The LDS Mother’s Almanac
Book: The LDS Mother’s Almanac: A comprehensive treasury of practical advice and creative ideas for mothers in any stage from diapers to driver’s ed and beyond.
Author: Janene W. Baadsgaard
Publisher: Deseret Books
Published 2003
Few parenting books really meet all the needs of LDS parents. After all, the authors of most books don’t explain how to make it through three hours of church with a rambunctious toddler, or how to cope with a child who does not marry in the temple. Sister Baadsgaard deals with both issues and talks about parenting from the moment you learn you are pregnant (how to handle both the long-awaited and the surprise discovery) to the day your child leaves home (planning a farewell celebration and allowing for tears.)
As the mother of ten children, Sister Baadsgaard is uniquely qualified to discuss the many varieties of parenting. She knows children are not all the same, and parents are not always perfect. This is not a book filled with firm advice for generic parents and children. The almanac discusses all sorts of families and accepts that we will sometimes find ourselves in less than ideal situations.
The book moves comfortably from the practical advice, such as issues involving anesthesia or how a newborn is evaluated, to the inspirational. For example:
“Your children existed before they came to you. They are not lumps of clay for you to mold at will. Try to imagine a wise old grandpa or grandma squished up inside a very tiny infant body looking up at you.” (Page 109)
“If you never get around to getting your children dressed, you won’t have to get them into their pajamas at night.” (Page 245)
“You don’t have to do big, glorious, important things to have a great life. Just do small things with big, glorious, important love.” (Page 301)
Topics in this comprehensive guide include:
stocking your kitchen
creating daily and weekly celebration rituals
talking to teens
preparing children for the baby’s blessings
being the mother of a bride or groom
preparing a child for her first visit to the temple
helping children cope with death
taking walks
camping successfully
creating comfort corners
selecting toys
cooking with children
making dolls
I can’t begin to list all the topics covered in this book, but I saw very little that was missing. If a parent had only one parenting book on her shelf, this one would address every need for practical advice and touching comfort. It’s as good as having your mom next door!