12 Great Choices Smart Moms Make

From the first chapter, I knew this was a book all moms needed to read. By addressing real life issues and using stories of real life women, Robin Chaddock gives us permission to be ourselves, and yet encourages us to grow as mothers (and in my case, grandmothers). I especially appreciated her challenge to laugh more, play more, forgive, and bring out the best in our children. She reminded me that as long as I live, I will be making choices that affect others. By following the guidance found in this book, my choices will more likely be the right ones.

Sometimes in reading a book you come across some unexpected "aha" moments. I did when I read this book's chapter called "Give Yourself a Break" and worked through the discussion about negative attitudes or destructive attitudes. The "aha" came when Robin called these "toxic cookies." I spoiled my kids by baking hundreds (thousands?) of healthy real cookies, but the analogy of emotional "bad cookies" clicked. Expect such insights as you read this book by a "life coach" with training in psychology, theology, and organizational management, Robin has picked vital focus areas as the "smart choices." These cover such areas as healthy thinking patterns, release of negatives, gratitude, celebrating one's uniqueness, calling out the best in children, practicing self-care, listening skills, joy and laughter, overcoming "shoulda" thinking, touching, girlfriend connections, and decision-making. Prepare to search your heart on many dimensions of mothering as you work through these areas. Consider it as well for a group study (each chapter ends with discussion questions).