Saturday, November 22, 2008

Just Another Day of Me Being a Mean Mom

I'm the worst mom ever. Again. Savannah wanted to go see the movie Twilight Thursday night (or shall I say Friday morning) when it opened.

"But all my friends are going to the movie! My friend's mom can even drive me there! Please, please, pleeeease?"

"Hmmm, let me think about this. The movie doesn't start until midnight which means you won't be getting to bed until 2:00AM and it's a school night. You're only 12. Ahhh, no."

"But EVERYBODY's going! Why can't I? My friends are all going!!!!"

"I'm not your friends' mom or I'd make them stay home too."

"Mooo-oom!"

"Sorry hon, but you're not staying out that late on a school night. I'm just mean that way. I didn't tell you that you couldn't ever see the movie. You're just not going Thursday night."

At this point, she pouted and stomped off. I was a little disappointed. I mean, I usually get the "You're the meanest mom ever!" comment and I didn't even get that this time. (In all fairness, that comment almost always comes from Jackson and not Savannah.)

I honestly almost reconsidered. I mean, Savannah's a good kid. She helps me out tons! She gets all As and Bs on her report cards. What difference would it make? Maybe I should let her go with her friends....

Then I recalled a book I recently read. It's called Gentle Passages by Robin Jones Gunn. I had the chance to meet Robin at the retreat in Sonoma last month. What a sweetheart she is! She really just GLOWS. Any mother of a daughter needs to read this book. It's a short gift book with a few ideas for making those transitional years a little more meaningful and special for your precious daughters.

Anyway, Savannah wanting to do something that all her friends were doing reminded me of the first story in this book, The Secret of the Fine China Plate. My situation with Savannah wasn't exactly what Robin was talking about in her book, but it reminded me of Robin's story.

Savannah didn't hold a grudge and she got over her disappointment pretty quickly. I was actually impressed with how she handled it. But I know there will be many, many more times when I'm going to tell her "no" and not let her do something that all her friends are doing. Robin's book helped me to think of my daughters and how I parent them in a slightly different light.

I liked this book so much that I asked Robin if she'd autograph a copy for my readers. She happily agreed (I told you she's a total sweetheart!) In fact, she also gave me another gift book, Mothering by Heart, to give away. Sooo, leave me a comment here and I'll choose 2 winners (1 for each autographed book) on Wednesday. In the meantime, check out Robin's website. She's got a million awesome books (she writes adult fiction, teen fiction, nonfiction, you name it!) and you just have to look at her photo albums! She's got some really amazing pictures there!

368 comments:

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Britney said...

Robin Jones Gunn is my favorite author of all time. I love her Sister Chick books, but I think my all time favorite is Gardenia's for Breakfast.

Britney said...

PS. Savannah will appreciate that you are a mean mom later in life. I know I appreciate that my mom told me no and didn't back down.

sharalyns said...

Oh! I'd love either one of these books! Adding them to my Christmas wish list too, just in case. ;-)

I'm a totally mean mom here too. My second grader is constantly telling me so! :-)

Anonymous said...

Dawn- I have been the meanest mom for 16 plus years and I'm proud of it. Keep up the good work, you will be pleased with the young woman Savannah will become bdue to your "mean-ness". Jenny F.

Anonymous said...

I want it!

Anonymous said...

I grew up on the Christy Miller series (read it dozens of times - even after I got married, couldn't get away from them). I had no idea she wrote for mothers as well. THANK YOU for this information and this giveaway.

KC said...

Sounds like a great book! I have two girls - 3 1/2 and 4 - and I know that I will one day be seen as a "mean ol' mom," too, :S

Momma Cheapo said...

I really need this book. As I was reading this post, I was thinking "Ohh. Christmas idea for mom!" and then I read that you are going to give one away! So, I will see if I win before I put it on my wish list lol. My oldest daughter is going through the "transition" and I'm at a complete loss. I read all the infant book and toddler books and preschool books...but I didn't read the "teenage" books. I definately needs some help and guidance lol.

