Books That Have Helped Me

There is a term I hear a lot in my family - being "onto" something. Especially my mom gets onto certain things. Matt does too. In 2010 there are two things I'm feeling particularly onto - parenting and mental health.

I'm pretty much always onto parenting. I love learning about it and finding ways to improve. I LOVE getting to do this wonderful, enjoyable, and most important work. And I love learning how to do it better.

I also have been really interested lately in mental health because I get anxious. So I have been utilizing many resources to help me cope in hard times. And it's been great to learn all the things I have.

With that in mind, I thought I would share about two books I'm currently reading. I probably shouldn't review a book before finishing since I often change my mind about books by the end. But oh well.

My friend, Maria, lent me Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child by Marc Weissbluth because I told her about the struggles I've had getting kids to bed at reasonable times. It's been helpful for me to have reinforced how good and important it is for kids to get good sleep. And somehow, sleep has become less stressful rather than more as I have made it a higher priority. I'm able to say no to things that conflict with naptimes or bed more. I just try to protect their sleep needs. And I feel satisfied about it. They certainly are happier when they get good sleep. Certainly, this doesn't come without some sacrifice. Sometimes I get a little stir crazy and wish that we could go on more outings - although I am often a bit of a homebody anyway and don't know where I'd go if we did go. And there are times when I really would rather keep the kids up - for my sake or theirs - for whatever reason. And I am certainly not an advocate for being totally rigid about it. I think the author goes a little oveboard sometimes. It's just not realistic that EVERYTHING in life will revolve around your kids' sleep schedules no matter how hard you try and what sacrifices you make. Still, I feel very satisfied when I know my girls sleep better, and I know we are all happier and better behaved as a result.

I am also reading Self-Coaching by Joseph J. Luciani. At this stage I am just reading it, not really jumping in and applying it yet, but I'd like to. I am a believer in the power of working on improving thoughts to improve attitude and mental health. I don't think that is sufficient by itself in many cases, but it can be very helpful. On that note, something that I advocate strongly - as do many in my family - is Recovery International. The principles taught there could help ANYONE manage temper and negative though patterns. It is especially helpful for those who struggle with mental health. And it has helped my A TON in a very little time.

Anyway, it would probably be helpful of me to review these books after I finish them. Maybe I'll give a follow-up. But I really wanted to share in case there were others who could benefit.

I'm just getting started on my quest for knowledge and experience in parenting and dealing with mental health. Sometimes I get in an attitude of thinking I know what's what. Perhaps I'll laugh at this teenager-tendency in young-mother-me when I am older. I know there is a lot to know out there on each of these subjects, a million theories, studies, and people sharing from there experiences. I look forward to continuing to study and learn - and hopefully improve - in these areas.

Does anyone else have any suggestions/ resources they have found helpful? I am all ears. Sometimes I just want to read and study with way more of my time. But then I would miss all the chances to practice what I learn. Doesn't work that way. Still, I'll get around to lots of parenting and mental health books eventually.

Thanks for reading my rantings.