My Top 5 Resources for Moms

As a new mom almost 9 years ago, I felt overwhelmed by the information available. I would read one thing, which would lead me to another, and before long I found myself down a deep rabbit hole more confused and uncertain than when I had begun. Out of desperation, I was listening to parenting “experts” that were not rooted in scripture, and that quite honestly, was of the world’s standards, not God’s.

It is no wonder why this caused me continued confusion, anxiety and uncertainty. I was like a dog chasing its own tail, running from one method or mom hack to the next, with no clear foundation or direction. When something didn’t work, I would try another approach until that failed too. Over time I started believing I was failing as their mom.

This is when I realized, I had to quit searching “out there.”

If I could go back and tell that new mom something, it would be this: less is more.

You see, God was slowly equipping me as a mother, by being a mother. There would be no short cuts. No cutting corners. No quick fixes or all encompassing solutions. I would have to accept that learning to be a mother to MY children wouldn’t happen by listening to other moms about how they parented theirs. It would happen by scrolling social media or answers or hiring that parenting coach. It wouldn’t be simple.

I would have to hone in on my own instinct, and trust that the Lord had picked me for my babies. I had to lean on Him and know that He would help me along the way, which often meant walking through lots of trial and error, mistake making, long sleepless nights, and wrestling with doubt or worry at times.

It’s just part of it. For that I am grateful.

With all that being said, now as a mother to four, I no longer rely on anyone or anything to equip me or help me as a mother – outside of the Lord. I trust who I am, and more importantly, Who I am being led by. My first resort is always prayer and His Word as I believe it is where the “road map” to parenting is found. He created me to be their mother, He created them inside my womb, and He created family. Therefore, whenever I am up against a concern as a mother, I go into prayer FIRST. I open by Bible and ask the Lord to reveal to me direction, reassurance, or confirmation. I ask the Holy Spirit to equip, comfort, guide, or restrain me.

And yet I do believe there are some helpful resources to chew up on occasion (while spitting out the bones, if you know what I mean). Whether it be related to medical or dietary concerns, parenting young hearts, school curriculums, boundaries, relationships, extra activities, etc, I have 5 resources I return to regularly that are all both biblically sound and practical.

1. This podcast with Sissy and David is by far my favorite. In each episode of this podcast, they share some of what they are learning in the work they do with kids and families on a daily basis at their Daystar Counseling Ministries. They offer practical tips and lots of hope. I just finished their series on Ages and Stages (who they are and what they need). Highly recommend!
2. When it comes to books, I am very picky. However, both my husband and I have gleaned so much knowledge from the book offerings of Dr. Meg Meeker. Take a look at her page here to learn more.
3. For moms of tweens: this body book and also this guide to growing up have both been on rotation as my girls bodies are beginning to change and new emotions are surfacing. It has helped us converse with confidence about being an important aspect of God’s design by being a young woman.
4. My husband and I have been very intentional about being the first narrative around the topics of sex and porn for our children, and this book has taken the awkwardness out of our discussion around digital protection. Even if your children aren’t at the age for this just yet, it won’t hurt to grab a copy for yourself to begin preparing.
5. Last but not least, there is nothing more beneficial in this world than maintaining a strong, biblical marriage for our children. I have found what Ryan and Selena share on their podcast to be both theologically sound and encouraging. In a world where messages around marriage can be confusing, this resource points couples back to Christ and the biblical purpose for this union.

Before you go, have you picked up a copy of my new book Loyal to a Fault? Inside I share how I worked through some of my childhood wounds to become a more healed version of myself for my children. I invite you to check it out. Inside I share about how I deal with being triggered, holding the line with my children, and how to navigate setting limits with extended family members.