try. No huge life-changing aha moments, but I liked it anyway.
July 28, 2024
Add this to my top 5 favorite mom books ever. So so so good.
February 26, 2021
I think every woman who is a mother or wants to be a mother some day should read this book. Full of good ideas, and in my opinion, one of the best gifts you could give your children.
Read
August 1, 2024Lit a fire in me to be a memory-making mom. I have a feeling this will be a book I come back to again & again
July 20, 2024
A fun book that should be more a reference on making traditions throughout the year- it was mostly in bullet points but still good
January 17, 2019
I didn’t think I needed this book, but Jessica stirred in me a desire to be more intentional in making memories with my kids. I read this at the end of the year, and promptly my new year goals shifted from being all me-focused to building in rituals for our family that will create many memories for years to come. Full of grace, Jessica at no point cajoles or guilts us into doing more, but rather inspires and encourages. I heartily recommend this book for any mama looking to invest in her kids and her family culture.
September 24, 2022
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!!! I loved the heart and encouragement Jessica put into this amazing book encouraging mom's and families to instill Christ-centeted traditions and memories in the lives of their children- no matter what age. This will surely be a book I read again and again for years to come! I am actually going to start the whole book over again tonight! I loved it THAT much!
July 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I am -all- about making memories because that’s where the warm and fuzzies are. That’s what matters most when adults look back on their childhood. That’s what bonds us to our parents and siblings. Memories matter! This book talked about things I was already aware but touched on so many memory making ways I hadn’t thought of. I read a copy from the library but may purchase it also to reference for future seasons, events, etc.
April 6, 2023
Very practical, simple ways to make every day intentional with your kids!
April 22, 2021
I loved how this book addressed memory-making as something you should do not just to have fun now but so that your family feels loved and can look back on these cherished memories when they feel lonely or are going through a hard time. The author gives a lot of suggestions of new traditions you can incorporate for every season of life and how those might change over the course of time.
July 2, 2024
I thought her traditions ideas were helpful, and her Christian background is nice for Easter and Christmas suggestions. She helped me to want to embrace traditions more, but not to force them. Short and sweet.
January 9, 2025
Listened to the audiobook.
Wow, this one came at the right time for me. I really enjoyed it and felt like I gained a lot of perspective and ideas from its contents. This book validated many of my feelings as a mom of young kids, making me feel like I was in the company of someone who gets it. I liked how the book discusses the importance, power, and impact of family traditions and then dives into various categories of traditions including holiday, food, learning, service, family-bonding, spiritual, etc. The author provides loads of ideas and practical applications for implementing new traditions, many of which I found creative, refreshing, and doable. She also includes questions that prompt consideration of the purposes behind our traditions as well as assist in discerning what to actualize in our own homes. I appreciate that the author highlights the reality of imperfect and sometimes even disappointing attempts at cultivating memorable family experiences; however, she implores moms not to become disheartened and to keep trying. This book is made of genuine, real life stuff! Not far-fetched or unattainable.
I feel like I can be much more fun a mom after reading this book, which has supplied me with new tools to aid in creating meaningful experiences for my children and family that will be remembered and cherished down the road. I think there is a lot of value to this subject matter in terms of breaking out of the "monotony, distraction, and busyness" of life and building deeper relationships with one another and with God.
Personally, I loved the author's encouragement to embrace spontaneity in creating adventures, even in small ways. That is something I don't do much and would love to work on. One recommendation she gave to help achieve this is to consider what your personality is/what you would usually do, and then do the opposite! For example, if you're one to stay in, consider an impromptu picnic dinner outdoors. Or if your kids are used to going out frequently, maybe something more impactful to them would be that you have a night to snuggle on the couch and read books together. I thought this was an insightful idea and a good way to help me think about and implement it.
I already think I need to listen again soon or buy a physical copy of this book so that I can retain more of or highlight and reference it. This is one I'd come back to!
