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When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter: Affirming Her Identity and Dreams in Every Stage of Life

Review

When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter: Affirming Her Identity and Dreams in Every Stage of Life

Author Cindi McMenamin has written a number of bestselling books for women, couples and families in general. In her latest offering, she focuses on the relationship between mothers and daughters, daughters and mothers. She tosses around the dynamics between this sometimes challenging, always interesting interplay of mother-daughter relationships.

Whether your daughter is still a babe in arms or a mom herself, this terrific and informative text will both encourage and instruct. The author spent much time interviewing moms about how and why they parented as they did. She then surveyed daughters to learn how they felt about how they were parented by their moms. This is fascinating reading throughout as women of all ages share what they loved about their moms, as well as what they struggled with as they grew up.

"From the first page to the final paragraph, McMenamin has written a reader-friendly text that will engage moms (and daughters) through real-life stories of females across the country. Surrounding these poignant, sometimes hilarious anecdotes are biblical principles to apply during that particular season of mothering."

Moms of all ages will find lots of thoughtful biblical principles in each and every chapter of this inspirational book. Given that almost every mom feels like she has failed her children (a little or a lot), McMenamin spends time in each topic encouraging moms that it is never too late to start over (or start again). She shares numerous stories from her own mothering journey (times when she succeeded and times when she failed). Her daughter weighs in as well with transparent admissions about her own battles to feel perfect enough.

From birth to adulthood, McMenamin journeys along with moms as she coaches them through the various stages of parenting. Readers will find sound advice on such topics as recognizing how influential a mother is; learning to cue in on what your daughter really needs; practical words and ways to build your child up; giving her the gift of your time; taking an interest in her world; encouraging her to dream; preparing her for life; choosing your battles of disagreement well; guiding her spiritually; and becoming her best friend.

From the first page to the final paragraph, McMenamin has written a reader-friendly text that will engage moms (and daughters) through real-life stories of females across the country. Surrounding these poignant, sometimes hilarious anecdotes are biblical principles to apply during that particular season of mothering. She also includes introspective questions and suggested exercises for strengthening the bond between mother and daughter. Finally, a heartfelt prayer concludes each chapter that sums up the contents discussed.

Moms and their daughters will find not only solid resources within this book, but also hope and healing for those touchy areas where agreement has never been reached. Overall, this upbeat, positive parenting title will offer all sorts of moms (with all sorts of daughters) exactly what they need to deepen their family bond. McMenamin has a mother’s heart above all, and her tender words will cause moms to take the lead in inspiring their own precious daughters.

Reviewed by Michele Howe on September 19, 2013

When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter: Affirming Her Identity and Dreams in Every Stage of Life
by Cindi McMenamin

  • Publication Date: September 1, 2013
  • Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Parenting
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
  • ISBN-10: 0736954538
  • ISBN-13: 9780736954532