What do you think?
The Christian Mom's Idea Book
This reissue features more than 500 family-tested ideas and
creative suggestions from real moms to help fellow mothers raise
godly kids-and have fun at it too.
Whether they're mothers of preschoolers or high schoolers, mothers
with one child or a houseful of children, single mothers or the
parents of a special needs child, every Christian mom will be able
to make the most of motherhood with this resourceful book. It's
jam-packed with 500 ideas gathered from more than 80 mothers-all
intended to help women fulfill the vital role God has given them.
Among the hundreds of suggestions in this newly packaged
re-release are: how to throw a great birthday party, successfully
surviving car trips, discipline, handling doctor's visits, less
stressful grocery shopping, friends and hospitality, alone time and
getaways, spiritual nurturing, music lessons, dealing with
toddlers, clothing, keeping your marriage alive . . . and so much
more in 40 categories.
Here is everything a Christian mom needs to provide a safe,
nurturing environment for her family-and to make her home a
wonderful place to be.
ebook
First published April 11, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 17, 2013
The Christian Mom's Idea BookThe Christian Mom's Idea Book contains a menagerie of counsel from more than 80 mothers in almost 40 categories. The chapters are short and largely consist of a bullet list, so it is easy for the busy mom to pick up and begin reading wherever one might desire a few extra ideas. The book attempts to give suggestions for questions like: "How do I know when to take my child to the doctor?", "When should I keep my child home from school?", "How do I occupy my child(ren) during long car trips?", "How can I enrich my children's lives and/or be involved in their education?", and much more.
Firstly, and most importantly, while there were Scripture references throughout, there was very little Gospel and almost no focus on heart issues. It seemed to me that there was more of an emphasis on externals such as circumstances and behavior modification rather than on the hidden person of the heart (1 Peter 3:3-4). For example, in order to prevent conflict, the author purchased one boxed cereal for each of her four children and put each child's name on their box (pg. 91). Personally, aside from the expense, nutritional aspects, etc., I wouldn't want to do this because I would miss great opportunities to teach conflict resolution, sharing, and considering others' interests as more important than their own, among other things. I want to deal with my kids' hearts, not simply manipulate circumstances to avoid conflict. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that kids don't "act out" simply because they are tired (pg. 100) or because someone is eating their cereal, but rather, their actions are a direct result of what is in their hearts (Prov. 4:23). A "great mom" trains and disciples her children, and this is hard, heart work that requires much discernment. In The Christian Mom's Idea Book, there are many instances in which the advice suggests an easy way to avoid circumstances that might produce conflict rather than doing this hard, heart work.
There were also lots of suggestions for using rewards and/or incentives like paying kids for everything from folding laundry to reading. While this may not be wrong, in and of itself, I want my kids to learn to serve because it honors God, not because they're going to get something in return. I also want my kids to realize that reading in and of itself is rewarding. Again, I want to be very careful to consider what is going on in my kids' hearts.
In a number of instances, I felt that The Christian Mom's Idea Book was somewhat worldly in its content. For example, with regard to clothing and mothers, one tip says: "Since I don't want my son to be embarrassed to introduce me to his friends, I try to keep up with the latest styles! I was always proud of my mom because she consistently looked nice, and I want to do the same for my family" (pg. 72). In contrast, the Bible teaches that "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart" (1 Sam. 16). It isn't necessarily wrong to want to look nice, but the above reasons are not a good reason for keeping up with the latest styles! If my child is embarrassed of me due to the way that I dress, we have much bigger issues to address than my wardrobe!
Other advice was simply not particularly well-suited for our family. This book is clearly geared toward public school moms. Advice such as: read to your child for fifteen minutes each day, help your child with his/her math facts & memory work, visit the library, etc. isn't particularly helpful as it is already a normal part of our regular routine.
While this book did generate a few new ideas and was easy to read, much of it seemed like basic information that I had encountered elsewhere. For example, one car travel tip was:
"Use seat belts! Our family travels frequently on long trips around the country, and we have very young children. We find there is little commotion when they are safely tucked into one small area of the car. Each child brings a backpack of things to do: crayons, paper, books, tape players, games, etc." (pg. 58).
