Book Description
Based entirely on research from peer-reviewed journals and randomized controlled trials,
The Sixty-Second Motivator is an easily read story that reveals practical motivational techniques. In less than 100 pages, readers will have the necessary tools to enable them to motivate themselves or others. A handy worksheet is also included which guides the reader through the motivational process.
Customer Reviews:
Sixty Second Motivator.......2007-09-19
This is a great little book. It is written in a light style that makes it easy to read and digest the principles that Jim spells out. If you have ever tried to make a change and been unsuccessful in accomplishing your goal this little book will help you to understand why you failed and how you can increase your chance of success. I found it to be helpful both with my own personal goals and in better understanding what may help to motivate my clients to achieve their stated goals.
It Really Works!.......2007-08-08
Forget the motivational seminars, DVDs, and CDs. This little book has more insights into motivation than anything else I have seen! No hype here.
The author has taken complex concepts and made them easy to understand in an entertaining way. I use the practical tips not only to motivate my patients, but also to motivate myself!
The Sixty-Second Motivator- Book Review.......2007-06-12
Both my husband and I enjoyed this book a lot. We found it to be a neat, well organized little book written in an easy-to-understand, straight-forward style that is genuinely enjoyable while at the same time providing valuable insights about why we do or do not do things. While we found it quite analytical about key factors concerning motivation, the book didn't make us feel intimidated or "preached at". The tone of the book came across to us as friendly, low-key, very helpful, analytical and a valuable "keeper" to refer to in life's future situations.
Excellent read!!.......2007-03-08
This is an excellent read and one book you will finish reading. They say that most poeople don't finish books they buy, but this one is soo relevant to our lives that you will want to read it cover to cover several times! Keeping it in my day planner for a random quick read infusion throughout the day helps keep me on track!!
The missing link!.......2006-09-19
Having read Jim Johnson's No Beach No Zone weight loss book, I knew WHAT to do, plain and simple, and WHY it was important. So why wasn't I doing what the book laid out as a proven plan for weight loss? It's all about motivation. There's even a chapter on motivation in his weight loss book - but this book takes it one step further, into the science of motivation. Personally I think both books dovetail into one another well, especially if your lack of motivation happens to be in the field of losing weight. The science of how to lose weight permanently, and the science of motivating yourself to do anything. Once again, this is all based on research and not what one guy thinks.
One of the best surprises about this book is the way it is written. Without giving away too much, I can tell you that this book is more of a story than a collection of facts, and reads almost like a mystery. One thing's for sure, it's extremely engaging. I read the whole think in one sitting; the research and strategy don't take volumes to explain or lay out. I'm not one to read huge volumes, and Jim Johnson always makes a concise read devoid of medical mumbo-jumbo. The actual motivation chart takes up one page and really makes you think about what makes your own self "tick". The only excuse for not getting motivated is if you aren't willing to give up one hour of your time, and a little more time spent thinking straight.
Book Description
Being a mom means more than being a wife and parent-it also means being the household accountant, building manager, cook, gardener, housekeeper, and personal shopper-just to name a few of the roles that come with the territory! As America's "Family Manager," bestselling author Kathy Peel has shown millions of moms that running a household is like operating a business. Like any good C.E.O., every mother must know her goals, determine her strategies, and manage her human resources.
Delegate-Motivate-Organize...Relax!
Every smart manager knows that success depends on teamwork. Kathy shows readers how to get kids and spouses to help around the house-with lots of practical advice and encouragement to get them motivated and keep them going.
Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity
With hundreds of time-saving, money-saving, and stress-reducing ideas, this indispensable handbook also shows readers how to take charge of running the home-without running themselves into the ground.
Customer Reviews:
Things I never thought to do (or never knew how).......2007-08-07
I just got this book a few days ago, and have been reading it in my spare time, but already I've organized the office, my daughter's closet, and the kitchen cupboards with Kathy Peel's advice. This book not only gives great tips and advice, but gets you motivated to keep a clean, organized and orderly home. I'm only in the 4th or 5th chapter so far, and have gotten so many great ideas for keeping a more smooth-running home. My husband has really enjoyed coming home every day to a more organized, neater home. Our biggest problem is clutter, and she gives great advice for getting rid of clutter and controlling the influx. We have a lot to do yet, but I'm excited to take back our home with Kathy Peel's helpful instructions.
