It's Okay to Take a Nap and Other Reassuring Truths for Mothers Everywhere

Debra Woods, whose debut book Mothering with Spiritual Power quickly became a favorite, has with this second book established a firm place in the mothering heart. Though her first book was perhaps geared mostly to an LDS audience, "It's Okay to Take A Nap" speaks to mother's everywhere. I say it is the best gift book because there is no side dish of guilt in this meal. This book is in so many ways a Balm of Gilead to a mother's mental health. Woods gives a funny, personal account and glimpses into her life and the mothering of her own five children. But above all, this book boosts a mother's feelings of self-worth and confidence. The prolific as well as the reluctant reader would enjoy it. At the size of a DVD case, I found it perfect to stick in my purse. Chapters are short and engaging -- ideal for a mother's pick-up-and-put-down-again reading style. Lighthearted subjects such as, exercise, wonderful mothering surprises and, my personal favorite, complete thoughts are addressed, along with weightier matters like how much our love matters, today is a gift and the importance of being kind to ourselves. Moms will recognize the scenarios and dilemmas described. Allow me to share two paragraphs. First from the chapter "You Really Can complete Thoughts While Raising Kids": Scene One: I'm in the kitchen making my family's favorite chocolate cake. My four-month-old is sitting in her stroller beside me. I finish mixing the cake and take one last look at the recipe to make sure I have included everything. Enter nine-year old daughter. "Mom, can I please have a friend over? Oh, please, please can she eat dinner with us? I haven't had anyone over since yesterday!" Listen to daughter, plan response, anticipate reaction, smile at now fussy baby, and pop cake into oven. Mission accomplished. Five minutes later, pull cake out of oven and attempt somewhat successfully to stir in forgotten baking soda. (page 59) This delightful little book ends each chapter with a list of Invitations & Inspirations, featuring a plethora of good ideas, book titles and other resources addressing the topic of the chapter, so it is not just a spirit-booster but a practical resource as well. Something that made an immediate impact on our family life since my reading the book comes from Woods' description of how important hellos and good-byes are in their family. I decided this was a simple yet powerful way to tie family members closer together in our own home. The book is full of little tidbits such as that. Which ones will stand out to you? There is only one way to find out.

We as Moms are reading books like these to give us some sanity to the fact that we are all trying to raise our children, in a good way, despite all that we have against us, right? Well I tell you you have found a book that will inspire you, will encourage you, and will lift you up to battle another day. It's not filled with stories of how our kids endlessly challenge our patience and do dumb things and we all just laugh, and don't fix it. I feel like I truely am trying to fix/change things not just deal with it. Yeah, for me!, Yeah! for the author!