However, there were also some unique tips:
"Give young children a box or can of assorted Band-Aids and let them customize the back windows of the car. It takes a long time to open them all, and the Band-Aids can be moved around creatively for a long time!" (pg. 59)
While this isn't something I'd be inclined to try, this may be a great suggestion for somebody.
All of that being said, The Christian Mom's Idea Book isn't prescriptive or legalistic and simply offers basic ideas, tips, and activities that may or may not be taken. Some folks may love it. (Tim Challies, for whom I have a lot of respect, recommended it.) However, I can honestly say, this isn't a book I would purchase.
*Many thanks to Crossway for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion! You can visit their blog to see what others thought of this title.
Firstly, and most importantly, while there were Scripture references throughout, there was very little Gospel and almost no focus on heart issues. It seemed to me that there was more of an emphasis on externals such as circumstances and behavior modification rather than on the hidden person of the heart (1 Peter 3:3-4). For example, in order to prevent conflict, the author purchased one boxed cereal for each of her four children and put each child's name on their box (pg. 91). Personally, aside from the expense, nutritional aspects, etc., I wouldn't want to do this because I would miss great opportunities to teach conflict resolution, sharing, and considering others' interests as more important than their own, among other things. I want to deal with my kids' hearts, not simply manipulate circumstances to avoid conflict. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that kids don't "act out" simply because they are tired (pg. 100) or because someone is eating their cereal, but rather, their actions are a direct result of what is in their hearts (Prov. 4:23). A "great mom" trains and disciples her children, and this is hard, heart work that requires much discernment. In The Christian Mom's Idea Book, there are many instances in which the advice suggests an easy way to avoid circumstances that might produce conflict rather than doing this hard, heart work.
There were also lots of suggestions for using rewards and/or incentives like paying kids for everything from folding laundry to reading. While this may not be wrong, in and of itself, I want my kids to learn to serve because it honors God, not because they're going to get something in return. I also want my kids to realize that reading in and of itself is rewarding. Again, I want to be very careful to consider what is going on in my kids' hearts.
In a number of instances, I felt that The Christian Mom's Idea Book was somewhat worldly in its content. For example, with regard to clothing and mothers, one tip says: "Since I don't want my son to be embarrassed to introduce me to his friends, I try to keep up with the latest styles! I was always proud of my mom because she consistently looked nice, and I want to do the same for my family" (pg. 72). In contrast, the Bible teaches that "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart" (1 Sam. 16). It isn't necessarily wrong to want to look nice, but the above reasons are not a good reason for keeping up with the latest styles! If my child is embarrassed of me due to the way that I dress, we have much bigger issues to address than my wardrobe!
Other advice was simply not particularly well-suited for our family. This book is clearly geared toward public school moms. Advice such as: read to your child for fifteen minutes each day, help your child with his/her math facts & memory work, visit the library, etc. isn't particularly helpful as it is already a normal part of our regular routine.
While this book did generate a few new ideas and was easy to read, much of it seemed like basic information that I had encountered elsewhere. For example, one car travel tip was:
"Use seat belts! Our family travels frequently on long trips around the country, and we have very young children. We find there is little commotion when they are safely tucked into one small area of the car. Each child brings a backpack of things to do: crayons, paper, books, tape players, games, etc." (pg. 58).
However, there were also some unique tips:
"Give young children a box or can of assorted Band-Aids and let them customize the back windows of the car. It takes a long time to open them all, and the Band-Aids can be moved around creatively for a long time!" (pg. 59)
While this isn't something I'd be inclined to try, this may be a great suggestion for somebody.
All of that being said, The Christian Mom's Idea Book isn't prescriptive or legalistic and simply offers basic ideas, tips, and activities that may or may not be taken. Some folks may love it. (Tim Challies, for whom I have a lot of respect, recommended it.) However, I can honestly say, this isn't a book I would purchase.
*Many thanks to Crossway for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion! You can visit their blog to see what others thought of this title.
July 30, 2013
Eighty-two women contributed advice and ideas. Packed full of their collective wisdom and paired with a solid scriptural foundation, The Christian Mom's Idea Book is a phenomenal resource for all moms.
