Four Recommended Reads For The Worn-Out Momma

The past several years I’ve been feeling pressure like never before–and I’m sure most of you have too. I’ve found myself more anxious, overwhelmed, and feeling suffocated by the never-ending cycle of To Do Lists and decision making. I honestly don’t have a lot of original tips or tricks to give to you that can help. What I can do is refer you to some awesome books that have truly helped me to breathe and re-evaluate different areas of my life. I know what you’re thinking: “The title of the blog post refers to worn-out moms…if I’m worn out, how on earth am I supposed to read books that will help?!” 

I gotchu, sis. 

Did you know that the Pioneer Library System has an amazing app–Hoopla–in which you can check out audiobooks? If you don’t already have it on your phone, download it now. I’m serious. Its AH-MAY-ZING! This is how I’ve “read” the following books that have truly been life-changing! I typically listen to these books when I’m working out or in the evenings while I cook (and the kids are allowed to have screen time). Its built-in “me time” that has really helped me through my mothering.

Now, onto the books!

Parenting Scripts by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake 

Do you feel like you are constantly saying the same things over and over but it falls on deaf ears? In this book, Amber Lia and Wendy Speake give you specific examples and practical tips to help you get through to your child, no matter their age. I actually have some of the scripts written down and my husband and I both use them! 

 

Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake

Their first book was so good, I wanted to read another by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake! This book not only helped my gain knowledge over what to do, but also helped me pinpoint why I react the way I do in certain parenting situations. It also made me feel seen. Mothers are often left feeling invisible because so much of the work we put in, day after day, goes unnoticed. Triggers felt as though a friend were speaking to me, telling me she understood how I felt while also inspiring me to do my best.

 

Gist: The Essence of Raising Life-Ready Kids by Michael Anderson and Timothy Johanson

Unlike the two books listed above, there were many times while listening to this audiobook that I felt uneasy. There were many principles I didn’t 100% agree with. But… There were many concepts I fully supported and motivated me to implement with my children such as: logical consequences, refusing to engage in arguments/volatile exchanges, stating expectations (as well as the consequences that would occur if expectations were not met) clearly, and sticking to your guns. The tone of the books written by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake were vastly different from Gist which is written by two men and I actually really appreciated that. I liked seeing the differences in opinion as well as experiences from a father’s perspective. It was really eye-opening! 

 

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing With Your House’s Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White

This summer while lunching with a friend, I was lamenting over how I felt so overwhelmed and how I was “drowning in housework”. My friend recommended this book to me. “It’s life-changing!” she said. She was absolutely right! This book helped me to not only put a plan in place that has helped me feel like I have (somewhat) more control over my house but also shifted my perspective. Dana K. White calls her journey to managing her house well her “personal de-slobification process”. Her experiences, insight, and self-deprecating humor made this a very enjoyable audiobook! 

 

What are some of your recommended reads for moms? Share in the comments below! 

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jessicahuffman
Jessica is a SAH/homeschooling mom who works part-time during the school year for her church's MDO program. She's married to her preschool sweetheart (you read that right!) and has three kids, Hermione, Indiana, and Rohan. She has a BA in Journalism from UCO and worked for five years as a ghostwriter for a publishing company. In her "free time", Jessica loves to run, watch sci-fi, and pluck on her banjo!

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