A must for new brides!.......2007-04-10
I have been a housewife for 17 years and I still learned a lot of great time saving tips from this book. This is definately the kind fo book you have to buy, not borrow, so you can hilight and tag pages that jump out at you. It has columns for notes, budgets, etc. This is an absolutely perfect book for a shower gift or anniversary gift for a new bride--I am excited to give a copy to my daughters when they leave home.
not the typical organizing book.......2007-02-11
A lot of organizing books repeat the same old principles. Kathy's book applies an entirely different creed! Family managers become CEOs of the family which gives us a whole different perspective and value system. I highly recommend this book. Even after you get the concept down, there is a lot of information in the book you will want to have on the shelf as a reference.
Very basic.......2007-01-06
Walks you thru the very basics to start each project. Simple and easy to do.
Helpful for clueless.......2007-01-04
It is worth the price if you are really clueless and need a guide to taking care of the house. I have always wanted to stay home with my kids and have always had visions of a happy clean home, and then reality hits and it is not that easy. [...]
Book Description
In The Family Manager, best-selling author Kathy Peel not only gives your demanding job a new title, she shows mothers how to use the same skills and strategies that successful business managers use-practical and innovative ways to get life under control.
Customer Reviews:
Very inspiring and encouraging.......1999-05-28
Kathy has a wonderful writing style which begs you to keep on reading. Her suggestions are 'doable' and inspire you to get started immediately. For stay-at-home Moms, Kathy adds to your self-esteem. As a working Mom, whose been 'on the other side,' it made me feel a bit guilty (she's got a book for working moms too, though!)
I especially love how Kathy doesn't claim Martha Stewartitis: she recognizes her weaknesses (cooking) and realizes that NOBODY can do it all. A great read for busy mothers of all walks of life.
This book forever changed how I approach my job........1999-04-17
I felt completely inspired and renewed after reading just the first few pages of Kathy's book. She redefines the role of "homemaker" and gives women (and men) who run their homes the recognition they have always deserved by giving them a more legitimate title-Family Manager-and by breaking down the job of family manager into manageable departments like Home & Property, Food, and Family & Friends. She puts into words what I have felt all along but didn't quite know how to phrase. Her book is a great way to get yourself organized and motivated to be the best family manager you can be.
Excellent Book full of great ideas!!.......1998-07-08
This is a terrific resource for those who are in charge of the home. Kathy Peel has great ideas and suggestions for home management including finances, cooking, entertaining, home organization. This is not one of those home organization books whose suggestions are so detailed that the average person would never follow through with them! It is great!
Book Description
"Whoever you are, and however you operate as a family manager, this book can help. Use it as a yearly planner, a reminder, and a good friend with good ideas."
--Kathy Peel
Throughout the year, life is full of surprises. A sudden rainy day confines your kids to home. Wouldn't it be nice to give them fifty fun ways to combat cabin fever? Your husband calls: he's bringing home some important business associates for dinner. Imagine whipping up a delicious meal on a half hour's notice. A sudden visit from family? Learn to clean your entire house in a weekend. You can do it--and family manager expert Kathy Peel shows you how in this indispensable year-round planner.
¸ Outline monthly and seasonal goals and strategies
¸ Develop your best management style
¸ Apply the seven survival strategies
¸ Simplify finances and record keeping
¸ Anticipate and plan for the big changes
Plus ideas for shortcuts in the kitchen, speed cleaning, smart shopping, and hundreds of other ways to make every day easier and your life much happier.
Customer Reviews:
One of the Good Ones..........2006-01-12
I have a couple of bookshelves in my home dedicated to homemaking and organization books, this is one that gets pulled out and skimmed over on a pretty regular basis.
I like that I can just flip around and find good reminders and quotes just about every page I end up on.
I like her "tone" -- meaning there are some books out there with an annoying tone (i.e., the kind that sound too bossy and haughty, and then the kind that you feel like they are speaking to a toddler or puppy: "good girl! you can do it!" - blech...).
Just an overall good book. I don't give it 5 stars b/c I reserve that rating for those I consider the absolute best.