Anonymous said...

I have a 9 year old daughter, and she's not quite there yet, but I can see the "teen-ager" budding in her sometimes.

I do get that line from my 15 year old son sometimes. LOL!

Candi said...

I'm the mom of two daughters! They are only 6 and 4 now...but they have the attitudes of a much older breed. :)

Anonymous said...

That sounds like an awesome book. I am looking forward to winning it.

Lynn
lynnhaffner@kc.rr.com

Anonymous said...

My only daughter has a small daughter and the book sounds perfect for them. Love your site.

stgoebel said...

After three boys, I'm afraid I'm going to be clueless with my girl... help!! I would totally appreciate a copy!

Heather said...

As a mother of 2 girls (one soon to be a teenager) I know I could use all the help I can get! I hear how mean I am about as often as I hear I love you! Dawn, I love reading about your family....so many times I can nod my head yes and say, "I know EXACTLY waht you are talking about!" Keep up the good work!

Sharon said...

Oh please pick me! I have a 10 year old going on 18!!!!Actually I think she has been going on 18 since being brought home from the hospital! Any help in getting through her "transition" and my "change of life" would be wonderful. Oh and I have 2 more girls right behind her!!!(7 and 9)
And as far as you being the "meanest MOM", my loving daughters took their crown from their princess costume and turned it into a "MEANEST MOM" tiara. I also have the septor and trophy!!!!

Jen5253 said...

Oh, these books sound awesome! My little girl is only three, but I know I'm going to need all the help I can get! And I'd love to implement good ideas now, so it won't be such a shock to the system when she becomes a teen! ;)

jana said...

yahoo! another give-away! maybe you'll pick me.

Lori said...

I am a foster mom of a daughter whom I know is going to go through some hard times in the future. I would love to get a copy of either one of those books to help me out with her. I am sure that my plate will be full. :0) Lori

Brenda said...

I'd love to read it.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win the book- it sounds great!

Krista

Kristin said...

I'm already getting called a "mean" mom and my little girl is only 3 and a half. Where do they learn these things because I certainly don't walk around telling her that I'm a mean mom. I could really use that book from Robin!

Nikki said...

Would love to win! Who doesn't need gentle advice for our daughters every now and again?

Still Learning said...

I really would like a copy of the book! I love your blog

Anonymous said...

Oh I so recognize the drama. My daughter will turn 13 next week (on turkey day) and I could certainly use the book. She desperately wants to see Twilight too, at least she didn't try and get me to take her to the Midnight showing, but that might be because I already told her that I would take her and her best friend next Saturday for her birthday.

Dawn K.

Sherry said...

Sounds like a book I need to read! Thanks for the opportunity!

Sherry

Amy said...

I love your blog. I'm a total sucker for parenting books. I'd love to have a copy . . .

Roni said...

WOW..I would LOVE to have either book. They sound awesome. I am getting ready to start foster care and can use all the help I can get lol. please random number thingy pick me please!!!

Anonymous said...

I have an 8 yr old girl. My only child. My neighbors have tween girls and they brought me over a flyer to warm me about a situation they are going through that if a tweenage girl dosn't know how to handle the transition she will be open to be possessed by a demon. I think I would love this book to calm my heart and also then I can leave it on their doorstep and maybe they will get problems fixed stop freaking me out LOL.

Foundmom said...

"Meanest Mom" - wear your title proudly! Then your kids can grow up and tell their own kids about how mean Grandma was. My 16-yr. old daughter certainly thinks I'm mean (except when she wants to do something with her buddies!) Saw on your Twitter feed that you do drama at church also - just wondering if your church uses scripts from Willow Creek. I was on keys in our worship team this weekend - haven't done it in a while. We use music and drama from WC at times- great resource! I actually got to attend one of their worship conferences a few years ago - great place to learn!

Anonymous said...

