My Favorite Books on Motherhood
I don’t remember when I read my first book on motherhood, but I do remember thinking, “I don’t need this yet. My daughter is still too young.” Fast forward not too many years later and I remember thinking, “I wish this had been the book I read when they were babies.” Books are like that. Some you wish you’d read years earlier and had incorporated their nuggets of wisdom. You wonder how life and parenting might have been different. Others you pick up and think, “Oh, I won’t need that for a long time.” My FAVORITE books on motherhood are the ones that don’t really leave you with either of those impressions. They inspire you in whatever season of parenting you are in, that TODAY you still have impact and purpose in the lives of your children. This is my list of books that I’ve come back to again and again because they do just that.
Adventuring Together by Greta Eskridge
Greta Eskridge is one of my favorite moms in the homeschool world that talks about this idea of adventuring with your kids. She started doing weekly adventures when her four kids where little, but my favorite part? She’s still doing them with her teens! This book will inspire you to think beyond the walls of your own home to where YOU live (even if it’s not the mountains or beach!)
Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt
If you want a “handbook” of ideas on how you can make memories and traditions as a family, this is it. Jessica Smartt will make you laugh page after page and think, “Hey, we could do that as a family!” She gives suggestions for every holiday (and more), ways to incorporate monthly and weekly traditions as a family, and why this idea of tradition even matters.
Let Them be Kids by Jessica Smartt
If you’re like me and you struggle with wondering how many activities to put your kids into and how childhood should be spent, this book is for you.
M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt
Abbie might be a homeschool mama to 10, but I promise you don’t need to be either of those to enjoy this book. Her wisdom is sound, practical, and down to earth. This book challenged the way I thought about many of the mundane tasks in my home and the attitudes I have towards my children and motherhood. Abbie is the voice our culture greatly needs right now towards children and the home.
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
Sally Clarkson is one of my absolute favorite authors. This is the book I probably come back to the most of any on this list. If there’s one author I could have a cup of coffee with, it would be Sally.
Discipline that Connects with your Child’s Heart by Jim & Lynn Jackson
Hands down, the best book I’ve ever read on parenting and discipline. While most books will give you a lot of “theory”, this is the first book I’ve ever seen that offers you wisdom on what to actually say and how to respond to the many different behaviors and scenarios you may encounter as a parent.
The Read a Loud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
This was the book that transformed the course of how I spent my parenting time forever. I knew the important of reading to my kids, but it wasn’t until I read this book that I actually changed a large part of our lives to revolve around reading. Sarah Mackenzie inspires our monthly picture book lists from the library and her adult book suggestions have always been a favorite. This is a book to read again every few years!
Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
If you’re looking for a deep, rich, theological book to inspire your spiritual journey as a mother, Gloria Furman is your go-to author. She never disappoints in pointing your eyes to the glories of the gospel.
For In-Laws
Looking for some ideas for your mom or mother-in-law?
Here’s my top 3!
Making Room for Her by Barbara & Stacy Reaoch
Aging with Grace by Susan Hunt
Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simmons
Little Roots Co. 