Decent book but there might be better.......2005-12-22
This is a pretty decent book. What confuses me is why this author has so many books out that seem to be variations of the same thing. I happened to pick up this particular one but I'm not sure why she has authored so many different ones that seem to be all the same topic. This book is pretty jam packed with lots of great ideas on how to be organized. Of course it's full of pretty much the same stuff other books are full of too. That's because when it comes to being an organized mom much of this information is going to be the same no matter what book you read. If you are looking for something really simplified and very hands on with exact steps on what to do then I prefer Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley. If you are already a pretty organized person then this is going to be a nice addition to your library. If you are already overwhelmed then this will probably just be another book to fill your shelf.
A good start for the organizationally challenged.......2003-07-03
I am organizationally challenged. I admit this. My home is an explosion of toys, cracker crumbs, laundry and paperwork. Our bills are regularly late because we can't find them or worse forget about them. I would like to say this book re-invented my life, I have to be realistic though. After almost 30 years of disorganization nothing will change over night. The author does offer some very practical simple solutions that I was able to implement with almost no effort. This was great for us. I created an organization system and rearranged a few items of furniture to find that I could use the space and things I already owned to my advantage. I try to look through the book weekly to find something new I can add to our routine to see what we can do to improve things. If you are just starting out with organization or you are to the point I was where you were ready to explode this is an excellent resource.
You may be the boss, but are you the Family Manager?.......2003-05-20
It's so easy to feel like we stay-at-home moms do so little in the world. Everyone else has titles at their job: "assistant product developer", "marketing coordinator", "research and design engineer". We're simply "Mom". And often as we sit around in our jeans with banana mash stuck on them juggling a baby and figuring out when we need to leave to pick up our older ones from school, we wonder whether we're really that important.
Kathy Peel helps us in two ways: first, she encourages us that what we do truly is important. In fact, it's the most important job there is! And if we're going to do it right, it requires some organization.
The Family Manager doesn't just teach us how to organize our homes, it helps us make sure that the main priorities don't get lost in the shuffle of driving to gymnastics, to Boy Scouts, and the grocery store. She reminds us to plan family activities, to make everyone feel special, and to take time just to enjoy each other. And to keep stress to a minimum, she reminds us to do the "preventative maintenance" in all areas of our lives, so that we don't have to spend precious time putting out fires.
When I wrote To Love, Honor and Vacuum, I didn't repeat what Kathy Peel did, because she did such a good job. I focused on how to change our relationships so that we don't feel so taken for granted, but I recommended that everyone also read The Family Manager to learn how to do that housework quickly, efficiently, and to everyone's benefit.
If you're down in the duldrums and feeling like you're running off your feet, this book will help you to remember that you are important and that you can make a difference.
Full of Information, Repeat of much information.......2001-10-23
First the positive:
This book is full of useful information to help you in organizing your home, your time, your life and more. There are many hints and techniques as well as a encouragement. If you are just starting down the road to organizing, this is a good book to begin with.
However, if you already have a fairly well run family and need to fine tune your organizing this is not the book to get.
Much of this can be read in any women's magazine in any given month. Many of the ideas are very simplistic (not that this is all bad).
Overall, I'd say that there are other better books out there that deal with organizing a home. I prefer Confessions of a Happily Organized Family or others by the same author.
Book Description
Summer vacation can be a wonderful bonding time for parents and their kids... if it's done right! In The Family Manager's Guide to Summer Survival, best-selling author Kathy Peel shows you how to make the most of the summer months with activities, learning experiences, trips, and more. Plus, she'll show you the top ten ways to answer the cries of "I'm bored!" with creative activities that teach children skills and values.
The ultimate guide to surviving school vacation for both working and stay-at-home moms, this book will help parents give their kids summers to remember!
Customer Reviews:
Wow I'm glad I got this book.......2007-04-05
I'm psyched for summer. I'm a SAHM and just read this tonight (I did do a lot of skimming as far as the actual crafts and stuff but read all the introductory text in each section).
I have no idea why someone would say this is geared toward working moms. There is a part in the beginning saying how to ADAPT it to working moms, but most if it deals with what to do with your kids on a day-to-day basis in the summer to help them entertain themselves (and avoid the "I'm bored" monster) along with teaching different values and focusing on different areas of their growth. I actually don't think it would work that great for working moms - did I miss something?!
There is a lot that I skipped over, such as how to help them earn money doing different summer jobs, and with any "list" type book of tips and ideas, there are some I already knew and a lot I probably won't use. However, just the craft part alone is worth the cost of the book. I got it from the library but am on here right now finding a copy to own so I can highlight and dog ear.
