*Note that this article is cross-posted from CatholicMom.com, where I serve as a monthly contributor. Head over there to read everything I’ve written for them- and discover some other great Catholic writers!
I have always been a reader, but now as a mom of three young children, those rare moments I get to curl up on the couch and read a book in silence are more precious than ever to me. Reading can be a peaceful escape, but it can also be informative and inspiring. Back in May, I wrote a post about a few books that made me a better wife. I thought it would be fun to follow up with some books I feel made me a better mom! Note that the first two books are secular; the other two are Catholic.
Two secular books that made me a better mom
Nurture by Nature: Understand Your Child’s Personality Type — And Become a Better Parent
by Paul D. Tiger and Barbara Barron-Tieger
I am absolutely fascinated by personality tests. While no test is perfect and every person is much more complicated than four letters could describe, categories give me some words to describe and begin to understand myself and others. Before this book, though, I had never really thought about what personality type my kids might have. I assumed it was too early to tell. But this book gave me a good idea of where my kids might fit, and I learned a lot about them.
For example, I learned that people with my son’s personality type really value their quiet or naptime throughout their lives — which explains why he still naps several times a week at age 5 and a half! The book pointed out how people with my daughter’s personality type are excellent negotiators, and showed me how to help her use that skill for good instead of evil. Nurture by Nature will help you appreciate the unique gifts of your child, and prepare yourself for the unique challenges of raising him or her, no matter which of the 16 Myers-Briggs types he or she might be.
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them
by Dr. Elaine N. Aron
My middle son is SO different from me. In fact, his Myers-Briggs type from the book above has all four letters opposite from mine. Besides appreciating his quiet time alone, as I mentioned previously, he is also very sensitive, cautious, and slower to warm up to new people and new situations. When I saw this book recommended in a mom’s group, I bought it right away. I’m so glad I did.
The Highly Sensitive Child helped me make sense of my son’s behaviors when they seemed most foreign to me. It has given me tools to de-escalate conflicts with him, and, better yet, to avoid many conflicts in the first place. Most of all, reading this book showed me that my son is special for the same reasons he is difficult for me to understand. The world needs people like my son- listeners, observers, thinkers- to balance out people like me!
Two Catholic books that made me a better mom
The Confessions of Saint Augustine
This is the classic autobiographical work of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Augustine had a long faith journey before becoming one of the greatest minds in the history of the Church. His mother, Saint Monica, wept and prayed fervently every day for his conversion. The power of a mother’s prayer for her child, then, is a central theme of the book, and has been such an inspiration to me as I pray for my own children.
You might also want to check out a biography of Saint Monica herself, such as Saint Monica: The Power of a Mother’s Love by Giovanni Falbo (or check out my blog post about St. Monica here!). However, I found that the same story from Augustine’s perspective is really powerful!
Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad
by Samantha N. Stephenson
I “met” Catholic Mom contributor Samantha Stephenson through the Catholic writing world when she kindly offered to read and review my own book. Her specific and thoughtful comments on my work revealed how intelligent she was, and I couldn’t wait to pick up her book in turn.
Stephenson’s dual background in theology and bioethics shines through in her beautiful, thorough, and scientifically-sound writing. She helps illuminate the Catholic view on topics such as artificial insemination, transgenderism, and the sexual revolution. Each chapter affirms the spirituality of femininity, as well as the bonding power of pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. It will remind you that motherhood is the most important and sacred thing you will ever do, and make you so grateful to God for the gift of your children!
Becoming a better wife helps you be a better mom in turn
I hope you enjoy some of the books on this list, mama! While these are all new books not on my previous list, “Books that Made Me a Better Wife,” working on your marriage and being a better wife will also always make you a better mom, too. So why not head over to that list next? Happy reading, and please comment below if you check any of these awesome books out!
