We are the Same

     Being a mom is hard. I mean really tough. How many moms (or dads) are out there? From the moment I became pregnant all the fears and joys and hopes of the rest of my life came flooding out. Am I eating the right foods? How much TV should I let me child watch? What kind of discipline am I going to do? Will the baby sleep in our bed or their own?      There are so many questions and unknowns with parenting. For example, when we had our first daughter she was never going to sleep in our bed. Fast forward to a 6 month old, who wouldn't sleep alone, in a 1 bed 600 sq foot apartment. Yeah her sleeping in her crib didn't last long. In fact, around 8 months we just took the crib down and had her sleeping in our bed full time. Are we crazy? Yes! Would I change it? No. At that time in our life, while my husband was full time studying at seminary and working, we needed to sleep. An easy bedtime and family time together was important, even if it only happened while we were sleeping.

     Another parenting struggle in our house, is and has been the television. How much TV and technology is too much. The technology issue has only gotten harder to navigate as our children have grown, not easier. I'm sure this struggle will continue as our children age as their have been times we've had no TV and times when we've had TV on ALL the time.      Now you might be wondering, "why is Amy talking about parenting struggles, isn't her blog about books?" and you would be correct!! My blog is about books, but not just books. Books are just a part of my families life and  a part of yours. Whether you co sleep, let your kids watch TV or not, eat all organic or not, we ALL struggle as parents. We are all in this crazy world of parenting together, and I want to help you. I want to show you behind the scenes of my life and along the way share with you some of our favorite books. Books and tips that will help your family no matter what your struggle.

Each week we will take a look inside a different category of books that we offer. This week we will start with our youngest readers...babies!

https://youtu.be/g-djvM9AjbE

     Let's take a look at some books! That's not my series is a favorite for babies and toddlers. The touchy feely pages help with tactile development and fine motor skills which will be necessary as they learn to read. The repetitive nature of these books helps a baby with understanding and prediction. Similar to how you would sing the same song over and over, your baby will love reading the same words over and over. Repetition is the foundation of learning to read and observe the world around us.  The repetition is teaching your child early prediction and deciphering skills. How neat is that?!

     So tell me, what are some of your family struggles? How could you see using "That's not my..." books in your household? Maybe you are a new parents and are overwhelmed with all the options and need some guidance. This blog is as much about me as it is about you. Comment below with what areas you are struggling in and I'll see what books will fit your situation.