Wow, this one came at the right time for me. I really enjoyed it and felt like I gained a lot of perspective and ideas from its contents. This book validated many of my feelings as a mom of young kids, making me feel like I was in the company of someone who gets it. I liked how the book discusses the importance, power, and impact of family traditions and then dives into various categories of traditions including holiday, food, learning, service, family-bonding, spiritual, etc. The author provides loads of ideas and practical applications for implementing new traditions, many of which I found creative, refreshing, and doable. She also includes questions that prompt consideration of the purposes behind our traditions as well as assist in discerning what to actualize in our own homes. I appreciate that the author highlights the reality of imperfect and sometimes even disappointing attempts at cultivating memorable family experiences; however, she implores moms not to become disheartened and to keep trying. This book is made of genuine, real life stuff! Not far-fetched or unattainable.
I feel like I can be much more fun a mom after reading this book, which has supplied me with new tools to aid in creating meaningful experiences for my children and family that will be remembered and cherished down the road. I think there is a lot of value to this subject matter in terms of breaking out of the "monotony, distraction, and busyness" of life and building deeper relationships with one another and with God.
Personally, I loved the author's encouragement to embrace spontaneity in creating adventures, even in small ways. That is something I don't do much and would love to work on. One recommendation she gave to help achieve this is to consider what your personality is/what you would usually do, and then do the opposite! For example, if you're one to stay in, consider an impromptu picnic dinner outdoors. Or if your kids are used to going out frequently, maybe something more impactful to them would be that you have a night to snuggle on the couch and read books together. I thought this was an insightful idea and a good way to help me think about and implement it.
I already think I need to listen again soon or buy a physical copy of this book so that I can retain more of or highlight and reference it. This is one I'd come back to!
November 15, 2022
I loved this book! It was a fun and easy read and inspired me in so many ways!
November 2, 2021
Encouraging and inspiring! For me, it was the push I needed to add certain traditions to our family life.
But I could see this becoming a “oh, that’s nice… back on the shelf” book for many people who are lost on how to begin to build routines, rituals and traditions in their lives. A little more step by step how-to would’ve been nice. Getting a couple of friends on board and reading this book with a journal in hand, brainstorming and developing strategies together would be awesome for those who need a little bit more guidance!
But I could see this becoming a “oh, that’s nice… back on the shelf” book for many people who are lost on how to begin to build routines, rituals and traditions in their lives. A little more step by step how-to would’ve been nice. Getting a couple of friends on board and reading this book with a journal in hand, brainstorming and developing strategies together would be awesome for those who need a little bit more guidance!
June 4, 2020
If you are a Christian - especially a suburban minivan driving one - you will probably love this book. I don’t say that in snark; I too live in the burbs and drive a minivan. But I can’t for the life of me understand why this is a book marketed “no matter where you are or what your family looks like.” It states it’s intended for people “of all cultures,” but the author either can’t imagine (or doesn’t care to) a culture that is not based in Christianity. It also leans heavily on suburban culture (getting around by car, driving to see lawns decorated in Christmas, etc) and just reads as incredibly American as well.
This book is essentially one long reflection on how the author came to see how making a beautiful, tradition filled life was worth the hard work, and she wanted to share the specific examples that worked for her and the mothers in her social circle to help inspire you to find your own. Her main cited sources are Christian authors. If you are Christian and looking for motivation, you will likely enjoy this. However, I made it as far as the food chapter before it just became ridiculously irrelevant to me. I skimmed the rest. There is an entire chapter in holidays, but only has American patriotic type and Christian holidays listed. I would say there was a real missed opportunity to expand a worldview and research other ways of life/traditions/etc., but I suspect that is antithetical to the author’s agenda.
Two stars given as the book is clearly written, refrains from guilting mothers over not doing enough, and is likely useful to its intended (though unclearly marketed) audience.
