MOMumental: Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family

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A special prize for new moms to be revealed on May May 08, Linda Walters rated it really liked it. What a charming, warm, human look at Parenthood. But if you decide to skip over it because its not; what a shame, you will miss out on the real deal of raising families. Coming from a family of divorce she decided early on what her perfect mother role would look like, using what she missed as things her children would not.

Then reality began to hit; that no matter how she tried to control it, things What a charming, warm, human look at Parenthood. Then reality began to hit; that no matter how she tried to control it, things just weren't going to work out as planned. Because like her sub -title tells you: I really love her wit, her openness and her free style of writing. As a mother of 4 grown children, it would have been nice to have a "friend" like her close by to reassure me that one small mistake in child rearing hadn't "scarred" my children for life.

She could have saved me lots of agony and self-condemnation if I'd know that these things happen raising children and its normal. Jun 07, Anna rated it really liked it. I very much enjoyed this book. We live in a culture that puts unfair pressure on moms to do everything exactly right - or we as moms put that pressure on ourselves.

We grow up with our own ideas of family and parenthood, how it's supposed to be, how we want ours to be, how our kids and our house is always going to be perfect, etc. And then, when it doesn't happen that way, we think we're failures. Sharing stories from her own background and family life, Jennifer Grant shows in a very real way tha I very much enjoyed this book.

Sharing stories from her own background and family life, Jennifer Grant shows in a very real way that being a mom is never what you might expect - and that's OK. No mom is perfect, and what matters is what we do most of the time and learning to relax and connect with, accept, cherish and enjoy our kids. My kids are pretty much grown now, but I can always stand to be reminded that things are never going to be perfect. Actually, I'm reminded of that often, what I need is to be reminded that imperfection isn't always a bad thing. For moms with babies and young children, I would definitely recommend this book.

It's not a how-to kind of parenting book that will teach you how to be a great mom, but it is a book that will leave moms with the knowledge that they are not alone. Other moms have gone through and done the same things - and their kids turned out OK. Apr 09, IrenesBookReviews rated it really liked it.

Overall this was an entertaining book about being a mom.

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The author, Jennifer Grant, uses her personal experiences to reiterate a principle she is trying to get across to moms. From learning when to step in if the kids are fighting to remembering they are just kids and not to expect them to be more mature then they are, each chapter highlights an incident most moms will encounter. The best principle to take away from this book is to stop judging yourself so harshly. I also liked how she talked ab Overall this was an entertaining book about being a mom.

I also liked how she talked about not being so judgmental of other moms! The author shows that learning to give yourself and others a break will help you be a better mom. There were just too many personal stories. I think the book would be more enjoyable with less of the personal experiences. That said she is a good writer and you will learn valuable lessons from the book. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Jun 21, K. Jennifer Grant is a gifted, thoughtful writer. Her prose shines, as does her personality in this lovely book. Although she offers wise, gentle advice, it's more a parenting memoir than how-to book. Through well-crafted stories, she shows, rather than tells, what it looks like to parent intentionally. What is a good parent? Momumental was so encouraging to me as a mom. Jennifer writes honestly about her own mistakes, her own perfectionism, and how her own family of origin impacted her. She also tells beautiful stories about her family that made me laugh and cry.

I also love reading this author's blog at http: Dec 25, Katherine Pershey rated it it was amazing.

A wonderful book of gentle wisdom and humor. It wasn't what I expected it to be from the title and cover, neither of which are quite my aesthetic.

I love the way Jennifer Grant tells stories - a little bit wry and self-deprecating, but not in an acerbic way at all. She meanders a bit, but in the best possible way, weaving everything back together again but not with overly tidy edges. I learned far more from this book than the traditional parenting books with chipper advice and impossible promise A wonderful book of gentle wisdom and humor.

I learned far more from this book than the traditional parenting books with chipper advice and impossible promises. I'm very excited that Jennifer will be one of the speakers at our women's retreat this spring! Mar 31, Margot Starbuck rated it it was amazing. I love Jennifer Grant's voice. It's warm, wise, observant, funny. If you're a parent, get your hands on this book.

May 30, Coyle rated it liked it. Despite reading this whole book from cover to cover, I can honestly say that Jennifer Grant has not made me want to be a mother. Of course, I'm hardly the targeted demographic for this kind of a book. I'm not a parent, not a suburbanite, and not even a chick. But, it was free on the condition that I write a review- not necessarily a good one , and I'm a sucker for free books.

This book is not Despite reading this whole book from cover to cover, I can honestly say that Jennifer Grant has not made me want to be a mother. This book is not so much a coherent narrative as it is a series of vignettes on being a mother. There's a loose theme in that Grant relates her transformation from a neurotic new mother with a desire to be the perfect mom a desire that borders on some kind of disorder into a much more laid-back mother who loves her kids but sets general patterns of good parenting, rather than striving to be perfect all the time.