There are many many craft ideas that are actually cheap, unlike a lot of craft books and magazines that require you to buy special expensive ingredients and ending up with crafts that the kids can't even make well so the parent ends up taking over. The ingredients in here that look like they might be costly are used over and over again so at least you are not buying a big box of something like Borax or liquid starch and only using a tablespoon. And the crafts seem to be easy enough for the age range of 6-9 that I'm looking for. There are enough crafts that I'm interested in that I actually think it would take several summers to do them all!
I've already enrolled my 9yo and 6yo in a few day and overnight scout-type camps but was looking into some expensive daycamps at the Y and elsewhere (starting at $200 a week for both boys - yikes!) to keep them occupied during the day, since I plan to turn the tv and video games off for the summer. Now I realize I can actually enjoy doing camp-type activities with them without Mom getting too bored, and still have enough time to do the things I, myself, need and want to do this summer. Especially since there are a lot that require planning on my part but that they can implement all by themselves.
BTW, it has definite Christian overtones. If you are not big on Christian literature, as I am not, don't be turned off. It's not preachy and there is plenty here for parents of any religion or even no religion, like me.
Mostly geared towards working moms.......2006-08-08
There were some helpful worksheets and ideas, however, over all it is geared toward the working mom. Also if you homeschool - most of the ideas don't fit but some could be modified.
Make the Most of Summer.......2006-06-03
Sure kids need some time to relax over the summer but quickly become bored. What's a busy parent to do ?
I was delighted to discover this book after reading about in in the Maine Sunday Telegram. The author advises really listening to your children's input on what excites them, but also wants the parent to offer suggestions and set limits.
A child may think watching cartoons non-stop makes a fun summer. This book gives ideas (tennis, hiking, other exercise or structured programs). I highly recommend investigating the free programs at your local public library. They might be able to lure your child into reading for pleasure (or reward).
The book wants you to get resourceful and creative with your children. Learn origami or stamp collecting or take turns with other parents teaching the children new skills.
The author also suggests a designated "pickup time" each day to gather up the toys and do a 10-minute clean up. Great idea!
There are lots of things to do in the summer with children and many are inexpensive. Turn off the TV and turn on your family to having fun together this summer.
Book Description
For many Americans, capitalism is a dynamic engine of prosperity that rewards the bold, the daring, and the hardworking. But to many outside the United States, capitalism seems like an initiative that serves only to concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few hereditary oligarchies. As A History of Corporate Governance around the World shows, neither conception is wrong.
In this volume, some of the brightest minds in the field of economics present new empirical research that suggests that each side of the debate has something to offer the other. Free enterprise and well-developed financial systems are proven to produce growth in those countries that have them. But research also suggests that in some other capitalist countries, arrangements truly do concentrate corporate ownership in the hands of a few wealthy families.
A History of Corporate Governance around the World provides historical studies of the patterns of corporate governance in several countries-including the large industrial economies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States; larger developing economies like China and India; and alternative models like those of the Netherlands and Sweden.
Book Description
An AHA Press/Jossey-Bass Publication
A comprehensive array of detailed, useful strategies to improve customer service are presented in this easy-to-use manual. Health care administrators, managers, and supervisors in any provider organization, regardless of size, will benefit from core service strategies like:
- Establishing high standards of customer service
- Helping staff hear the voice of the customer
- Hiring customer service pros
- Helping staff cope better in a stressful atmosphere
- Reducing anxiety to increase satisfaction
- and more!
Customer Reviews:
Well researched and quite useful but a complex application........1999-06-25
This is clearly a well researched volume based on accepted current business practices and their trappings. As a reference source on viable methods of addressing specific areas of non clinical service delivery, it is thorough and quite useful. However the me(physician/administrator) vs them feeling, that is an ongoing problem in practices, and which comes through repeatedly with the word "behavior" as one example, is bothersome. (The book might be more aptly titled: "Staff Selection and Motivation in Non Clinical Service") Still for Customer Service to be truly effective and continuing, it has to come from within and cannot be imposed from without. Training and service objectives need to resonate with each individual to be smoothly integrated and become more than a mechanical reaction to job performance requirements. Further Customer Service needs to be differentiated from clinical services such as explaining an IV. The prospect of a physician sitting down, reading this book and saying he/she is going to implement this, in all its complexity, is remote. He needs custom-tailored guidance and systems that run themselves as much as possible. The conclusion of the final chapter says, in essence, "you've got to do SOMETHING!" But what, which?
