A Joyful Mother of Children

What a great conversation we had the other night. How wonderful you ladies are is inspiring! (I know that we are all better because we know each other and learn from one another.) Missed you that couldn't make it. Julie thanks for a great book and Jill thanks for being a great hostess!

Richard and Linda Eyre

Recap: As we discussed this book we came to appreciate Linda Eyre and her wisdom that holds true to this day. What a breath of fresh air it is that we can try and fail and it is OK. The advice that is contained within A Joyful Mother of Children obviously gave hope to those of us struggling and made us pause and recognize that over all we are doing a great job.

Her idea of "Sunday Sessions" (discussed here) was helpful to some and intimidating to others. We also liked the idea of "Five Facet Reviews" where parents discuss how children are doing in five areas: physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. This is done with both parents on a monthly basis.

Other topics that we discussed included the idea of "selective neglect" and age appropriate expectations. It is obvious that all of us, no matter how many children we have, 0-9, or even more, that we want to be the best mothers possible for the children that we have within our homes. We want to love them when they drive us nuts. We want to be in love with the fathers of our children and we want to be full of joy. Not every moment or even every day will be full of joy but when looking back hopefully we can each look back and have allowed time to soften the hard days, and the painful days.

We also discussed other ideas, blogs and books along these same lines. Some of these, plus more, can be found below:

Richard & Linda Eyre's website

Article on Allowance by the Eyre's

71 toes (Shawni Eyre Pothier's blog)

The Power of Less

How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex

I am certain that I am forgetting something but if I do please leave a comment so that we can all have the information.

Next Month: ROOTS by: Alex Haley. We will be at Tami Lyman's home.