But again, that's only a loose theme. By and large the book is just a series of stories from Grant's life as a mother. Grant is a clear and engaging writer. Which makes sense, given that she does it professionally for her local paper, for the Chicago Tribune , and for Christianity Today. Her stories are well written and enjoyable to read- I think I knocked to book out in about three hours without too much effort.

In a sense, this book reminds me a lot of the James Herriot novels not that she's quite that caliber a writer in that she takes what is clearly a trying, messy, and grey-hair-inducing job and talks about it in a way that is simply delightful. Moreover, most of the points she makes seem to be good ones, at least as far as I know: So take my endorsement of the practical wisdom contained in this book with a grain of salt and a pinch of oregano. The few references to religious belief are either elevations of common grace to where it is central see the last point below for more on that or the kind of ecumenism that goes beyond agreement on non-essentials between Christians and becomes accepting doctrines that embrace false gospels.

I won't give examples because, again, that's not really the point of the book and it should not be held to the standard of a theological text. Or does it carry some kind of actual and substantial faith and the doctrine of atonement that saves? The answer to that question not found in the book is the difference between a book on mothering that gives good tips and a book on mothering that is useful in a broader sense to Christians One character noticeable primarily by his absence is the father.

Again, just as this is not a book about theology, so it is also not a book about fathering. So this is not a strong criticism. These questions are not so much about him as a father as they are about her as a writer. It's like writing a book about being a wife but never talking about the husband. The good news is, I'm making the rare suggestion that this book be made longer to correct this problem The biggest concern I've got -and again, this is likely just because of the nature of the book- is that Grant has elevated her family into an object of worship.

She uses language that makes this explicit throughout, but this is especially clear in her comparisons of family dinner to Jewish Seder meals or Christian communion. Of course there are parallels , but only parallels, not direct connections. The family is a good thing. Again, this isn't to say that I think Grant is guilty of sinning or anything like that, I think it's more that the nature of her book necessarily elevates the family and that her choice of language pushes that elevation a little farther than appropriate.

Speaking about the family as a good thing need not and should not become speaking about the family as a holy thing. Such language, for Christians, should be reserved for Christ and the church Overall, this was an interesting and worthwhile read, though only to those interested in the nuts and bolts of motherhood. I received this book free from the publisher. I was not in any way induced to write a favorable review. Nov 09, Ruth Ann rated it it was amazing Shelves: I liked all of this book, cover to cover, but Chapter 8, "On the Bwight Side", was my favorite.

When I finished this book, I immediately ordered multiple copies to give to friends and family. A true gem - it will make you smile, nod in recognition, warm your heart, and encourage you. Grant doesn't "preach" but she sure shares wisdom through her stories, and I found myself reflecting on the most important aspects of being a Mother. Feb 05, Heather rated it really liked it. For the most part, I enjoyed this book. There were a few times that I thought the author was a bit over the top and had a "holier than thou' attitude, but mostly, I liked reading it and she gave some great advice some of which I hope to use.

She also told some rather funny stories like when she pretended to be sick so her doctor kids could treat her just so she could have a chance to take a little rest I believe I'm guilty of that as well ever since Ella got that doctor kit for Christmas. She For the most part, I enjoyed this book. She talked about what it is like being a mom in this day and age and how some of us take things a little too seriously. For example, if my kids tell me a little lie now, we think that they are going to be habitual liars when they grow up.

Or on the flip side, if they enjoy playing doctor, they are going to grow up to be a doctor. We can't completely rely on that to determine what their future will be like, and for new parents that is something to remember.

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She shares that through her own experiences that what the kids are like when they are little doesn't necessarily mean how they are going to be when they are teenagers or beyond. All of us do this, don't we? I know I do. However, this can be good thing - it is good to learn from them what they are interested in so that they grow an interest in learning and reading! Also, none of us are perfect mothers and yet, we judge other mothers on their faults. We give mothers titles such as "Slacker Mom" or "Helicopter Mom" when maybe we just caught that mom in a moment of weakness or exhaustion.

One thing that she mentioned that got to me was when she described how she thought she scarred her child for life and lost his trust with ripping off a sticker from his shirt - I have felt that way before when my exhaustion got to me and I yelled at the kids for no reason. I apologized later and hoped that they still loved me turns out that they seem to. I liked what her son said - what matters is how you are with them most of the time - that is what they'll remember.

I'd like to think that most of the time I'm a somewhat decent mom. This author does rely a lot on her faith so that is a huge part in her book and how she raises her kids. As a Christian myself, I know I want my kids to learn all about God and Jesus and all of the other religions too to be able to grow their faith and decide for themselves what they want to believe. She describes in her book how one of her kids has a crisis in his faith and what helps him get through it is his mom and the "village" that help raise that child. She mentions the importance of friends for the parents so that the children can grow close to other adults and perhaps, feel like that they can go to that adult in moments of crisis or moments of great joy.

Anyway, I definitely would recommend this book to parents! Dec 07, Harold Cameron rated it it was amazing. A longtime former writer for the Chicago Sun-Times and now a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, Jennifer Grant is no stranger to the common reader. MOMumental is a foray into the enormously amusing, creative, and taxing process of raising a family and a starkly honest memoir that mothers everywhere can identi "Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family" "One mom's humorous and candid memoir shows would-be supermoms how to create a realistically balanced family life without losing their minds.

