A Mother's Guide to Raising Herself: What Parenting Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Myself

by Sarah Bragg

For any mom who has ever felt inadequate, overwhelmed, or guilty in trying to balance it all, popular podcaster Sarah Bragg offers brilliant clarity and respite in this friendly manual for becoming your most authentic self, instead of just surviving motherhood.

Nothing will make you grow up faster than trying to raise a kid. This is what popular podcast host and mom Sarah Bragg explores so beautifully as she encourages and equips moms who are discovering all the ways they still need to grow.

It's easy to lose our sense of self in the all-consuming process of raising our children, but Sarah reminds us that the best gift we can bring to our kids is our true, authentic selves. Through vulnerable and relatable stories, no-nonsense wisdom, and a compassionate perspective for all the joys and challenges of motherhood, Sarah provides shame-free practical help to surviving right where you are in life, in relationships, in work, and in faith.

This guidebook to health and sanity for the wilderness of parenting will help


Give yourself permission and find the courage to show up as yourself
Wrestle with how purpose, work, and calling fit together
Notice and celebrate the good that's happening right around you
Remember your worth is not in your kids or your role as a parent but in something far more lasting
Find solidarity, understanding, and helpful encouragement to embrace all that motherhood is and remember who you truly are. Because you matter, and raising great kids starts with raising yourself well.

Genres: Parenting, Audiobook, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

I have many roles. I am wife to Scott and mother to Sinclair. I am a writer and communicator. I worked worked in ministry for more than 10 years now. I am a communicator and author of the book, Body. Beauty. Boys. The Truth About Girls and How We See Ourselves. I travel and speak to women of all ages.

I have a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. I also work for the reThink Group developing student ministry strategy and curriculum called XP3.

I spend most of my time with my daughter. When I'm not caring for her, I enjoy reading magazines, watching HGTV and spending time with my husband. These days, I mostly like to read about decorating or organizing. I love reading my friends blogs, and I spend countless hours reading about how to take care of my daughter.

Overall, I want to spend time cultivating relationships: with my family, friends and God. I want to leave a legacy worth following.

Reviews

[Joanna Jennings · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up because I had enjoyed her podcast. (Currently the podcast is on hold because she is burnt out. Clue #1 that her life philosophies aren’t serving her well). I was disappointed in the introduction that she’s decided not to believe something just because it is in the Bible. Great, she is now her own authority. 😣⚠️ Clue #3 I should have realized that I wouldn’t enjoy a parenting book by an author whose kids are in middle school. 🤦🏻‍♀️

But I decided to journal through the book anyway to get what I could and practice my discernment on the rest. It was interesting to note that three different books I’ve read recently helped me to balance or correct her humanistic philosophies.

#1 She apologized to her girls for spanking them because they didn’t feel loved. Actually Seeking a Godly Seed (Clint Caviness) presents a method of chastening based on Proverbs 3:12 and Hebrews 12:6. So good, so helpful, so biblical.

#2 She encourages us to trust our bodies, ourselves, and basically do what we want, so we can be free. 😳⚠️ Actually, we have a flesh that will lead us to sin and bondage. John Mark Comer in Live No Lies makes an excellent case for this.

#3 Her lack of a personal walk with Christ was glaring. Granted, she was VERY transparent and vulnerable, and didn’t strive to put herself in a good light. I think her goal was to be real and honest, which I highly respect. However, she sounds like a cultural Christian, who is coming/has come to view God as an annoying grandfather who really cramps her style but someone she cannot throw out completely. 😢 My view of God’s love was so sharpened by Lowly and Gentle (Dane Ortlund). She has really battled with living up to the expectations of others, and now has decided to be herself. But pleasing Christ and basking in His love and acceptance doesn’t even seem to be on her radar.

So, did I like anything she had to say? Definitely. But it was worldly wisdom, along the lines of Brene Brown, whom she highly esteems.

Cultivate joy by noting what made you smile today.
Be brave, build resiliency to face hard things, to develop grit to persevere, to step out and do something new.
Parenting is about staying engaged, paying attention, and being mentally and emotionally present wherever you are physically present.
Be kind to yourself. We all make mistakes.
Empathy paves the way for connection.

And so on, I could enumerate more helpful things and more disappointments. However, for the Christian seeking to learn and live based on Biblical principles, this is a good one to skip.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️ While there’s some wisdom to glean, as a Christian, I don’t agree with many of the ideas in this book because they aren’t biblical (even though the author worked for a church and wrote children’s curriculum for a while). She doesn’t see a problem in using “pop culture” as a guide in parenting and calls her children her “problem,” among many other issues I had (again, coming from someone that wants it to agree with what the Bible says and not being “woke”). Lots of ideas presented, but if you want alignment with scripture, this isn’t the book for you.

[Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't quite what I expected and didn't resonate with me 100%, so it took me a while to finish. I don’t know why I had not anticipated the large focus on Christianity… it’s in the title haha! Anyway…

Chief difference, she expected she would naturally flourish as a mom but found herself longing for her own work instead. Whereas I always thought I would be primarily a career-loving woman but find myself yearning to lean into motherhood more instead. And it turns out I *am* that Pinterest mom - surprise haha!

But we do agree on some important things. I too want to raise kind, resilient, confident humans. I am here for women supporting women. I appreciate her authenticity and acceptance of others' true selves.

Here’s to saying yes and choosing curiosity and creativity over fear.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related to a whole lot of this and actually found some of her thoughts more helpful than some straight parenting books that I've read. We all should give each other more grace, especially, maybe, our kids.

[Reese · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw this on display at the library and thought it seemed like my kind of book. The first half to 2/3 was okay. This is not a devotional by any means but she does talk about Christian faith and mentions working for churches several times, this set my expectations for how the book would go. Then she starts on about how not to do things just because we “should,” or that we are “supposed to.” No, as a follower of Christ we are to use His teachings as a guidepost, not our feelings. Your choice is to follow God and as such you do things and don’t do things because you are supposed to. Let His will be mine. This was the first off-putting part of the book for me. Next came how she talked to her young (4 and 6?) children about sex, and not just the appropriate names for parts and that no one should touch without permission. The 3rd letdown was when she started on letting her children choose their own beliefs. Yes, they make the choice for themselves but that doesn’t mean you don’t teach them the Bible or what is “right.” This seemed to have a very universalist message. I don’t mind reading books from other beliefs systems, it’s the misrepresentation that got me.

[Tabitha Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that there are some great lessons in this book. Some takeaways I got were:
to start out the day listing the things you are thankful for from the previous day
To write out/list the good I see in my kids
To take a break when needed if things get heated
To take care of myself with things that are rejuvenating so I can show up as my best self
And others

But (and it’s a big “but”) Bragg seems to be elevating self above all else (including God). There is a LOT of reliance on what I want, how I feel, trust my gut/intuition, etc. For a book to be published as a “Christian Living” book and focusing so much on one’s own worldly wisdom (so much so as to reject some sound doctrine) rather than wisdom rooted in scripture, it is problematic.

That being said, if you are firmly planted in scripture and abiding in Christ and if you know you are able to discern the meat from the bones, by all means read it. As I said before, there are a lot of great lessons here. If you have not committed yourself to the study of scripture, prayer, and communion with the saints and if you are still young in your faith, don’t read this. It will be hard to disentangle what is of God and what is of the world.

It is not of God to rely on your own instinct or power, but we are to rely on the Word and the Spirit.

“But these people blaspheme anything they do not understand. And what they do understand by instinct — like irrational animals — by these things they are destroyed.”
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a Christian some of this made me cringe. This could have been a fantastic book, but I don’t agree with her “ religious “ views. Its a nope on this book. Many may enjoy it, not for me.

[Ellerie Saucer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, because I know the practice of reparenting yourself as you parent your children is so valuable and transformative. However, I disagree with many of the author’s premises, as they are far from biblical. She takes popular wisdom from authors such as Brene Brown, and while there is some good advice in there, I believe she misses the mark on discipling and guiding your children to become Christ-like, or becoming more Christ-like yourself in the journey.

It sounds as if the author has been on a personal journey to release all guilt surrounding parenting, and to trust her own self more than any others or more than God.

I particularly disagree that mothering is nothing more than a relationship, rather than a purpose or calling, and that our inherent worth is not derivative of Christ’s sacrifice for us, but is fixed regardless of our Savior.

[Caitlyn Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable Self-Help, Immediately Useful
Four out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


While I felt this book was a bit repetitive and I wasn’t 100% with the author on everything, I took a lot of good away from this. The book was easy to digest and filled with anecdotes. It is relatable and honest in a way that reduces shame for struggling with your role as a mom (in any of the ways you might struggle).

I would recommend this book for anyone who has struggled at all with the transition to being a mother and the way that the transition forces you to realize all of the ways that you feel like you fall short.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just for moms! The perfect encouragement for any woman who is coming home to herself!

