Read an Excerpt
Elf-help for Busy Moms
By Molly Wigand, R. W. Alley Abbey Press
Copyright © 1998 Molly Wigand
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4976-7869-9
CHAPTER 1
1.
Be patient with yourself while you become the best mother you can be. Parenting is a skill learned one experience at a time.
2.
Affirm the right of every mom (including you!) to make the choices that are right for her. Good mothers can be found in the office and at the park. We're all in this together!
3.
Ignore critical parenting advice from "well-meaning" outsiders. Trust your instincts about what's right for you and your family. Only you can see and respond to the complete picture of your children's needs.
4.
Resist the urge to compare yourself to other mothers. God gave this family to you (and you to them) for a special reason. You have everything you need to be a loving, caring mom.
5.
Laugh with your children. Savor their sweet perspective. Teach, through your own example, the energizing power of humor in a family's life.
6.
Make a point of giving (and receiving) more hugs, kisses, pats, and strokes. Look for new, simple ways to show love, acceptance, and encouragement. Kids need touch. (Moms do, too!)
7.
Allow your children the freedom to be different from you. Listen to their opinions and observations with open-mindedness and respect. Try to view their emerging independence not as a threat, but as a tribute to your parenting.
8.
Choose your battles. Expect resistance and rebellion as a child gains confidence and autonomy. Unless your child's safety is at stake, relax your need to control every action and outcome.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Elf-help for Busy Moms by Molly Wigand, R. W. Alley. Copyright © 1998 Molly Wigand. Excerpted by permission of Abbey Press.
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