The Tao of Motherhood

Fun Find- The Tao of Motherhoodby Vimala McClure is for mothers who want to combine their spirituality with their parenting. In a collection of short essays that draw on the ancient teachings of The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching & Hua Hu Ching'>Lao Tzu you can find the deep down truths that shine through even in the most crazy moments of motherhood. Set for each stage of parenting, including adult children, it is a quick read too.

McClure writes,"There is nothing more receptive and flowing than water, yet there is nothing better for polishing the stone. A mother's nature is paradox. Your strength is in your gentleness. Your authority is in receptivity. Your power is in letting go."

Check it out today. The Tao of Motherhood is available at The Tao of Motherhood'>Amazon.com

Mother Daze by Christine Carr

Author Christine Carr is a fellow Rhode Islander like myself and I will admit that it did sway me into initially saying yes and reviewing her book, 'Mother Daze- Tales from the Imperfect Playground.'  The mother of three and a P.E. teacher Carr has lots of experience with children.  She knows all about the juggle, the unconditional love and the support we mothers all need. That is precisely what this book is about too. 

For me, reading 'Mother Daze' could not have come at a better time.  Just two months shy from having my third child I am exhausted to the point of tears and wondering how in the world to go about each and every day.  This book helped me put things in perspective a bit and laugh while I read it.  As Carr states, "this book is a complete high five to women for all they miraculously manage to get done -- every day!!"  I think I needed help recognizing that at this point and that, I am not alone in the joys and struggles that make up motherhood each and every day. 

Chapters like, 'Equal Time', 'Just Ducky' and 'Cherish Your Mother' offer well-rounded views on everything from finding the balance once your child arrives to handling the daily juggle with a better but realistic mind-set and knowing just how much our mothers loved and sacrificed for us come shining through with this book.  I particularly enjoyed the personal details Carr added about her own childhood and family relationships that were sprinkled throughout the book. It is loaded with sound "girlfriend-like" advice and humor too.  I came away from reading various pages and even whole chapters feeling as if I had just spent time with a friend who was only there to listen and tell me it would all be OK and that I would get through this rough patch.

'Mother Daze' is a quick read that I highly recommend. It's not preachy or too light on the content. It's just good sound advice that doesn't feel come across as advice at all.  It's all about how we, as women, are all in this journey together.  This book makes a great gift for a friend who has one child or many.  After finishing this book, I can only add that I'm relieved and glad to know Carr is a fellow Rhode Islander that I can vouch for and that this book is honestly a good read.   'Mother Daze' is available at Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com and Borders.com.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products were given for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own. 

Fun Find- New Mom's Survival Guide

Want to reclaim your body, health, sex life and most of all sanity post-pregnancy? Who doesn't?! I'm about to have my second child and I found Dr. Jennifer Wider's book, 'The New Mom's Survival Guide' very helpful despite thinking, "Heh! Been there. Done that."

While reading this book I couldn't help but fall in love with Widner's easy-going, sometimes funny and non-preachy approach. It was like sitting down to talk with a very knowledgeable girlfriend. I couldn't put the book down even when I found that I knew some of the information from my last pregnancy. There was still something new to learn in each chapter. This comprehensive guide will satisfy you emotionally, mentally, and medically. The upbeat (but not disgustingly perky) tips, advice and facts are all there from just before delivery questions to post-partum depression and everything in between.

From Amazon-

Why can’t I lose the extra weight?
Why am I shedding like my pet golden retriever?
I’m just too tired to have sex— and it hurts. What should I do?
How can I tell the difference between the “baby blues” and a real depression?
Why am I having so many fights with my husband?

If this sounds like you or someone you know then you should definitely pick up a copy of this book! Bonus: I'm giving away a copy of this great book ($15). It makes a perfect gift for any new mother or even one who has been there, done that. Just add your survival tip in the comment section with your email address (so I can contact you) and I'll randomly choose a winner on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Good luck!