Mama Speaks

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: Art is Fundamental

Title: Art is Fundamental

Author: Eileen S. Prince

Publisher/Price: Zephyr Press [$20]

Perfect For: The artsy (and not so) among us who are looking to add a little more creative expression into their child's life.

While actually intended for Elementary school teachers, we have found Art is Fundamental an amazing asset for the average Mama. It's packed with projects that you can easily incorporate into your day or standard creative endeavors. Some of our favorites include printmaking techniques, watercolor, calligraphy, organic form sculptures, and value collages.

If you want to delve beyond the projects themselves you can dig further into the information and teach your child the lessons behind them by exploring the elements of texture, color, shape, line, form, and value, and principles such as balance, unity, contrast, movement, distortion, emphasis, pattern and rhythm.

While this book is definitely tailored to the elementary student, we've easily adapted some of the projects for the preschool set, and you could just as easily transfer the concepts to art activities older kids would enjoy. (and you might just find you enjoy creating as much as the kids!)

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: Raising Boys

Title: Raising Boys (Second Edition)
Author: Steven Biddulph
Publisher/Price: Celestial Arts [$15]
Perfect For: Parents with boys of any age.

Today's gender neutral culture can occasionally lead us to believe we should treat our boys and girls similarly no matter what. Award winning psychologist, Steve Biddulph, however, explains how boys really are different right on down to differences in their brains. In "Raising Boys," he lays a convincing case wrought with humor, honesty and practical knowledge that makes raising a happy, loving, responsible boy in today's world a little less challenging.

By highlighting important issues boys face developmentally from birth to manhood, Biddulph helps parents of any aged boy navigate their unique developmental needs to help them be happy and healthy at every stage of life. Covering everything from testosterone and sex, to school and sports, this is a must-read for any parent, and one you will come back to again and again over the years.

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: One-in-a-Million Baby Names

Title: The One-in-a-Million Baby Names Book: The BabyNames.com Guide to Choosing the Best Name for Your New Arrival

Author:  Jennifer Moss, Babynames.com

Publisher/Price: Perigee Trade [$16]

Perfect For: Anyone with a bun in the oven.

It's one of the biggest parenting (or pre-parenting?) moments. Choosing a name for your child to be. If you're anything like me, you've had running lists of possibilities your whole life only to discover that when put to real use none of them would do. And so come the long nights of dreaming up the most serious and silly names you can fathom. The decision to bounce them off another or keep them to yourself. And finally, comes the time to hit the book.

There are tons of them out there but we've found the recent "The One-in-a-Million Baby Names Book" a real asset in the hunt for the perfect name. Put together by the experts at BabyNames.com this encyclopedia of sorts turned to opinions of the 1.2 million real parents that use the site to get up to date input on the popularity and personality traits associated with names.

The book opens with a simple yet successful, seven step formula for finding the perfect name. The names themselves are organized in fun ways from those that sway traditional to rock star to royalty. And no worries, if you'd like to look them up oldschool from A-Z there's a section organized that way too. The only real complaint we've heard about the book is that the books aren't organized by gender. In today's gender neutral world with boy names for girls and (less frequently, but it happens!) girl names for boys, we liked this factor.

One-in-a-Million Baby Names is our new go-to when it's time to play the naming game and when coupled with all the fun features at BabyNames.com, we're certain you'll have all you need to decide upon the perfect name for that babe to be.

Twin Sense

Title: Twin Sense-

A Sanity-Saving Guide to Raising Twins from Pregnancy Through the First Year

Author: Dagmara Scalise

Publisher/Price: AMACOM Books [$15]

Perfect For: Any parent of Twins

You could walk into a bookstore, head straight for the parenting section and find shelves and shelves of books that you could read, but there are very few that focus of the unique sets of joys and frustrations that come along with caring for and raising twins.

Written by a mothers of twins, this book focuses on the real and complex issues that parenting twins brings into your life. Things that may be straight-forward with one baby take on a whole new meaning when there are two babies to take care of. Twin Sense is created for easy access and quick reference. It's not something you're going to read and put on a shelf somewhere... this will be a book you use over and over again. It's the perfect 'go to' book for parents of twins. Some of my favorite sections were "Responding to annoying questions about having twins" this was fun, encouraging & helpful. "Making errands possible" was another must read section, who knew the logistics of taking two babies anywhere was quite so difficult. Twin Sense is full of practical advice, humor and encouragement. A must have book for any parent of twins!

-Brittany

BUY

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: Calm and Compassionate Children

Title: Calm and Compassionate Children - A handbook
Editor: Susan Usha Dermond
Publisher/Price: Ten Speed Press [$16]
Perfect For: Anyone struggling to implement the slow down.

We hear all the time that our children are overstimulated. That we need to take a step back from media and electronics and let our little ones just be. That in doing so we need to foster positive attitudes and core values that are lacking in those outside influences. In our hearts, most parents know this to be true, but the process, the getting there, the knowing where to even begin can be daunting.