Great book. Chock full of service strategies for healthcare.......1998-12-26
I'm C.O.O at a rehab hospital. I've been reading Wendy's books on service improvement in healthcare for years. This newest one is really terrific, because the strategies she describes are ones I can use as an administrator and also get my managers to use...without the need for training. This book is a manual really...a real "how-to" book. It's worth buying one for every manager.
Book Description
Examines the shifting demographic, economic, and social forces--the changing gender roles, harsher economic realities, and dual career families--that pull managers and executives out of balance. Draws on ten years of research, consulting, and training on the topic to describe the cost of imbalance to individuals and organizations and tells how to restore equilibrium. Provides numerous checklists and self-assessment tools to help determine the degree and the nature of imbalance in our lives and in our organizations. Outlines a step-by-step process for personal change that can lead to an improved quality of life and provides individuals with a blueprint for initiating organizational changes that jointly optimize personal development and organizational effectiveness.
Customer Reviews:
Not quite as evil and destructive as some might lead you to believe!.......2007-09-22
Whoa - after reading that last review I decided to add my own.
Perhaps the book is a bit overpriced - I bought it from the Maxwell Website, along with a few other materials, and I do not feel I was ripped off... but I do agree that it is probably more of a $15-20 book.
The much-maligned "fluff" really encouraged and inspired me - I was able to glean a great deal of help simply by reading the experiences of other Christian homeschooling families.
As for letting babies "cry it out" and the like... I don't think personal attacks on the Maxwells or their character are called for! They don't present their example or experience as the "only" way to do things - they are simply sharing their lives with the reader. I dare say that an observation of their family would indicate that the children did, indeed, learn to "depend on Mommy" and her letting them "cry it out" doesn't seem to have affected their dependence on God. Just an observation.
Yes, Jesus was a breastfed baby... and that has nothing to do with nursing at church! Based upon Jewish traditiion and culture, I doubt Mary was letting Him latch on in the Temple! ;) Nothing is wrong with nursing at church, but keep in mind that there will be some who are uncomfortable or ill at ease. We should be mindful of our brothers and sisters in Christ - not to mention the unsaved who may be visiting a service - and not use our liberty to cause others to stumble or give offense.
The Maxwells do not indicate that babies are "machines" - to the contrary, they give sound scriptural exhortation to raise children up Biblically! I dare say this is contrary to some of the "principles" espoused by Attachment Parenting, International.
"With Teri's plan you're constantly having to re-write the schedule as baby grows, gets sick, teethes, or whatever." I disagree! Again, she doesn't present her method as the ONLY way to do it... we built a schedule but are not SLAVES to the schedule. On the CD that came with the book she makes a point that we are not to let a schedule be our master.
Many homeschooling families - and housewives - don't schedule at all and everyone suffers because of it! We use our schedule as a framework and our experience this year has been the polar opposite of last year... for the better!
"With Terri's plan you will need every piece of baby equipment ever made for the plan to work - bouncer, playpen, swing, high chair, walker, johhny jump-up, etc because your baby will have 15 minute of this, 30 of that, etc." Well... I don't see that in the book either. I didn't use playpens with either of my children but, in retrospect, I wish I would have... on a limited basis. Keeping baby in a sling is fantastic (I did it with both... nursed, too) but teaching children to occupy themselves is a valid goal... particularly when handling hot pots and pans or doing dishes in very hot water.
"Of course, you could schedule everyone but the baby but the whole plan is based on working out every detail of every family member's day down to the minute so that may not be possible. More experienced moms may be able to skip this bad advice but my biggest fear is that overwhelmed moms with less experience and confidence with nursing babies may take this bad advice out of desperation, to the detriment of their babies and their relationship with them." I agree - anything can be taken to an extreme. I don't believe the tendency of people to overdo things is a good reason to discount this book entirely.
"But the whole "MOTH mindset" I feel is a bit legalistic and it can cause you to become a bit obsessed if you're not careful. I know she says be prepared for interruptions and tailor it to your needs but if you spend too much time with the book or on the MOTH Board you really start to feel that you're not good enough unless every detail of your life is perfectly orderly." I've experienced this with many parachurch ministries - if you become obsessed with ANYTHING... the problem is with YOU... not the ministry.