This book is essentially one long reflection on how the author came to see how making a beautiful, tradition filled life was worth the hard work, and she wanted to share the specific examples that worked for her and the mothers in her social circle to help inspire you to find your own. Her main cited sources are Christian authors. If you are Christian and looking for motivation, you will likely enjoy this. However, I made it as far as the food chapter before it just became ridiculously irrelevant to me. I skimmed the rest. There is an entire chapter in holidays, but only has American patriotic type and Christian holidays listed. I would say there was a real missed opportunity to expand a worldview and research other ways of life/traditions/etc., but I suspect that is antithetical to the author’s agenda.
Two stars given as the book is clearly written, refrains from guilting mothers over not doing enough, and is likely useful to its intended (though unclearly marketed) audience.
September 7, 2022
Loved this book, it so effortlessly articulated the type of family culture I wish to have! So many great ideas on how to create family traditions while not being overwhelming. Highly recommend to all mamas or soon to be mamas!
February 28, 2019
WOW! I WISH I'd had access to this book 10 years ago! But even though my kids are mostly grown, there are STILL ideas I'm going to use.
Jessica understands (so much!) what it's like to mother littles. She's also just a regular person like me, who wants to make memories with her kids and she's tired and overwhelmed some days and still, she's finding ways to give her children a childhood worth remembering. Also, she makes the reader feel like we can do it too!
This book will help anyone in any stage of motherhood. Just one idea found within its pages might make and ENORMOUS difference to one child you love. It's an easy, quick read and worth every moment. I hope you'll check this one out!
Jessica understands (so much!) what it's like to mother littles. She's also just a regular person like me, who wants to make memories with her kids and she's tired and overwhelmed some days and still, she's finding ways to give her children a childhood worth remembering. Also, she makes the reader feel like we can do it too!
This book will help anyone in any stage of motherhood. Just one idea found within its pages might make and ENORMOUS difference to one child you love. It's an easy, quick read and worth every moment. I hope you'll check this one out!
June 15, 2022
I found this book very worthwhile. I appreciated all of the ideas the author offered about how to create traditions and memories in my home. I liked how vulnerable and realistic she was, too. The appendix is really useful because she lists all of the traditions in one place. I’m excited to become a little more organized in the rituals that help bind our family in love and fun.
While I am still working on the day to day management of my home with young kids, I feel empowered to try and list what I’m doing already and to add on more as seems appropriate. If planning traditions is exciting to you, this is a good read.
While I am still working on the day to day management of my home with young kids, I feel empowered to try and list what I’m doing already and to add on more as seems appropriate. If planning traditions is exciting to you, this is a good read.
April 12, 2022
4.75
Lots of practical, grounded, and realistic ideas for creating family traditions and fostering a close knit family environment. Many of the ideas I had never thought of before. Gave me a lot to think about and look forward to.
[My one push back is the author's idea of building a tradition out of taking a mission trip as a family. As someone who worked in a Christian missions organization for a decade, I strongly caution against this mentality. Mission trips are not about your family traditions, or about you at all-actually. The desire to build memories or start a tradition should not be what motivates you to go on a mission trip. ]
Lots of practical, grounded, and realistic ideas for creating family traditions and fostering a close knit family environment. Many of the ideas I had never thought of before. Gave me a lot to think about and look forward to.
[My one push back is the author's idea of building a tradition out of taking a mission trip as a family. As someone who worked in a Christian missions organization for a decade, I strongly caution against this mentality. Mission trips are not about your family traditions, or about you at all-actually. The desire to build memories or start a tradition should not be what motivates you to go on a mission trip. ]
July 20, 2020
This book is written for a very specific audience that I don't fully fit into, so that's a big reason I didn't like the book. It's written for white, Christian, stay at home moms who homeschool with quite a bit of expendable income. She talks a lot about not shaming moms for doing enough and yet the examples don't hold up to that. There are a few ideas worth skimming through, but not one I would revisit in the future or recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews