Are We Having Fun Yet?: The 16 Secrets of Happy Parenting

by Kay Willis, Maryann Bucknum Brinley

Full of real-world advice from a parent of ten well-adjusted kids, this upbeat book shows how to boost the happiness quotient and lower the stress, turning parenting from a survival struggle into a labor of true love.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Family, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ieza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book as it make me realised that parenting is something to be enjoyed and not merely endured. The fun thing will only be realised if parents take care of their own self first. Then will the fun kicks in as we are recharged and in charge of our action towards the kids. Kids are the people of tomorrow. Parents are responsible on how tomorrow will looks like depending on how we parent them.

[Lorissa Laitinen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d say 3.5 stars if I could.
A lot of great reminders in an easy-to-read layout, but could have been more approachable if not for all the god references. Somethings were outdated and somethings I don’t personally believe in. Overall message was good and I’ll carry those reminders with me.

[Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even when I was only half way through my library copy, and I was quite sure I need to own a copy of this book. I also want to put it on a "read again, fairly soon... and often" shelf. It's certainly written for busy moms (regardless of their description: SAHM, WAHM, full/part-time working mom... etc) - with short chapters, bullet points, bolded quotations. I have laughed and teared up a handful of times already and feel so encouraged, supported, inspired, and eager to continue enjoying parenthood - and more so, as time goes on.

I'm gunna have to put this on "buy for friends who become parents, when they have toddlers or any older child" list. It's fantastic. It also seems to have christian influences, not entirely discreetly, so I would warn anyone who isn't a fan of christianity that that is a small element of it before passing it on. But for me? That's a plus. Can't wait to read more, and wish I could meet the author!

It was written a while ago, and by a mother whose kids are older than I am now, so there is a bit of a stereotypical stay-at-home-mom vibe to some her personal stories and whatnot, but if you aren't reading this seeking to break stereotypes and instead to find rejuvenation as a mother, I think it's outstanding.

I also want to own a copy of it so that I can reference all of the wonderful quotations pertaining to all manner of thing mentioned in it, as well as have my husband read the chapter on fathers/husbands. I found this book a fun, light, encouraging and not demanding read. It also speaks broadly to many issues in parenting found in parenting from birth to adult children.

[Shannon Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an awesome book! This should be on every parent's shelf. Definitely supportive of a peaceful parenting lifestyle, of unschooling, of just plain fun parenting. Table of contents is listed as: "Happy parents..." and then the chapter titles, such as "enjoy parenting, they don't endure it, know that attitude is almost everything, know when to say yes, know that labels can stunt growth, know that guilt is a waste of time, know that resentment poisons a family, let their children get the best of them" and a few more. It's a quick read, is not preachy, and inspires you go to have fun with your kids!

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay - so I really liked this book. It was a simple, quick, easy, uplifting read - with BIG words and lots of fun quotes. The format made it easy to pick up for 5 minutes and then put down again (aka it was compatible with the life of a mom). It's not all earth shattering and profound discoveries - but I found lots worth thinking and pondering about. It prompted several wonderful discussions on joy and motherhood. I feel like this was a book that I specifically needed during this chapter of my life. This is one that I would personally like to have on my own bookshelf to refer to on the "rainy" days of motherhood.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a very comforting, if slightly dated feel. I appreciated the author's candid recollections about raising her ten children, and found her voice to be wise and forgiving in tone. I could have lived without the quotes sprinkled throughout the book from the other mothers from her Mothers Matter class, as I felt they were not always in context and didn't really add much. Her best advice in my opinion is to not let guilt have a role in your parenting, that a healthy attitude is the best gift you can give to your children, and that romance should be kept alive in creative ways after having kids. Not much new information, but conveyed with love and humor.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a newborn at the time I read this and was on a search for how to handle life with two kids and balance it all. This was a very helpful, inspiring book from a mom of TEN kids who was loving, kind, motivating and non-judgemental. She helped me think I could do it! I went on to have four kids total...so she must have been right!

[Danielle Diehl kopper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this book very helpful from a self improvement angle. Maybe more of a Lifestyle "How I Survived Having Ten Kids" kind of book. I thought it was full of silly advice to Enjoy Your Kids! Work Together! Find Time for Yourself! Not much real help with real kids who won't eat dinner or have tantrums at Walmart.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. The author has, I think, 10 children, and was able to keep her sense of humor and give advice through the group she started, "Mothers Matter." I can pick it up and just look through it anytime to renew my parenting spirit.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know that a lot of reviews give this book more stars, and quite honestly what I read was very good; but as with most parenting books that I read now, I become bored after the first few chapters and usually don't finish them

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is amazing. I enjoyed reading her story and hearing the insights she shared about how enjoy parenting. She reminded me of my mom and her fun loving nature. I would love to meet the author some day.

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read A LOT of parenting books, but this is the only one I've read 4 times now! What a ton of good reminders about enjoying these little ones while they're with us, as they don't stay that way forever! LOVE LOVE LOVE having this book always within reach :)

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many books, so many "secrets". This one had some good points, I thought, and I'd like to re-read it.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

From mothers who are just sharing their secrets, this book made mothering a lot more fun and less of a system of rules to follow.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fun, fun. I love it when an author can remind me why I love something.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A parenting self-help book that advises us to enjoy our children and our lives. Enjoyable.