"They mean well and are trying to help each other but as a more "free spirit", "relaxed" homeschooler and an "AP" parent I often feel out of place there. I'm looking for a middle ground between structure and my more relaxed ways and MOTH is not it." We could get into a discussion on the Biblical validity of the "eight principles" espoused by API, but that has nothing to do with this book. Despite some of my own "crunchy" leanings, I would feel "out of place" with a bunch of AP'ers! LOL. Again - the atmosphere on the MOTH board doesn't impact the value of this book!
"Sometimes I wonder if the goal of the board is really to help people or to keep people using the book and to bring more attention to it and therefore more money into their pockets. Probably both, which is fine, but you will NEVER hear it said on the MOTH board that scheduling does NOT work for some people - the Maxwells will not allow those ideas on there. How truly helpful can a board be if it refuses to even acknowledge another viewpoint or style of parenting exists, except to portray it in a bad light?" Well... it would seem from even a cursory glance at the API Website or those of people who espouse the API principles that many believe "attachment parenting" is THE right way. Again - character assassination is hardly necessary! In listening to and reading other Maxwell materials, I do not come away thinking they are money-hungry or superior... quite the opposite.
"I think it looks like I'm ranting or bad-mouthing them here but I'm not -I just want others to know what the whole "MOTH experience" is like." The "MOTH experience" is what you make it - the same could be said for any other book that offers guidance. Glean the wheat, leave the chaff.
"As to the resources I do like... her stuff just uplifts me and encourages me like nothing else in the area of homeschooling and homemaking. She is not legalistic or rigid at all. She makes you feel good about being a mom and about scheduling the way that works for YOU and says if you DON'T use your schedule TOOL it is OK - it's there when you WANT to use it and to help you, not to be a slave driver." On this point, the most inspirational and encouraging book on homeschooling I've ever read is Teri Maxwell's devotional for homeschoolers. It is superb and overflowing with scripture that challenges, convicts and encourages. It is the best devotional book I've ever purchased.
"I had to add on to this already LONG review because I am more convinced than ever that the Maxwells are downright dangerous and legalistic... if you are an AP parent or any parent who loves your kids you do NOT want this book!"
COME ON! "Any parent who loves your kids"? Honestly?
Here's the deal - the book offers a very detailed method of scheduling your day. It is filled with practical advice - based on Mrs. Maxwell's experience of a homeschooling mother of several children. Some might say the scheduling kit is too involved - I agree. So I DIDN'T USE IT.
I gleaned practical advice on scheduling, along with encouragement and advice from other Christian homeschoolers that use the product.
If you want to know more, drop me a line using the email address in my profile.
Run, don't walk, away from this book and their organization!!.......2007-08-15
I have had this book for years - in fact I bought it twice because I got so frustrated with it once and got rid of it and then later decided to try again. Even after a second purchase I have not really implemented a schedule yet! It is a helpful book but there are some problems with it that may make it not worth the investment.
First of all it is way overpriced. It is full of very wide margins and lots of fluff, as another reviewer said. Gushing letters from the "test" families make up half of the book. They are helpful and enjoyable to read - to a point - but not $25.00 worth. Without those it is about a $10-15.00 book. I probably will keep the book since I have it already but I'm not sure I'd recommend someone buy it based on what I now know about it. There are cheaper and better resources elsewhere, which I will tell you about in a bit.
Secondly, their ideas about scheduling babies are very harsh, unloving, and downright dangerous, even according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. She advocates putting newborn, breastfed babies on a strict schedule that could cause failure to thrive as well as leaves no room at all for comfort nursing and individual needs, which is very important for baby AND mom (it will help you bond with your baby) for many reasons. See Dr. Sear's "The Baby Book" for more on this topic. What she describes as letting the baby "fuss a bit" is really the cruel practice of letting them "cry it out" where they learn that they will NOT get their needs met. Babies' needs and wants are one at this age. How does a baby learn to depend on God if they can't depend on Mommy?
Some of it is just downright ridiculous and impractical - like you should schedule your baby's feeding around church so you don't have to nurse there. First of all, babies aren't machines and they may have other ideas - what works one Sunday may not the next. Secondly - Jesus was a breastfed baby so what's wrong with nursing at church, even during the service? Nothing - it's the most natural place to nurse there is since God designed breastfeeding and I've done it with all of my (6) kids. It's much easier to keep a baby quiet during church by nursing it than it is when they get to the stage where they want to be alert and social diring the sermon - enjoy that time while you can!