Good for you for sticking to your guns! She will thank you in the future for sticking to the rules instead of reconcidering at the last minute. And she is a bit young to be out that late no matter how good a kid she is. I was a good kid too....never did anything wrong, helped out in the house etc etc... My parents were pretty strict..I had an 11 pm curfew until I was 18 and all my friends could stay our till liek 1 or 2 am. I always said, "but moooommm". She never gave in. And today, I dont have 4 kids out of wedlock, never did drugs, never drank etc. SO STICK TO IT!!!

Anonymous said...

I had the same conversation with my 13 year old daughter. She saw
survived and saw the movie today. I would love to read the book to help raising my three daughters.

maurine said...

I'd love this book!

The Bertone's said...

Awesome Giveaway! I'm so dreading those teenage years! I'm gonna need all the help I can get! :)

KarenKal said...

Aren't we always the meanest mom. It's funny, now that we are Mom's, we think back about what our Mom's said no too. They were always saying NO!!!

Tammy said...

I'm a totally mean mom too! My daughter was 11 this past April, so I'm sure I have many more days to come.

I would love to win a book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Shauna said...

I'm new here! What a great blog :)

Melissa said...

My girls are very young, but by the sounds of it I had better get prepared now.

Anonymous said...

As a mom to 3 girls(and a son too! lol), I'd love to read one of her books!

susan said...

I would love to have one of those books. I have two daughters that are still young, but it's never too early to prepare!

Susan

Anonymous said...

What do you mean that YOU are the meanest mom ever??? That's MY title. My 12 year old daughter loves to throw that one at me! I'll thumb wrestle you for the title!!

I'd love to win this giveaway. I'll take any and all help I can get!! haha

Donna in PA :)

Brianna said...

My daughter is only 3, but she acts like she's 33 sometimes! So count me in!

Anonymous said...

I want to win! I read a whole series by Robin Jones Gunn in high school (ages ago)--the Christy Miller series. I hadn't realized she was so prolific!

Leah C

LaLa said...

I hope I win..my daughter is so going to challenge me : )

Unknown said...

I get the you are ruing my life comment!!!

Sharon said...

Ooooh, I'd love to win that book! I also have a 12-year-old daughter whose friends seem to be allowed to do anything THEY want. Pick me!!

Shari said...

Dawn: Let me add something here Dear Lady. The way I read this as you were protecting your daughter. This was a school night and you know what she needs and what's best for her even though she may not see it now. I commend you for standing your ground. Good job! I believe with all you have going on that you do a great job with your kids. And believe me, I know what it's like to have a little one like Brooklyn who thinks tantrums are the only way to deal with things. It's tough! Kudos!

mamafrugoli said...

As a mean mommy of two girls who will eventually be "tweeners" I would LOVE this book!

hello1107 said...

That sounds like a cool book.

Michigan Mama to 2 said...

As you wish . . .
I would like to think I would have time to read that book. . . someday.

My Two Army Brats said...

I need to win a book. Pick me! kmtkbest@gmail.com

Dream of Scrappin' said...

Since I am a really mean Mom maybe this book will help me out! Thanks for offering it and please include me in the drawing.

Siobhan

JenJo said...

And here I thought I was the title holder for Meanest Mom in the Whole World. My children, ages 8 & 9, routinely tell all their friends that I'm "meanest mom in the WORLD!!" Usually it's said in a semi-bragging tone of voice. Maybe it makes them more special because they live with such a horrible, evil mother and still manage to survive?

Mrs. M said...

Great books. I'll need them when my trio hits those teenage years!

Anonymous said...

I have a daughter and we're already clashing and she's 2. I would love to get one of those books!
becky

McKay Family said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! As a mother of a young daughter, I know these moments are ahead of me. I just got back from seeing the movie all by myself. As a former teacher, I am so glad that there are authors like Meyers and Rowling that have kids truly reading again...but NO WAY will my daughter be out that late on a school night! Go you!

summerdawn said...

Oh, your not mean. I respect you for not giving in. :o) Have a great week!

sherryt4444 said...

