Grumpy Mom Takes A Holiday by Valerie Woerner // Book Review

I am not a mother so one might wonder why I am reading this book. There are two reasons:
1 - I like reading things before I need them. I read marriage books and I'm not married so why not read a book about motherhood?
2 - Phylicia Masonheimer talked about this book and how amazing it was and I thought, "I should read this so that I know if I can feel good about recommending it to moms".

I assumed I would like it. Phylicia has a good track record of recommendations. However, my recommendation reflects me. If someone is doing something because I say it would be good, I want to have experienced for myself. So, I read the book and it was FANTASTIC!!!

Valerie has a purpose for this book - to reframe motherhood and combat the cultural stereotype. She believes that kids don't have to ruin your life. You can sleep, shower, enjoy life, work, spend time with friends, etc. She advocates prioritizing your marriage, incorporating your kids into your daily life, and taking time for yourself without guilt.

If I had to summarize this book, it would be that you cannot be a good mom to your kids if you make them the center of your world. Grumpy Mom comes because you think your kids are the center of your world, but you don't want them to be, so they become inconveniences to you. Your relationship with God, with your husband, with friends, time for yourself - these things are important and when they are cared for and nourished, you are able to be a better mom for your kids.

Reader or not, I hope every mom picks up this book. It might take you a long time and you might only be able to read in five-minute increments, but this book will encourage you. Valerie is open and honest. She admits to her own struggles with perfectionism and mom-guilt. As I've already said, I'm not a mom but I found so much to be relatable and helpful in this book! There are things I can work on now in preparation for being a mom one day.

Each chapter ends with some action steps. It might be to simply stop and be thankful or it might be a little bit more involved. There is also a heartfelt prayer. These prayers include confession, thanksgiving, and asking for His help. I loved them!

I thought it was fun that she quoted and referenced so many books and people I've read and follow. I've got to read Emotionally Healthy Spirituality! When she's talking about slowing down and being present, she references Shauna Neiquist's Present Over Perfect. I'll just put in my two cents - if you want a book about being present (this one has plenty on it but still), read Lysa TerKeurst's The Best Yes. They are on the same topic but Lysa's doesn't have some questionable theology. That's obviously my opinion, but if you are someone to whom orthodox theology is important, then you might prefer TerKeurst.

The only other thing that bothered me was when she brought up Genesis 3 and the curses. We talked about this today in Sunday School and what I had been taught my whole life was that Adam and Eve were cursed. Go read Genesis 3. See what it says are cursed. Then listen to this podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Very eye-opening to me. Just something that is not taught and has been accidentally twisted. I just like to share this when and where I can.

I think this would be a great gift to expecting moms or even experienced moms who you think might really need this message. Sometimes we can want to change but not know how or where to start. Valerie will help you start.