I have been involved in our local MOPS (
Mothers of Preschoolers) group for the past 3 years. I am so thankful for the friendship, support, and fellowship I have received.
This year, MOPS International posted on their Facebook looking for Mom Bloggers to review the theme book for next year. Although I have not been the most active blogger lately, I thought this would be a fun way to get back on the blog and share a great book with yall at the same time.
The book is
Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracey Bianchi.
I was able to read the book during my middle of the night feedings with my newborn...talk about a captive audience for the book and a mom needing to hear the message!
The back cover of the book states that the authors "shows us how to
- cultivate deeper friendships that challenge us to grow
- create healthy, life-giving rhythms for our families
- connect and give back to the wider world beyond our doors."
This book was a very easy, quick read. Each chapter had short sections that helped with the flow of the book. This was helpful because as I stated before I was reading while nursing, so I didn't feel like I had to finish a whole long chapter, I could just read a few sections at a time. Also, the author writes in a way that I feel like I am listening to a friend talk instead of reading a book. The author seems very "real," in a book about connections, I truly felt I could connect with the author and the ideas in each section.
The content of the book was very relevant to me as a mother of a 3 year old and a newborn. Many of the topics hit home in areas that I am working on. It was helpful to read that I am not alone in this pursuit and know that other moms have the same struggles and ideas.
Another really interesting part of the book is at the end of each chapter. Each chapter ends with "Five Mom-Tested Tips." The first three are tips to try to apply in our everyday life, the fourth is a prayer or blessing, and the fifth is something to journal about. I think this part of each chapter would be great for MOPS groups or MOPS Steering Teams to use as discussion starters and relationship builders. Also at the end of each chapter is an area to reflect on the ideas discussed. This is called "Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down." The author asks two questions that relate to the topic of the chapter. This is another excellent way to get our minds moving and discussion started. Again, I think it would be helpful for MOPS groups to use this in their meetings as well as the individual reader to reflect. Lastly, each chapter ends with resources to help the reader continue with the topic. The resources range from books to YouTube videos.
Are you a mother of a preschooler? Do you need to connect more to others? Would you like a copy of
Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracey Bianchi to read, encourage, and inspire you? MOPS International, Inc. sent me an extra copy to share with you. Please comment below by Sunday May 20. I will choose a name from the comments below as well as from my local MOPS Facebook group on Monday and announce the winner!
Disclaimer: MOPS International, Inc. gave me the opportunity to read and review this book by sending me a copy as well as a copy to share. All ideas and opinions expressed are my own. I don't know the author, but think I would like to after reading this book! :)