And all this time I thought I was the meanest mom ever-guess I need to try harder! Just kidding, but I do have a 16 yr old and a 3 yr old, both girls. They both think I'm pretty mean sometimes. I would love to win either of the books.

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE this book :)

Kris said...

Hey, looks like a good book, might have to check it out :)

kbd224 said...

I would love to have this! My daughter is only 3, but I see she's going to give me trouble anyway!

Virginia said...

I have such good memories reading the Christy Miller books by Robin when I was a teenager! I now have two daughters ages 6 & 4 and would love any solid parenting advice to help now and as they get older.

Janell said...

Thank you for suggesting this book. If I don't win it I'll have to ask for it on my Christmas list :) I am the mom to a 13 year old (as of yesterday), 9 year old and 3 month old girls. I could use any advice I can get! Thanks Dawn!

Jkhb said...

I have no time to read this book but I will just let the laundry pile up and read, like always!

Sandy said...

Yep you are mean!!! LOL!!!

THAT MOVIE ROCKED! I went to the midnight showing, but my daughter is only 8, so I didn't bring her along! Guess I am a mean mommy too! :)

Chelf said...

I remember quite well being the angry teen who could do nothing that ALL my friends did. I hated it at the time, but I see now how good my Mother was to keep me from such things. Sins and evil influences and little things that I hadn't thought of as a teen, I see quite clearly now.

I don't know that I would want my 12 yr old (the fictitious one I keep in my closet) seeing a movie about vampires in high school... but that is me. I didn't even want to read the books.

Mom still influencing my choices. Oh, great. I am becoming my Mother!

kelly said...

great story! Even relate-able to the average Nanny who has to play Mom during the day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,
Great Blog!! I took my daughter to see the movie on Saturday night and loved watching her and her friends have so much fun. It is a precious age and I am certain I would enjoy the book. Thanks for letting us know about it.
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

The book sounds like a much needed inspiration for me! I quit being a mother last night. It just wasn't working. ;)
Savannah will get to the movie... if she hasn't already.

Erika said...

I'm pregnant with my first baby girl (!!!! can't wait !!!!) ....this book sounds like a great one. I'll need all the tips and inspiration I can get :)

thanks for a great giveaway.

-erika j.

Stacy said...

I have daughters that are 3 and 6. I am a single parent and dread the years coming. My 6 year old already acts like she is 13. Her #1 wish for x-mas this year is make-up REAL make up. I got the same thing MOM all my friends have some why can't I. I pretty much said the same thing you do...cause I'm not their mom but I am yours and I told you no make up till your at least 11! MEAN MOM! I could use any help I can get :)

Anonymous said...

You mean the stomping away angry at you didn't start at 3! Man I must but doing something right (or is that wrong?) LOL

mama llama said...

That sounds fantastic! I would love the book!
Lauren H.

Jenn said...

ohhh... I am in the running for the meanest mommy- for sure!!

Thanks for the giveaway!!

Anonymous said...

I'm about to have my first daughter in 3 weeks and would love a little insight!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read that book!

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I am a PROUD memeber of the "meanest mom in the world" club!! Like many -- my DD did not get to see Twilight at midnight on Thursday -- she did see it friday afternoon with a bunch of her friends (I had to miss out since I had to work.

My answer to the "meanest mom" comment -- has always been "I'm the wicked witch of the west -- don't make me get the flying monkeys"!!!

Rachael said...

it would be a great christmas gift!

Chris B. said...

I have a 3yr old girl and soon to be a newborn girl (Jan 7th, hurry up!). My wife would love this book. I hope to buy it for Christmas.

KathyGTwins said...

As mom of 2 girls (age 7 1/2) I'm sure I could benefit from these books! I'm already getting eye rolls and not dealing with it well.

Erin T. said...

So funny that I had that EXACT conversation with my 13 yr old daughter on Thursday afternoon! What 12/13 yr old needs to go to a midnight showing of ANY movie?! Only I did get told that I was the MEANEST MOM EVER EVER EVER along with a door slam and attitude for the rest of the evening! LOL! Please tell me that this phase will pass!!