Wow - Sarah speaks truth I have been craving to hear from the faith based community for so long. Her words hit to the core as she reminds us of the lessons she learned while raising daughters yet apply to all of us - that we are inherently valuable (not praying fervently to be fixed) and that we don't have to silence ourselves, tone ourselves down, or show up inauthentically in order to belong. What a refreshing message that I needed more than I even realized.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be better to read when your kids are younger, say before 10. It has a light, conversational feel. There are definitely some nuggets to glean from her lessons, and some things that can help shift your thinking. Nothing earth shattering or mind-blowing, so that's why 3 stars, but an easy enough read to make you feel noticed as a parent and some ideas to try with your own family. Yes, there is some Faith stuff in there, so if talk of God or religion bothers you, skip this book. If you don't mind it lightly mixed in, then you'll be fine with this read.

[Kayla Williams]

I have listened to some of Sarah Bragg’s podcast episodes and was interested in her book, but it didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped. I appreciate the honesty with which it’s written and found some encouragement in it, but overall it just wasn’t for me. It focused a lot on the cultural events of 2020 since the book was written during the pandemic, and I have a different perspective/approach on many of the spiritual topics that were discussed.

[Calsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title captured me instantly when I heard it recommended on a podcast. I very much related to a lot of what the author talked about, as I am in the middle of raising 4 young children and nothing brings out my own short comings like parenting has. The book served as a great reminder on how much my own self talk effects how I raise my children. Overall I would recommend and buy for a friend.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the author came across as a slightly annoying, bible thumper, her messages and advice were actually pretty sound and relatable. I’m not religious so I certainly rolled my eyes throughout, but when she didn’t incorporate her Christian faith and bible verses, I really respected her POV as a mother and as a woman.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought it for a recommendation of a parenting website that I read. I have enjoyed and the final recapitulation message about how self care affects how we raise our kids and how we live our lives, it make it worth it. But I don not feel related to her way of telling it as I don't live maternity nor life in such a chaos nor negativity.

[Alizah Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a ton of really good ways of looking at things and modeling things for your children…up until we got to purity. I was so discouraged at her view on the whole thing. Everything else was pretty biblically put together and it felt like she chucked the Bible out the window to write that chapter, just because she had some shame in her life.

[Ali Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There didn’t seem to be any groundbreaking advice that I’d never heard in this book but it was exactly the pep talk I needed during a tough season of parenting and growth.

If you are a mom who is struggling, this book is really uplifting.

[Shannon Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

a few things I disagreed with, but overall, I loved the premise of raising ourselves as mothers and parents - that as we teach the simple truths to our children, there are many things about the world that we need to relearn for ourselves.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are a dad or a mom or one in the making, this book is a great example on how to lead your life with kids. Great examples and very nice content, genuinely worth a read
The world will truly be a better place - to the author!!

[MK Wildeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your expectations are set well, then this is a great read. It's like venting with another mom friend who is a few steps ahead. Don't go into it expecting explicit biblical content, it's more of a casual conversation influenced by faith. Good insight!

[Kayla Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed

I felt like Sarah was writing to me. Thank you for such a thoughtful book. It was just what I needed to hear.

[Eveliene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good relatable content in there. It did feel like a series of blog posts though. You could read a chapter per day or per week and read it more as a series of short stories vs a book.

[Kendra Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable author, relatable, humble, humorous, engaging, sometimes practical. Worth the listen (audiobook is narrated by the author).

[Emily Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Such a tender and vulnerable look at what it’s like to raise yourself and your children.

[Erica Miske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t like “mom” books but this one was good. Encouraging, thought provoking, and relatable. I will definitely take some things from it and use it in my own motherhood

[Morgan Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read that encourage you as a mom.

[MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Thought provoking and eye opening. So much of this book resonated with me and my own transformation through motherhood. Also great on audio!

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio.
This was written to an American Christian (maybe specifically evangelical) audience. What I heard a lot of was “fix myself,” “pull myself up,” “white knuckle it,” (thanks to Aundi Kolber, I prefer the alternative, trying softer), and saving herself. There is little evidence that a spiritual depth infuses her views or even this book, it’s very much a reaction to the culture and the (church) culture in which she was raised. While I can celebrate the ways the author has changed her viewpoint and changed her actions over the years, thus just feels like another invitation to burnout. No thanks. “The way it feels” is not a good litmus test (neither is obligation, of course, show me the nuance) for action. I heard a lot of false binaries and the author guiding her own destiny—it’s what our culture wants, but I don’t see evidence these life lessons in which the author wants to mentor me are founded in the upside-down kingdom Jesus exhibits, more so a prosperity gospel. No thanks.