I have a habit of reading several books at once. I’m not a fast reader, and because I’m taking care of my baby most of the day, the little time I have to read (at night) makes me an even slower reader. The books I’m reading right now are about parenting. I will write a full review in a separate post (when I have the time, and) if I recommend the book. Here are the books and why I chose them.
A Mother’s Heart: A Look at Values, Vision, and Character for the Christian Mother (Pilgrimage Growth Guide)
I’m currently on page 115 of this just under 200 page book. I found out about it last summer when we were traveling with our then-3.5 month old baby, visiting my husband’s friend’s family in Nashville. They have a well-behaved, kind, and thoughtful daughter (who was around 3 years old then). During our too-short but wonderful visit, I glimpsed into their world. They are not only awesome parents, but are also kind, thoughtful, and genuine people. I learned it’s not just a style or technique of parenting, but leading by example. The mom assured me she was not always this way. She had to learn and understand her role as a Christian mother, and understand that God chose her to be her child’s mother. As a Christian who could really revisit the faith, this book is something that’s really helping me understand just that. There are exercises and questions at the end of each chapter. I cracked open our bible for the first time the other day in a very long time. I have a long way to go, but I feel good knowing I’ve taken a step.
Your Self-Confident Baby: How to Encourage Your Child’s Natural Abilities — From the Very Start
and
Dear Parent: Caring for Infants With Respect (2nd Edition)
I haven’t started either one of these books yet. They are both by Magda Gerber, who founded the RIE Center in Los Angeles. I did a Google search last week for “parenting styles” and Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE®) was the first thing that showed up. The very next day I read an article about RIE in Vanity Fair which seemed unbelievable and amazing at the same time. Not ready to dive in and pay the $30 for orientation night at the RIE Center on Melrose, I opted to put holds on the books at my local Los Angeles Public Library branch. MAYBE if I feel aligned with the teachings I’ll move forward, but for now, this will have to do. Can’t wait to read these!
More to come!