When she was two and people would tell me that she was such a good girl and so plesant I used to respond with "She's lucky she looks so innocent when she sleeps" Don't take this the wrong way, I LOVE my children, but there are times I'd sell them on Ebay...

~Jenifer~ said...

This would be great! I need all the help that I can get.

Anonymous said...

Dawn, My 13 yr old also wanted to see the midnight movie, but I told her that there was NO WAY. First because I couldn't stay up that late to take her, let alone pick her up at 2 am. Second it was a school night. We ended up going together with 1 of her friends to see it Saturday morning at 10:30 am and the theatre wasn't even full. It was a fun movie, especially to share it with my daughter.

Kathy Lamourine

Anonymous said...

I am the mom of triplet girls, and will really need this when they get older!!!

Anonymous said...

I have two teenage daughters now, one is easy one is hard.. My youngest one (the hard one) is grounded until he## freezes over..... so .... I need the book.... Dede S

Anonymous said...

Count me in for the giveaway! Sounds like something I'll need, as I have two little girls!

Thank you . . .

Heather Rupp said...

My son is 5 and has already given me the "you're the meanest mom ever" line....he's only 5! I think you should pick my comment to win one of the books because it's my birthday today and I never take the time to do anything for myself - reading one of these books would be a treat for me! Thanks for making me laugh every day Dawn! :)

christine in chicago said...

I have a 5 year old daughter and I am terrified about when she starts her teen years and all the fun stuff that comes with it. A book like that would be great to have.

Anonymous said...

Oh Oh I'll take one!! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh please pick me. I have a 6-year-old daughter who's going on 16! I can use all the help i can get :)

snekcip said...

New to your blog, but not to the "woes of raising girls"! My daughters are 27 and 19 and in the process of adopting a 19mos old little girl! TIMES have changed since the "days" of my girls and this would really be something to EQUIP myself with (LOL)! I have always had a close relationship w/my girls and I can't wait to share this same relationship with my "newest daughter"! So I will wait with "baited breath" for the drawing!

Sincerely, Dawn P (yes, I'm a DAWN also...so that should be extra KUDDOS for me LOL)

Dee said...

I have 4 daughters and 3 sons. I sooo need one of the books! Pick me! Pick me!

Carla said...

Thank you for calling them "transitional years." :)

Krysten said...

I'm the product of a "mean mom" and seemed to have turned out the best in the extended family as well as many peers... ya just gotta be in this world now!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Dawn, I have to tell you I've been reading your blog for a few months now and I've never been disappointed. Thanks for showing us real life can be funny if you just have the right attitude. Speaking of attitude, I have a 9 year old daughter who thinks she's 16 so this book would be a fabulous win to remind me of how truly great it is to have a girl! Damn hormones...

Anonymous said...

PLease pick me, please pick me. I have 2 daughters. That means that I am the super meanest person ever, according to the younger one, becuase I got so much practice being mean with her sister.

I love you Dawn! Thanks!
-Coury G, Stewartstown, PA

Sharon said...

Oh, it sounds like such a great book. My seven year old has already told me how I am ruining her life....I thought I would at least get to the teen-age years before I heard this...Oh well..

The Cohen's said...

I love books like this! I hope I win. :)

Anonymous said...

Me, me, ooohh, pick me!!

Erin said...

I think that this would be the perfect book for my sister, she struggles with decisions that she has to make with her 10 yr old daughter, and I think this book would help her look at things differently. Either way, I will be buying it. Thanks for bring it to my attention. :-)

tigerbcc said...

Sounds like there are a lot of us "mean moms" out there. I am so going to check out Robin's site. Does any part of her book deal with the strong willed daughter? I have a very strong willed daughter and it is so hard to find encouraging books that deal with strong willed children. Well I will check out her site and see. thanks so much for being willing to be a mean mom and share with us. It is always nice to know there are other moms out there like us since our children's friends seem to not have them :)

girldawg said...