Dermond's, Calm and Compassionate Children does much more than state what the goal should be or even the reasoning behind it but offers up straightforward techniques for enriching and inspiring children. By outlining fun and easy activities based in simple everyday things you can easily harness creativity, curiosity, compassion and so much more in your child and, as I found, in yourself.

BUY

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: "Brain, Child" Magazine

Price: $20 for 1 year - four issues
Perfect For: Anyone with a child . . . and a brain.

I've gone through many a magazine subscription in my lifetime, a substantial portion of which have been post-child. In just these last four years, since becoming a mom, I think I've had no less than five parent-related magazine subscriptions. But I've continued to renew only one of them: Brain, Child.

Billed as "the magazine for thinking mothers," Brain, Child is anything but ordinary. Let me give you a warning right now: in this magazine you will not find pages and pages of glossy ads for stuff you don't need, articles that follow the "Ten ways to . . ." or "Five things to watch out for when . . ." formula, or anything even resembling parenting advice. If that's what you want, you'll need to look at one of the myriad other parenting magazines available. However, if what you want is to think, to consider, to laugh, to cry, and to nod in understanding to a new collection of essays from a multitude of mothers and writers every few months, then read on.

Each issue of Brain, Child is comprised mainly of a collection of essays submitted from writers that cover the spectrum, from famous authors to never-before-published newbies. Additionally you will find a debate portion, a reader response section, a brief news column, a feature article that deals with a timely, well-researched topic pertaining to being a parent/mother in our society, a fiction piece, a book review section that typically covers a few new titles that are related in theme, and the back page "Motherwit," which never fails to entertain or get a laugh. I just received my new Winter issue (whoot!), and on the cover there are headlines such as "Pregnant on Prozac: When Depression Won't Take a Holiday," "Who's Your Daddy - And What the &@#$% Is Wrong With Him?" and the issue's feature, "The Mom Job: Nipping and Tucking the Maternal Body," by one of my personal faves, Melissa Stanton (remember "The Stay-At-Home Survival Guide"?). When I look inside to the contents, as usual, I don't know where to start because so many pieces catch my attention. Most likely I will do the usual and read it cover to cover, as I have from the very beginning.

I still vividly remember discovering my first issue of Brain, Child. I remember the realization that this was what I had been waiting for, just from my initial read of the "Backtalk" section, the portion of the magazine dedicated to reader responses to topics set forth by the editor. I was a new mom of a five-month-old baby. I felt isolated, incompetent, and completely cut off from anything that was not taking place in my own living room: nursing, diapering, crying, feeding, questioning. But reading this magazine made me feel connected again to what was happening in the world. I felt a kinship with the writers and a personal understanding of their themes. And most importantly, reading Brain, Child still reminds me that I do, in fact, have a brain.

Win it!
We're giving away a 1 year subscription to Brain, Child! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Brain as your subject and let us know the names of the two Mamas who launched Brain, Child. Giveaway ends 12.22.08

-Beth

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: The Power of Play

Title: The Power of Play
Editor: David Elkind
Publisher/Price: Da Capo Press [$15]
Perfect For: Any parent or parent to be who knows there has to be a better way to play.

Be honest with yourself. How much time does your child spend each day sitting stationary at a desk? Watching television? On the computer? And how much time do they spend engaging in imaginative play? Running outside? Playing with toys that don't require batteries?

Child Psychologist, David Elkind, examines the effects of all this in his latest, The Power of Play. This fascinating, hard hitting read argues the importance of kids just being kids and outlines how play, imaginative, child led, open ended play, has gotten lost in our fast paced culture. The history of how toys have changed over time from instruments to develop social skills and vocations to today's emphasis on brand loyalties and herd mentalities is very eye opening and reinforces that belly twinge us Mama's get at our babies being marketed too.

The Power of Play is a fact packed read that you'll need to take your time weeding through but it truly belongs on any parents shelf. And worry not, Elkind does take today's culture into account and rather than debunking all of today's hot toys for those classic he emphasizes the one thing we could all use a little more of- balance.

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: Coffee Table Books

Title: The Way Toys Work 

Authors: Ed Sobey, Woody Sobey 

Publisher/Price: Chicago Review Press [$15] 

Perfect for: smarty-pants kids and grownups alike 

A great way to show kids that reading really is fun, "The Way Toys Work" can keep little and big brains occupied for hours. We loved seeing how our new and old fav's came to be and admit it, you've always wondered exactly how that Aerobie always comes back.  

Title: The Amazing Book of Useless Information 

Author: Noel Botham 

Publisher/Price: Perigee Trade [$13] 

Perfect for: the gift recipient who has everything 

Some people love trivia, they even thrive on it.  While I appreciate it, I am not one of those people. However, I couldn't help but be drawn in to this kitchy and fun book every now and then just to see what next new info I'd learn. Will it change my life to know what a "wrinkle chaser" is? Maybe not, but these little gems are sure to lighten any mood and bring some fun to the mix the next time your mother-in-law extends her visit.

-Arianne

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: For the Sexes

Title: It's a Boy | It's a Girl
Editor: Andrea J. Buchanan
Publisher/Price: Seal Press [$15 each]
Perfect For: Anyone who's been asked, "Sooo, what is it?"

We've all been there. The moment your belly bump starts to show the first question everyone asks is "When are you due?", which, of course, is immediately followed up by, "Do you know what you're having"?!!! Whether you know, or you don't; you plan on finding out or you're looking forward to birth for life's biggest surprise, most of us have some opinion on what we hope our baby will be. And if you're in that percentage of Mama's who genuinely does not care one way or another there's sure to be someone around you who is rooting for their chromosomal dream team.

Andrea J. Buchanan has compiled a book of moving anthologies that are essential whichever sex your babe might be. Her initial effort, "It's a Boy", was born out of her apprehension of mothering a son. In one story it exposes that terrifying fear many mothers face of raising a child of a gender not your own and in the next has you marveling over how such a thought could ever exist. Women writers share their thoughts on raising sons from infancy to near adult hood with humor and tears.

I'll admit I always new my first child would be a boy, the thought existed as if it were fact and when he arrived it was no surprise. As such, it was amazing to see the world of boy from other mother's eyes who had been there and who had never felt the same. I've felt prepared for every aspect of baby, toddler, childhood boyness BUT I'll be the first to say those early puberty stricken teenage years had me terrified in so many ways. That all changed as I read through Maura Rhodes (Almost) All Grown Up. Her snap shot of her 14 year old sons rise into near adulthood changed my mind. I never expected pubescence to be endearing but I now believer her that it is.

Buchanan's follow up, "It's a Girl", is just as broad and moving as it's predecessor. Mother's write of how raising their daughters seems to bridge the gap of their current expectations with the reality they experienced growing up. With a single boy credit to my reproductivity, It's a Girl didn't necessarily pull any lost reality but it did tug it's fair share of heartstrings. The common thread of honesty, humor and humility that graces the pages will have any new or seasoned mother of a daughter in good company.

Only a mother can spin stray chin hairs and eating disorders into uplifting relatable tales and Buchanan has done us all a favor by compiling a selection of timeless works that any Mama can relate to.

Speak Softly - Mama's Reading: Natural Family Fun

Title: The Creative Family
Author: Amanda Soule
Publisher/Price: Trumpeter Books/Shambhala Publications Inc. [$12]
Perfect For: Harnessing the creativity in us all.

We all fall victim to the busy parenting trap at some time or another. The commercials, the toys that do it all themselves and as we fill our days up with things and stuff we all too often forget that our children ooze creativity. That a stick can be the cornerstone of an enormous empire or a squiggly chalk line an entire ocean. Even more often we forget that we too are creative beings (no artistic ability required), we forget that creating on our own and with our kids can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling things we can do. That it's natural.

Amanda Soule's "The Creative Family" encourages you to let the inner creator out as a family. Her suggestions aren't the least bit cheesy and the book is not packed full of step by step instructions for elaborate, impossible projects but is rather a simple guide to slowing down and enjoying the small things. Showing gratitude and respect for each other and our foundations. Of course, you might just make some some awesome stuff in the process but, that's just it, the product, the creating, is almost a byproduct of her down to earth ideals.

We found "The Creative Family" best used with a cursory read through and then as a reference as you access specific projects and activities but as with our individual families you'll find what works best for you. Either way, we can guarantee the cover will be worn and pages dog eared in no time and as you notice that, you might just look around and find your home more organized, those screaming, flashing toys silenced and a family that is closer, calmer and more creative than you'd ever imagined.

-Ashlee

Title: I Love Dirt
Author: Jennifer Ward
Publisher/Price: Trumpeter Books/Shambhala Publications Inc. [$13]
Perfect For: Getting you and your little ones out and into the great outdoors.

As the days begin to turn cold, it can be awfully difficult to get the family outside. But we all know how important it is to do so at least every day, for the sake of everyone's sanity! "I Love Dirt: 52 activities to help you & your kids discover the wonders of nature" is a great little book to help you get motivated to get out the door. What I really love about "Dirt" is that it is broken up into activities according to the seasons, so there are just as many suggestions for the colder months as there are for the warmer. From cloud and roly-poly racing in the Fall to simple butterfly gardening and stargazing in the Summer, it will come in handy year-round. I mean, let's face it, I need some extra motivation to get out when it is blazingly hot just as much as when it is frigidly cold. And unlike many books of this sort, the activities generally don't require too much preparation. It's hard enough getting everyone bundled and ready; the last thing I need is to find out that the activity we are trying to do requires twine or fashioning some sort of pulley system.

The ideas in "I Love Dirt" are simple and focus on the appreciation of nature. In addition to the activities described, each one includes a "Help Me Understand" box, which will direct those of us who aren't automatically equipped to answer some of the common natural science questions that might come from our little ones while out and about. Put it all together and you're ready to explore. "I Love Dirt" is a handy giude that gives great ideas that will make you say to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?!"

-Beth