Mommy Manual, The: Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings [Paperback]

Barbara Curtis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

The Mommy Manual is an encouraging book that will give moms the tools they need to plant a firm foundation from which to raise spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy children. Barbara Curtis teaches readers six essential keys to successful parenting, including how to - help little ones develop gratitude, respect, and generosity - teach children how to "play nice" and find contentment in everyday routines; and - help kids establish self-confidence Loaded with been-there empathy, personal stories, helpful sidebars, and practical advice, this book is ideal for moms looking for helpful ways to raise happy, confident kids.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Your minivan's on empty-and so are you. Now what? The Mommy Manual gives you an encouraging dose of inspiration and practical know-how that will help you succeed as a mom. Inside, you'll discover ten essential keys to raising happy, confident kids. Author Barbara Curtis, a mother of twelve, draws on decades of parenting experience to teach you how to - recognize your children's potential as well as their unique, God-given gifts - create an inviting, loving environment in your home with traditions and rituals - teach teamwork, drive, and self-discipline - motivate your children to grow in respect, generosity, thankfulness, and other godly traits - find joy and contentment in your everyday routine Loaded with been-there empathy, The Mommy Manual delivers real-life stories and proven, power-packed advice. Whether you have a single tiny tot or a growing brood, you'll discover how to nourish joyfulness, graciousness, and confidence in your family-starting now! "A practical, personal guide for mothers of all ages and stages, packed with countless how-tos and (how-not-tos) for raising loving, responsible, godly children."-Karen Ehman, speaker, Hearts at Home; coauthor, Homespun Memories for the Heart

About the Author

Barbara Curtis is a speaker for MOPS and an editor for the Focus on the Family newsletter. The author of four books and mother of twelve children, she just received the Congressional Angel in Adoption Award. Barbara and her husband live in Waterford, Virginia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800759826
• ISBN-13: 978-0800759827
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Back in the 70's, when I took my training as a Montessori teacher, I never dreamed someday I would be mother to 12. But here I am - and alive to tell about it too!

My life took many a tangent before it settled where it is now. From Washington DC antiwar activist/radical feminist to San Francisco drug addict/ welfare mother. In 1980 I began to see the light, cleaned up my act and tried to become the mother my two daughters - Samantha Sunshine and Jasmine Moondance - needed. In 1983, I married a fellow seeker. We meditated daily and searched relentlessly for the truth. We began building an award-winning tree care business in California. In addition we began having babies every 18 months. By the time we found Christ in 1987, we had five - the two girls, plus Joshua, Matthew, and Benjamin.

Some things changed - our politics, for instance - while some remained the same, like new babies on a regular basis. I homeschooled our children for 10 years, putting into practice all I knew of Montessori. In 1995 I began writing - in the beginning to share with other moms how to incorporate Montessori principles into their daily lives and to find more joy in raising their children.

I have since published over 1200 articles and 9 books. And for the past five years I have written extensively at my blog www.MommyLife.net where my goal is to unburden, enlighten, encourage, and empower moms to find joy in their role as mothers while staying informed about the world we live in..

Today, Samantha and Jasmine are married - each with six children of their own. Two sons are married - one a contractor and one an aspiring opera singer. Two are single - an actor and a soon-to-be marine OCS candidate. One daughter is in college. This leaves my husband Tripp and me at home with 5 - our famous daughter Maddy (seen on American Idol) and 4 sons with Down syndrome - three of whom were adopted.

I am in the unique position of having raised two full generations of kids - so I write from a position not just of "been there, done that" but also "still here, still doing this."

Eight years ago, I returned to northern Virginia with 23 native Californians. Who says you can never go home again?

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for non-Christians as well, February 1, 2006

By 

Gen of North Coast Gardening (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mommy Manual, The: Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings (Paperback)

I am a non-Christian, but picked up this book after reading Barbara's blog, Mommylife.net, because her writing style is so accessible and her tips are so practical.

This isn't a book that will make you feel like a failure or like you couldn't possibly live up to the standards in the book. She gives simple and practical tips and exercises to do either by yourself or with your child to encourage a spirit of helpfulness and joy in learning, work, and play.

I don't have kids yet, and I bought this book as a way of preparing myself for the challenges ahead and as a way of understanding my small relatives and their development. I found a lot of practical tips to help me feel prepared for living with children and structuring my home and life so that they feel welcomed and important.

One tip I liked was about practicing mindful movement, so toddlers can see us focusing on a task and can learn to emulate our concentration as they build their coordination and learn to perform new tasks. There are fun exercises for young ones to do to develop their focus.

I also liked Barbara's suggestions on making the home a hospitable place for our young ones. She describes the home from a child's perspective, and shows us ways of making them feel welcome and important by making a few simple changes to our decorating/ organizing strategies and by using stepstools or other tools to allow them to be a vital and engaged member of the family.

Barbara speaks often about God and about what a wonderful and important job motherhood is, so if the G-word puts you off then this may not be the book for you. But I felt that the philosophies of joyful respect for motherhood, and the ideas of mothering purposefully and helping your young one develop a sense of satisfaction in helping others, were really helpful and positive for Christians and non-Christians alike.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Gem! A Must-Read for Mommies, September 23, 2005

By 

J "I go down for TULIP" (Brea, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mommy Manual, The: Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings (Paperback)

Barbara Curtis has really struck a chord with me. Her writing is heartfelt and genuine without any of the sappiness that usually accompanies Christian authors when they talk about parenting. She offers a wonderful blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice to illustrate the points she makes in her book. I feel like I have been allowed into her home for a glimpse of what mothering twelve children actually looks like. She is not ashamed of her past and she is ready and willing to admit her mistakes and what she has learned from them.

Based on her teaching in the Montessori method of education, she gives several suggestions as to how to better know children. By getting down on the level of one's child and seeing the world through their eyes, we are able to better facilitate opportunities for them to learn and grow. While she uses Montessori as a sort of framework, she fills in the "gaps" with practical lessons and examples from her own family life to illustrate her points. Although I doubt she would give herself this label, I would suggest that Mrs. Curtis practices "grace-based parenting" and her ideas are totally consistent with attachment parenting.

My son is 9 months old and lately, I've been mourning his infancy. Its gone by so fast! After reading Mrs. Curtis' book, I am absolutely thrilled at the wonderful work that is to come. I can't wait to use what I have learned from this book. I can start even now. After reading this book, I find myself more excited by the plethora of opportunities I will have each day to teach my son, to help him feel secure in this big world, and to create a joyful, loyal, and memorable home-life. This is a newfound excitement and I am grateful to Mrs. Curtis for her willingness to share her wisdom and wit with us all.

Its a great read as well... it almost reads like a novel in that I didn't want to put it down. However, the sections are short enough that its easy to read with a little one crawling around.

Pick it up. You won't regret it and it will totally bless your life.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for Mommies, August 10, 2005

By 

Shannon Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mommy Manual, The: Planting Roots That Give Your Children Wings (Paperback)

This is one of those books that, once you read it, you just can't help talking about it.
It's fabulous. I was thrilled with the whole thing - start to finish.
Barbara draws on her experience as a mom (and she has a lot of experience! - 12 kids!) to teach mommies all about building up your children and your family. I got so many great ideas for creating traditions and discipline. She talks a good bit about uncovering the potential God put in each of our children, too, and that's such an important thing for me to keep in mind when my little ones are causing me to pull my hair out:) She also includes a great list of children's books to read aloud - one of our favorite traditions - and a list of really good family night movies. I think Christian mommies have an especially hard time finding books and movies for our kids because in addition to wanting quality, we also want something that reinforces the values we want to pass on. This list was really helpful for me.
The greatest thing about this book is just how real it is. I'm always on the lookout for a "Titus 2 Woman" to sit down and chat with - about raising godly children, about what I need to be doing now so they'll be responsible, loving adults later. There aren't many women around who are willing to sit down with you and say "this is what I did and my kids turned out pretty great." It's just a great practical and inspirational book and Barbara is a great writer. I recommend it whole-heartedly!