My daughter just turned 13 and recently I've questionned how I've been relating to her and parenting her in general. I also have a 10 year old going on 30....I"m going to need lots of help. I would love to have a copy of her book and I FEEL LUCKY !!!

Kat Loftus said...

I too am also a mean mommy and don't let my son do the same thing all his friends are doing. I feel your pain!

Lynne said...

I have a almost 7yo daughter that thinks she's a teenager! Any helpful advice to get us through the tough preteen years ahead would be welcome!!!

HuNnY aNd PoPpA LeWiS said...

This sounds like a great book. Hope I win....

Unknown said...

I would love to have a copy of this book. I have an 11 y/o and a 15 y/o - both girls - both very good girls I might add. I do have a hard time allowing one to do something and not the other one. For instance, I did take my 15 y/o to see Twilight at midnight. No, I didn't let her go with just her friends like she asked. I had to be there with them. No real arguement from her - just had to sit in a different row. My younger one really wanted to go and I didn't see the harm but I felt she was a little to young to do such a "grown up" thing. She pouted a but but eventually understood. I could use some outside advice as to how best to expain these types of situations to my girls. I have an younger sister the same age spread as my two girls and I can completely remember my little sister getting to do things at the same time as me and how frustrated I got. I try really hard to not repeat the same mistakes.

Anonymous said...

Would luv 2 win. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

My daughter is 4 and already hates me. I could use a little help! :)

Trish and Matt said...

The book looks great. I'd love to win it!

Sarah with Duck Soup said...

I'm glad I'm not the only mean mother out there. But since I learned from the best (my own mean mother) I'd love to share this book with her!

Juneau Poole Party said...

Only two daughtes, but could still use the help! I'm always the meanst mom too!

Anonymous said...

Parenting a teenage daughter... we can use all the help we can get. I would LOVE the opportunity to win a copy of "Gentle Passages".

Anonymous said...

I have two little girls - they will grow up and call me the meanest mom ever :) - I should read this book :)

Thanks
Laurinda

Nina said...

well, I'd read the book (maybe) but mostly I want it to give to my sister...she has a 13 year old and an 8 year old (my goddaughter) and I know she's a very good mother but we all always want to be better, right?

Anonymous said...

I have gotten the "You're so mean" from my oldest and he is almost 7 years old. It usually comes when he is sent to time out for giving me lip and/or a temper tantrum. I honestly thought he had out grown them and then they came back. Ugh!!! My husband got it for the first time this weekend. I think we must be doing something right if we get that comment occasionally.

I have always been told to mean what you say and say what you mean. I think you are doing really well! Hang in there. Savanah will thank you one day. Probably after she becomes a mom, but it will happen. ;)

Anita in Indiana

Dayna said...

I have a feeling my daughter's childhood years are going to last forever -- for both of us. I could really use a good mother/daughter book.

Unknown said...

I get the you are a mean mom comment quite often too.

I would love to win the book!

Beth said...

My 4 year old daughter is volatile enough now, I can't imagine when she is 12!

Anonymous said...

How can we ALL be the meanest mom ever?!
Seriously though, I still haven't forgiven my mom for not letting me go to the Phila Flyers Stanley Cup victory parade in 1975. I was a good student and a rabid Flyers fan(still am). I think there were about ten kids in my class that day. She's deceased now, so I'm trying to let it go!

Anonymous said...

I just had a daughter, 4 months old, and would have probably done the same thing as you. I helped raise my sister, she's 8 years younger and have a tiny bit of experience with that age group. I'd love a copy of the book, and even if I don't win, I'm glad you brought this auther to my attention. Good luck with the 6 pack!

Stephanie said...

Would love to win!

Anonymous said...

I would love a chance to win a copy. I'm also the mother of 6 (2 of them daughters) and find them to be much! different than the sons I've grown accustomed to.

Anonymous said...

Oh I just love Robin's book series the "Sister Chicks" I just finished reading the last one...they are great. I'd love to have another one of her books! Pick me...pick me!
--Lori
campdoza@ca.rr.com

Winona said...

Sounds like a cool book - I look, erm, forward to many fights with my daughter...

CB from BG said...

I definitely could use some help too!!!! Enter me too please..

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! We all could use a little something to get through those tough times! Thanks!

Elsa said...

Good for you on sticking to your guns.

Elleah said...

I was just reading some books by her last week and she is a FANTASTIC author!! I'm really interested to read that book you mentioned!

Tina said...

Oh I have two daughters, I would love to read these books.

Anonymous said...

Love Books! Pick me random name picker!!

Becky said...

Well I am not a mommy of a teen girl, just a toddler boy..so far. But I am a daughter, and would sure take it if I win!
~Becky

Amy Lynn said...

I sure could use this book, right now my girls are still little. But before I know it, they're gonna be asking me some tough questions. *cringe* Thanks Dawn :)

Anjanette said...

I'd love the book.

kungfu_mom said...

Well, I need some insight to dealing with my 12 (13 on 12/27) yo dd. She's quite the gem sometimes.

Thanks for sharing..

Anonymous said...

pick me!!! pleeeeeeaaaasssssseeeeee...i have a 15 y/o...pllllllleeeeeeaaaaassssseeeee

AndiWrite said...

I can use all the help I can get with my tween daughter...she's a good kid but these are challenging years!

Stacie said...

I would love one of these books! I have a feeling I am going to need them in the near future...

Anonymous said...

I'd love to get a copy of either of these books - it is always great to hear about another Mom's insights. (Why else would I read your blog? Your savvy fashion sense maybe??) ;o)

Gretchen said...

I have 3 daughters coming up in age, I sure could use this!

Anonymous said...

I love RJG! I used to read her novels as a teen. I have 2 daughters and would LOVE one of these books. Thanks Dawn!

Vivian M said...

Wow, I think us Moms remember these moments longer than our kids. I will never forget the day my daughter told me she hated me when she did not get something she wanted. She was two years old!

Grateful for Grace said...

Sounds really interesting!!

Aleta said...

OOHH! I have three girls and preggo with my fourth!! I NEED this book (not for another 6 years or so - lol) but STILL! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

The book sounds lovely! Wow!

Anonymous said...

I have 3 daughters (9 and two 8's) - and I can use all the help I can get :) Pick me!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have a 13 yr old daughter who loves the "your thew worst mom ever and dont know what you are doing cause all my friends mom's day its ok... you had me to young to know anything" speech. AHHH teenage girls.

Jennifer H IN SC

Melinda said...

Yeah, I'm a mean mother too! Just like my mum, and her mum before her... I'm definatley going to check out the book (if I don't get really lucky and win it!) Ok, I'll just go buy it now.... LOLOL! Thanks Dawn.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

count me in as a mom with a teen daughter I NEED all the help I can get

Anonymous said...

You aren't the only mom who didn't let her daughters watch twilight at midnight. I am 13 and have a sister who is 15 and we both were dieing to see twilight after reading all the books! My mom said pretty much the same thing. We ended up seeing it friday and saturday, though and thought it was great!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I would so LOVE to win this book. Having a daughter who just turned 12 last week, I'm sure it would be very useful in the years to come. She is a great kid overall, but I can see those teen hormones kicking in and the eye rolling starting :-) PICK ME, PICK ME!

Mandy said...

Oh, I tell my kids "Because I'm Mean" all the time, then they try to argue and convince me that I am not mean...sadly, they're mistaken.

I'm having such issues with my daughter right now, a book to help guide me and tell me it will be alright sounds perfect.

AlaneM said...

Oh I'd love that book...Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I would love to have the Mothering by Heart Book. I have a 3 year old son with Short Gut Syndrome (his small intestines were dead at birth) and a healthy 4 year old daughter. Due to my sons condition, we are unable to go out in public from November 1st until April 1st and are confined to home. We have done this for the last 3 years but it never gets any easier being cooped up at home, not being able to go out, not being able to have visitors and most of all not being able to be with our families for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. I miss my family!!! Anyway, I would love an inspirational book to try to get me through another confinement during the winter.

