Mothering with Courage

by Joanna Cherry

We asked Joanna Cherry (left), mom of three, wife and school teacher, to read and tell us her thoughts about Mothering with Courage:The Mindful Approach to Becoming a Mom Who Listens More, Worries Less, and Loves Deeply—parenting expert Bonnie Compton’s long-awaited new book release.

Joanna’s Review: 5 Stars

Mothering with Courage:The Mindful Approach to Becoming a Mom Who Listens More, Worries Less, and Loves Deeply by Bonnie Compton is not an easy beach read. You may enjoy reading it on the beach, but more than likely you will give this book a permanent parking space on your bedside table. This is a book you will refer to repeatedly, yet it isn’t a reference book. It’s much more thought provoking. This may not be a book you sit at once and read from cover to cover. Rather, you might choose to read one of the many valuable chapters such as, “Hopes, Wishes, and Dreams,” or “Children Are Our Teachers” and then take time for reflection.

This self-help book on mothering is organized into chapters that inspire the reader to reflect inwardly. At each chapter’s completion, there are journaling exercises, which may be my favorite part of the book, since I figure things out through journaling and praying.

Mothering with Courage refreshingly focuses on helping moms find the courage to become the parent they dream of being, instead of correcting children’s behavioral issues. Compton encourages her reader to: “Be gentle with yourself, and give yourself the gift of time to know you, to discover what’s important to you and how you want to live as a mother.” Mothers of all ages will benefit from Compton’s guidance and gain the courage and desire to dig deep and form closer connections with their children, regardless of age.

“Courage” is a repetitive theme throughout the book. In the chapter entitled “Hopes, Wishes, and Dreams,” the author urges parents to allow children to “…believe in the magic of their dreams,” no matter how unrealistic they seem. She explains that while children have dreams of their own, parents also have hopes and dreams for their children. She advises mothers to be sure to “examine” their hopes for their children to gage whether they serve the parent or the child. If you do “examine” and unearth expectations that need changing, the author prompts the reader to “…view yourself with soft eyes” to courageously face the things you want to change.

The chapter “The Messages We Send Our Children—They Share Them With the World” invites readers to recall messages they received as a child in their family of origin. Often these beliefs are passed along to our own offspring—the next generation. Bravely inspecting and questioning these messages will impact not just your mother-child relationship, but every relationship your child has or will have.

Compton promotes the idea of mindful parenting and gently clarifies that parenting out of fear and anxiety is reactive parenting. This book is about supporting mothers becoming emotionally healthy, empowering them to parent mindfully, and encouraging them to heartily engage in producing healthy and happy children. Readers may feel as if they’ve sat on their therapists’ couches and had cleansing sessions. It’s clear Compton’s heart  is to guide mothers to be emotionally sound.

Back to Reading on the Beach: Take this book along, as well as a journal and pen. You’ll want to pack some courage, not because it’s scary, but because absorbing the opportunities this book presents requires a little soul-digging. Be assured you will discover treasure in Mothering with Courage by Bonnie Compton.