Mama Rocks

I am often asked for child rearing advice.  Being that I have a larger than normal number of children, and they usually behave in public - saving alllll the bad for home - people ask my secret.

I have no secret.  I am just strict.

There, I've said it.  My "secret" is out.

When I read Mama Rocks Rules, I felt as if I'd read a book written by a kindred spirit.  Mama Rock, mother of comedian Chris Rock, has raised 17 children, including foster and birth children.  SEVENTEEN.  She's on par with Michelle Duggar, but with Mama Rock, I feel no disdain, no superiority - just a good, honest account of raising kids in a God fearing respectful way.

And Respect is the key in this book.  Mama Rock was respected by her children, and equally important, she respected them back. The title of Chapter 1 - "I am your Mama, not your friend" - I say that all the time. Many, many parents need to know that. 

One thing that we have in common is a desire to be a good reading role model.  I, too, read the paper on a daily basis and subscribe to multitudes of magazines.  Mama Rock (I get such a kick out of calling her that!) is spot on.  Kids MUST see you reading - reading everything you can get your hands on. 

From You are who you are with, to Shame is a dirty word too, reading this book was a breath of fresh air in an other wise stagnant pond of mothering platitudes.  I'm so TIRED of reading books that make me feel inadequate - thankfully, this isn't one of them.

Everyone should read this book.  Everyone.  Especially for the biscuit recipe.

Many, many thanks to the lovely ladies at The Parent Bloggers Network for allowing me to review this book.

Comments

[Headless Mom]

Sounds like my kind of Mama!

[Terry]

I didn't read the book you mention but in my experience, the most important child-rearing advice is to be a good example to your kids. Model the behaviour you want to see. If you want them to enjoy reading, show that you do. If you want them to not freak out when they don't get their way, you need to keep your cool when things go wrong. It's really tough to do - I know, I have 3 little boys and I freak out way too often :(