The Mommy Survival Guide: Making the Most of the Mommy Years (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Love is a commitment. Motherhood may be the best job in the world but it is definitely not the easiest. Sleepless nights, hectic mornings, and activity packed evenings make mommyhood a 24-hours-a-day/7-days-a-week job. And even though patience and organization may be part of the job requirements, the implementation of these traits is often easier said than done. Most mommys are just looking for a way to survive. Barbara Curtis, well-known author and mother of twelve, understands first-hand the struggles and frustrations of motherhood and has spent 36 years fine tuning the key traits of this demanding job. In her new book, The Mommy Survival Guide, she shares mothering techniques that have proven effective for her large family and that are guaranteed to equip mommys with the tools they need to mother successfully. Providing practical, insightful advice on a variety of topics from sleep deprivation to encouraging and embracing individuality among children, she reminds mothers that the key to being a great mom is learning to put your children first-which will lead to a greater joy and satisfaction as you spend time with them. Filled with activities, recipes, inspirational quotes, and useful encouragement, The Mommy Survival Guide gives mothers the materials they need to not only survive the mommy years but to truly enjoy them-making happy memories with their children that will last a lifetime.

About the Author

Barbara Curtis is a writer and editor who has contributed to many publications including World magazine and Citizen magazine, a monthly publication of Focus on the Family. Barbara has been the recipient of three prestigious Amy Awards. Her books include Small Beginnings, Ready Set Read!, and No More Chore Wars. Barbara and her husband Tripp are the parents of twelve children, nine of whom still reside with them in Waterford, Virginia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834122804
• ISBN-13: 978-0834122802
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #871,458 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an encouraging book!, February 6, 2007

By	Granola Mom "Book Lovin' Momma" (St. Petersburg, FL USA) - See all my reviews

I was hooked before I finished reading the first chapter. I am a mom of four children and have often struggled with the adjustment it has been to go from three to four kids. I have also often looked at moms of many (5 and up) and wondered when it all came together for them. I figured that they had to have had a time in their lives where they struggled and wondered how to make things work smoothly in their homes.

In the first chapter of this book, Barbara so sweetly shares that she did not always have it together. She encouraged me by letting me know that she was not always very patient or organized. She shares that God has used her children to grow her and refine her and to bring her to where she is today. I felt so affirmed and encouraged by her words.

I honestly have not yet finished this book, but I know that it is one that I will return to over and over as I take this journey of mothering. I highly recommend it to any mother, new or not so new.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging and Helpful, February 6, 2007

By	L. Wiggins - See all my reviews

Motherhood is full of difficulties. We mommies have good days and not-so-good days. On the good days, I praise God and give myself a little pat on the back. However, it is on those not-so-good days that I need a friend to come along side to encourage me, help me find a solution, and/or offer some much-needed perspective on a situation. Barbara Curtis does just that in her latest "mommy" book, The Mommy Survival Guide: Making the Most of the Mommy Years (MSG).

Curtis writes as only a real mommy can. I connected with her from the opening page:
"Once upon a time I was a pretty normal mom. But that was before I ended up with 12 kids. When did I begin to change? Was it with Number 3? Number 4? Maybe Number 5? I don't know. For a while, with babies arriving every 15 to 20 months, it all became a blur. And yet at the same time it all became clear, as though I could finally see what was the important part of being a mommy. So many things I thought really mattered turned out not to matter at all. And so many things I hadn't thought of turned out to be the most important things of all."

MSG is divided into six sections:
* The sooner you surrender, the better.
* Kids will be kids--let them.
* A little bit of Mommy goes a long way.
* Less is more--really.
* When the going gets tough, just keep going.
* Anything can happen, but God will be there too.

One of my favorite aspects of Curtis' writing is her honesty regarding motherhood. Curtis understands its demands. She has struggled through relinquishing her rights in order to be a better mother. This makes MSG stand apart from other popular mommy books. Curtis never advocates taking a "mommy vacation." Rather, she is honest about the sacrifice and selflessness it takes to become a great mother with great kids. She shares a bit of her own journey in surrendering to motherhood. For example, she writes of how her frustrations diminished after she changed her attitudes regarding sleep. She explains, "So, yes, motherhood will change you--if you let it. And believe me, you do want to let it change you, because when you've refined the art of not thinking of yourself, you will very much like the person you become."

MSG is also incredibly practical. Curtis writes about those topics that weigh heavily on most mommies' minds: sibling rivalry, teaching self-control, television use, simplifying life, and much more. Each chapter has some nugget of wisdom or advice or a simple tip that a mommy can use. In addition to sharing her family's stories and experiences, the end of each chapter includes a list of ideas, fun stuff, things you need to know, or a helpful resource to check out. Not only is she a mother to 12, Curtis also homeschooled her children and is a trained Montessori instructor. She has years of experience from which she shares her thoughts on child training and teaching. She offers advice for saving time, having fun with the whole family, and helping kids through tough times, to name a few.

Ms. Curtis is also a born-again Christian who is not ashamed of the gospel. About midway through the book, Curtis shares her testimony and how she came to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. She shares how she gently guides her children to know Jesus. Scripture is sprinkled throughout the book. It is the last portion of the book, however, that Curtis shares how a Christian mommy can use the gospel every day. Curtis does not gloss over sin, but she offers hope to the mother who sins against her children. She encourages moms to apologize, ask God for forgiveness, and receive a fresh start. She writes, "Parenthood is really a matter between you and God anyway, because it's part of our stewardship. Our children are not our children but God's children given to us for a brief span to prepare them for the rest of their lives." On those days that we feel like failures or "bad" mommies, it is good to be reminded of the truths we already know and encouraged to go to Jesus.

I enjoyed reading this book. The chapters are relatively short--good for mommies who do not have tons of time for reading. MSG is interesting, encouraging, and helpful. I am happy to recommend this book to my mommy friends.
Learn more about Barbara Curtis (.....)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sanity and Inspiration, May 9, 2007

By	Leilani K (Riverside, CA) - See all my reviews

As a mother of a toddler and a brandnew baby, you know it's important when I've squeezed out a few minutes to review this book. This is my new favorite gift for baby showers. Not only did Barbara help me regain my sanity, she has also affirmed my motherhood, inspired me to be the best mother I can be, and given me a set of tools and a direction to go in. I also highly suggest the other books of hers I've read...Mommy Manual and Lord, Please Meet Me in the Laundry Room. I've been telling all my friends about these books. They are written by a very wise woman!