The book begins with an acrostic of Motherhood that can be read in one sitting or spread out in tiny new-mom sized snippets like a brief devotional.
In part two the advice is dished out courtesy of contributors who've been there and done that.
Find tips on how to handle separation anxiety, make time for God's Word, plan a birthday party to remember, expose children to good books, manage a schedule, survive a road trip, discipline, chores and a host of other truly relevant topics.
There are about 40 topics total and 500 fantastic ideas recorded. Each idea is part of a bulleted list under the topic it covers. The reader can browse a topic of interest and get advice from several moms all at once. After all this information is absorbed it's easier to formulate your own effective plan. You get to pick and choose what you use.
The Christian Mom's Idea Book is an essential handbook resource, the kind of parenting guide we all fantasized about but never expected to experience.
This book is loaded with truly relevant suggestions, making it the perfect gift for moms.
About the author: Ellen Banks Elwell is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music. She and her husband, Jim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three grown sons and one daughter-in-law. Elwell has authored several books for women, including The Christian Mom’s Idea Book,One Year Devotions for Moms, and When There’s Not Enough of Me to Go Around.
I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Crossway's Homeschool Book Review Program.
The book begins with an acrostic of Motherhood that can be read in one sitting or spread out in tiny new-mom sized snippets like a brief devotional.
In part two the advice is dished out courtesy of contributors who've been there and done that.
Find tips on how to handle separation anxiety, make time for God's Word, plan a birthday party to remember, expose children to good books, manage a schedule, survive a road trip, discipline, chores and a host of other truly relevant topics.
There are about 40 topics total and 500 fantastic ideas recorded. Each idea is part of a bulleted list under the topic it covers. The reader can browse a topic of interest and get advice from several moms all at once. After all this information is absorbed it's easier to formulate your own effective plan. You get to pick and choose what you use.
The Christian Mom's Idea Book is an essential handbook resource, the kind of parenting guide we all fantasized about but never expected to experience.
This book is loaded with truly relevant suggestions, making it the perfect gift for moms.
About the author: Ellen Banks Elwell is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music. She and her husband, Jim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three grown sons and one daughter-in-law. Elwell has authored several books for women, including The Christian Mom’s Idea Book,One Year Devotions for Moms, and When There’s Not Enough of Me to Go Around.
I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Crossway's Homeschool Book Review Program.
May 14, 2013
The Christian Mom's Idea Book has hundreds of tips and ideas, gathered from mom's all over. There are 40 chapters, each starting with a few paragraphs on the topic by the author, followed by a section titled Ideas From Other Moms, most of which are a short paragraph or two. It's not an overwhelming read, as the chapters are simple and concise which is probably practical for most moms anyways!
If you're looking for in depth help in a certain area (discipline, pregnancy or maybe husbands), this likely isn't the resource for you. However, if you would be helped by tips by experienced mom's on meal planning, laundry, what to do if your child has a fever, and any number of other potential problems you may be face while raising small children, then this would be a good read for you. Personally, I would have prettied it up a bit with some pictures and a little colour here and there, and probably covered a few less topics each a little more deeply, but overall it's a solid resource for the new mom.
I received this book from Crossway for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Crossway!
If you're looking for in depth help in a certain area (discipline, pregnancy or maybe husbands), this likely isn't the resource for you. However, if you would be helped by tips by experienced mom's on meal planning, laundry, what to do if your child has a fever, and any number of other potential problems you may be face while raising small children, then this would be a good read for you. Personally, I would have prettied it up a bit with some pictures and a little colour here and there, and probably covered a few less topics each a little more deeply, but overall it's a solid resource for the new mom.
I received this book from Crossway for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Crossway!
May 25, 2011
This book was OK helpful. There were some cool ideas in it but not enough to make the book really worthwhile. I thought it might have cool craft ideas and pictures but hardly any crafts and no pics to be found. I liked the introduction to each topic by the author but some of the ideas by the contributors did not have a Christian worldview, which was kind of weird seeing as the author was really clued up. So, a bit of a mixed bag.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews