The Power of Mother Love: Transforming Both Mother and Child [Hardcover]

Brenda Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Many women--especially the mothers of young children--feel their role as "just a mother" is undervalued today. This book highlights the incredible--although sometimes unrealized--influence that a mother has on her children and her society.

After decades of scientific and psychological study, there is overwhelming evidence that "mother love" has an enormous, permanent impact in shaping the character and life of a child. As both a psychologist and a Christian, Brenda Hunter presents a convincing argument that this loves is even more powerful and far-reaching than our culture has yet realized. And the impact of this powerful love impacts not only the child, but the mother herself and the society as a whole.

Hunter affirms the immeasurable value of the mothering role from a Christian perspective while realistically addressing women's greatest questions and concerns. Hunter clearly reveals how mother love positively affects the way a woman defines herself.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Many women--especially the mothers of young children--feel their role as "just a mother" is undervalued today. This book highlights the incredible--although sometimes unrealized--influence that a mother has on her children and her society.

After decades of scientific and psychological study, there is overwhelming evidence that "mother love" has an enormous, permanent impact in shaping the character and life of a child. As both a psychologist and a Christian, Brenda Hunter presents a convincing argument that this loves is even more powerful and far-reaching than our culture has yet realized. And the impact of this powerful love impacts not only the child, but the mother herself and the society as a whole.

Hunter affirms the immeasurable value of the mothering role from a Christian perspective while realistically addressing women's greatest questions and concerns. Hunter clearly reveals how mother love positively affects the way a woman defines herself.

About the Author

Today, following decades of scientific and psychological study, there is overwhelming evidence that “mother love” does forever shape the life of a child. In her compelling new work, however, author and psychologist Brenda Hunter presents a convincing argument that indicates this love is even more powerful, even more far-reaching than our culture has yet realized–not only for the child, but for the mother.

Affirming the immeasurable value of the mothering role while realistically addressing women’s greatest questions and concerns, Hunter clearly reveals how mother love positively affects the way a woman defines herself. All mothers, and all those who care about the lives of women, children, and the future of our society will be dramatically impacted by this not-to-be-missed book, skillfully written to empower women to mother from the heart.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578560012
• ISBN-13: 978-1578560011
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,428,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful reflection of what it means to be a mom, June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Power of Mother Love: Strengthening the Bond Between You and Your Child (Paperback)

Awesome book! I cherished each page because it encouraged me in the decision I have made to make raising my children the focus of my life. It is a privelege and an honor to mold a precious life. No job could give such fulfillment as the job of being #1 in the life of my child. This book reaffirms our instinct that our children need us in the big and the small events in their lives. They need us to be available and attentive to their daily emotional needs. Nothing can replace a mother's love!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Provides affirmation and encouragement for all mothers., August 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Power of Mother Love: Transforming Both Mother and Child (Hardcover)

This is an enlightening book about how important we mothers are in our children's lives. It teaches us that we need to stand back and observe and enjoy each and every moment we have with our children, for we never know what tomorrow will bring. It helps mothers realize they can only do their best and not expect themselves to be perfect. I think it also is a great testament that, however difficult it may be to work out, mothers need to stay home with their children!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even a Man can benefit from this book, February 9, 2006

By 

Tikki (Somewhere in the West Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Power of Mother Love: Transforming Both Mother and Child (Hardcover)

As a father of four, student of child development, a social-worker and educator I must say that I have found few books that have been written with such tenderness on the topic of (call it) mother love, attachment-bonding, and early relationships as this. I am an admirer of Mary Ainsworth & John Bowlby's work on attachment. Much of their written material is cut and dry clinical style material. Brenda Hunter brings the message home in a way that you can relate it to your personal life. Theistic or not, there is enough material inside that will make its reading enjoyable. (Bowlby and Stanley Greenspan often make mention of evolution and/or Darwinism which I care nothing for but still found their material compelling).
As a man I was reminded of the importance and need for my sensitivity toward my wife as she was pregnant, in delivery and beyond. I understood the importance of why she needed to be mothered after her pregnancy, the cause & effects of past relationships and how my support would enable her to be a sensitive parent, creating in turn (for our babies) secure attachments. She spends time toward the end of the book discussing empathy and how it's disappearance from the current generation could have profound effects on society. How can you cultivate it from birth? Brenda is a strong believer that meeting a childs NEEDS is so very important in enabling them to empathize with others. Its seems like a no brainer but damaged emotions from early relationships lead to repeated patterns toward our/their own children. Breaking the cycle is easier said than done.
When I passed this book on to my female cohorts... they all cried! That wasn't my response, but it goes to show the power of Brenda Hunters message.
This is truely a must read (and yes, even for men).