-Angela-

JM said...

I read your blog all the time, but don't comment. However, this blog was EXACTLY what happened to me. My daughter is 11 and wanted to do exactly the same thing. I would love to know why they would release a movie that hundreds of teens want to see on a school night!! I stood my ground and my daughter quickly got over it. She did get to see the movie on Friday night and afterwards I pointed out to her that the world didn't end because she didn't get to see the movie the minute it opened!!

Anonymous said...

I say to my teenager "It's not fair to the teachers who are extremely underpaid and overworked for you to come to school in the form of a zombie, except for that one teacher who gives you an "F" for turning in a permission slip a day late on the second day of school." Not that that works :)

Anonymous said...

I call my daughter my rose among thorns (she's the only girl with 3 brothers)-- As the sensitive one who needs things her brothers don't, I find parenting her a special challenge -- boys are simple creatures, girls are maddingly (is that a word?) complex. I'd love a book that could give me ideas about how to make my relationship with my daughter meaningful and special.

Thanks Dawn for making me realize that my biggest goal needs to be just getting through the day with 4 kids who are healthy and happy and growing into great people.

Anonymous said...

Okay, we all want to know the story about the China Plate!

angeleyes Blue said...

Hey I thought I was the meanest mommy in the whole world. At least in NM. There are days when it doesn't matter what I do it is my fault. Especially those days when I am quiet and don't make a sound. It is ALWAYS MY FAULT!

I usually laugh it off and say Sorry, I Missed The Memo. Having 2 teens at the same time can drive you crazy. I know in my heart of hearts that I will miss them both terribly when they are off to college. Pray for us--that I don't kill em first.

I got another e-mail from a friend---Some animals eat their young. My 16 year old looked over my shoulder when I recieved that bit of advice, Mom what does that MEAN?! Son don't PUSH ME.

Kristine said...

I would love the book as well. Yep, planning on being a mean mom myself. :) Well maybe I am already. LOL Not too many fights from them yet - but my oldest is only 9.

Jessica said...

Oh! I'm not a mom, but I know someone that I could give this to for Christmas. She's totally struggling with being a mom right now and it breaks my heart because I find motherhood one of the greatest gifts of all.

Allykat said...

I am so dreading the teen years! I hated my mom when I was a teen and I don't look forward to have my DD hate me when she gets to be that age. :( Hopefully it won't come to that. Maybe it'll help if I read this book. Thankfully I have time on my side (DD is only 2 3/4).

Anonymous said...

The book sounds really good.
tcmcgarvey at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,
Sometimes I feel like all I ever say is "NO". I am always second guessing myself. It stinks! I was glad to read that you second guessed yourself too. At least we may see eachother in that same boat! LOL

Anonymous said...

I have a 17 year old that believes she should have the same privileges that her 19 year old sister has. They are only 20 months apart, so I guess she thinks that is close enough to make her own decisions. Meanwhile, her older sister has graduated and has a car, a job, and a bank account. (then of course, there's my 9 year old who thinks she is also the same age as the older 2, but that's another long story ha!)

Anonymous said...

No fair!!! I want the book and there are too many comments. You'll NEVER pick me, never, never, never!!! Sorry, I'm turning into my children. Please, dear Dawn, pick me oh gracious blog-queen!

Lowa said...

Wow, this book sounds awesome! I have it in my amazon cart in case I don't win:)

Becca said...

Thought I would give it a try. It would be fun to win.

dicity said...

I also told my kids if their friends asked them to do something totally stupid that they knew they shouldn't do, to say no and blame it on me because I "know everything." They are adults now and not in jail, so maybe it worked?

dicity

opattie said...

Wow, and I thought I was the meanest mom for not letting my toddler go to bed naked, LOL!

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