MOMumental is a foray into the enormously amusing, creative, and taxing process of raising a family and a starkly honest memoir that mothers everywhere can identify with. With narrative that is chock-full of humorous, poignant stories drawn from her everyday adventures as a mother and wife, Grant presents an entertaining and inspirational book that will give readers uncommon insights about being an intentional parent. For more than a decade she wrote for papers in the Sun-Times newsgroup. Currently she freelances for the Chicago Tribune and is a regular contributor to her.

She lives outside of Chicago, IL. My Thoughts About the Book: MOMumental is a book from a mom, of 4 children , who has been there and back and there again in the sometimes frustrating, never boring, always challenging but yet blessed world of parenting. Her book is humorous, realistic and practical.

I recommend this book highly for would be Christian moms or Christian moms who are there now and trying to figure out how to make sense out of it all, remain sane and raise children that will be a blessing to her in future years. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from Worthy Publishing Company for review and promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Mar 19, Mercedes Cordero rated it liked it Shelves: First of all, what's great —no, wonderful— about this book: The book begins by confirming the fact that we, as mothers, all go through the same things: It is a great bo First of all, what's great —no, wonderful— about this book: It is a great book that offers solidarity and hope.

That just because your toddler laughs when somebody falls down doesn't mean he or she will grow up to be an insensitive adult, or just because your toddler lies to you today doesn't mean he or she will grow up to be a pathological liar. You've probably heard it before, but in this book you will see proof of it, great examples, stories, that will definitely put your mind at ease. It's like talking to a good friend, sharing your doubts and worries with a friend who has gone through it and can offer you advice.

However, I thought that, although the book was certainly funny at times, it wasn't as funny as the author and her editors thought it would be. You know how it is when you tell a cute, funny story about your kid only to realize midway through that maybe it was funny to you because it's your kid? Or that maybe you had to be there to really "get it"? That's exactly how I felt when reading some of her stories. Sometimes it felt like walking in on an inside joke.

Also, I thought it was too long, a few chapters too long, which made it repetitive. But all in all, it is a good parenting book, with good advice and personal stories. I did not agree with quite a few things, but those things and approaches I agreed with will be put to the test with my son soon enough. Jul 01, Ruth Hill rated it it was amazing. When I come across a good parenting book, I am instantly mesmerized.

Mothering is a MOMumental Task: An interview with author Jennifer Grant

Add a Christian perspective to it, and I am definitely hooked. Jennifer Grant has written a book that is definitely all that and more. Over my years as a mother, I have read several "mother" books, but this is probably one of the best I have ever read. It is practical, humorous, and above all, non-condemning! Hmmm…hard to describe a typical one, but generally speaking, from about 6: From about 9 — 2: We then gather together for dinner together when my husband is home from work and talk about the day and reconnect again. Of course now that softball season is in full swing — and both of my girls play — and my sons are playing soccer and lacrosse, some nights are about watching them play sports.

I have embraced a much more realistic view of what I can do as a parent than I had when I first became a mother.

MOMumental: Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family

Some of my guidelines include:. What are our individual gifts and perspectives? You wrote that you try to allow your kids to work out their fights or disagreements. Why do you think this is important? I have many times sent two of my kids into the basement to talk out their differences. Sometimes just sitting on the steps glowering at each other makes them laugh and diffuses the situation. Sometimes they need help to work things out. I try to model, with my husband, what constructive arguments look like. We let the kids see us work out disagreements such as scheduling conflicts and other matters like that in a respectful way.

Are there any favorite verses that you take out when overwhelmed by the task of motherhood? Children are a gift from God. I think one of the hardest parts of mommy-hood is that I had no idea how much of me it would take. What would you say to women to prepare them for this time? One thing I like to remind women who are about to become mothers is that there are some things we can control that can help us navigate this time.

Choose healthy, trusting and trustworthy friends. Be honest and vulnerable with them. We do much, much better when we do this parenting thing in community.

How would you cast a vision for what God is doing in the midst of vomit, diaper changes, fights, lack of sleep, etc.? I love the Mother Teresa quote about how perhaps we cannot do great things, but we can do small things with great love. Being a mom is certainly about doing small things with great love.

I remember two years ago when the flu was going around my house sitting on the floor of the bathroom with my then 10 year old daughter in my lap. We were sitting on a mound of towels, she was weary from being sick and every so often she would vomit. Although it was a scene fit for a horror movie in that bathroom, I felt such deep love and compassion for her and honestly actually felt privileged to be able to give her comfort and care when she was so ill. She later thanked me and said that she was too tired to say anything at the time, but she could actually feel my love for her through my arms as I held her.

This meant the world to me. I think mothering — maybe especially when kids are sick or in a tricky stage or otherwise not at their best — gives us an opportunity to become less selfish as we communicate our great love to them.

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