With Teri's plan you're constantly having to re-write the schedule as baby grows, gets sick, teethes, or whatever. Mom and the other family members seem to be advised to spend a lot of time "distracting" the baby when it's not "time" yet to nurse - even if it's only 15 minutes away. Why bother? (Because the schedule is the most important thing - not the baby or the family.) It's not really saving any time - you're just spending that time doing something else with the baby besides nursing them. It's just so much easier to just nurse them whenever they want and carry them around in a sling while you homeschool (read and play with your kids!),do chores, etc. With Terri's plan you will need every piece of baby equipment ever made for the plan to work - bouncer, playpen, swing, high chair, walker, johhny jump-up, etc because your baby will have 15 minute of this, 30 of that, etc. It's ridiculous and would drive me mad if I did that with my babies - less is more with babies, really. Looking at some of the sample schedules the infants have busier schedules than the 10 year olds! How can you make such elaborate schedules for infants when their needs and patterns chance every day? The women doing MOTH with babies get obsessive. They have a Mom's Board and there are major discussions on how to elaborately schedule a baby's day with "towel" or "blanket" time, Playpen Time, room time, bouncer time, nap time, highchair time, nurse and go to sleep time, nurse and stay awake time, quiet time, play alone in crib time, etc - and we're talking about 2 month olds! It's ridiculous, unnatural and so much WORK for mom. Of course, you could schedule everyone but the baby but the whole plan is based on working out every detail of every family member's day down to the minute so that may not be possible. More experienced moms may be able to skip this bad advice but my biggest fear is that overwhelmed moms with less experience and confidence with nursing babies may take this bad advice out of desperation, to the detriment of their babies and their relationship with them.
There are some good ideas to glean here and I do think a loose schedule can be beneficial. I am trying to implement that in my family because with homeschooling, taking care of kids, hubby, home and animals (we have a homestead) it is overwhelming and I'd like a bit of order in our lives. But the whole "MOTH mindset" I feel is a bit legalistic and it can cause you to become a bit obsessed if you're not careful. I know she says be prepared for interruptions and tailor it to your needs but if you spend too much time with the book or on the MOTH Board you really start to feel that you're not good enough unless every detail of your life is perfectly orderly. Other scheduling resources don't leave me feeling that way like MOTH does.
That's another big area of warning- the MOTH board. It CAN be a big source of encouragement BUT it can also make you feel guilty and overwhelmed or it can turn you off any idea of scheduling when you start reading some of what these ladies are obsessing over. How many minutes of math, spelling, science, etc a day - puh-lease! How to keep toddlers and babies occupies so you can homeschool "in peace" while they're elsewhere -come on - the baby IS the lesson and they should be PART or your homeschooling, not an obstacle to it! Why are you homeschooling in the first place? Not so you can replicate school-at-home and daycare, I hope. They mean well and are trying to help each other but as a more "free spirit", "relaxed" homeschooler and an "AP" parent I often feel out of place there. I'm looking for a middle ground between structure and my more relaxed ways and MOTH is not it.
Another issue is the way the Maxwell's run the board. You are constantly told to keep everything you say "scheduling related". That's fine - it's the main reason for the board, it's their board - they have the right to say that but it means you can't really develop any friendships on the board because if someone is having a problem or needs advice outside of scheduling you can't address that. They don't allow members access to each other's e-mail addresses, either, so you can't contact anyone off-list if they have a question or problem and you can't discuss it on-list unless you "stretch" it (make something up) to fit the scheduling criteria. ("Well, when I was doing __________ I wasn't scheduling but if I had been I would've done done ________ or I think it would've worked this way.") It's just too hard so you don't bother and unfortunately people sometimes don't get the help they need. It makes for a very impersonal community and I like to get to know people I am talking to on-line better than that. They have the board to help people out but only as far as that help supports scheduling and portrays it as the "answer" to all of life's problems! Sometimes I wonder if the goal of the board is really to help people or to keep people using the book and to bring more attention to it and therefore more money into their pockets. Probably both, which is fine, but you will NEVER hear it said on the MOTH board that scheduling does NOT work for some people - the Maxwells will not allow those ideas on there. How truly helpful can a board be if it refuses to even acknowledge another viewpoint or style of parenting exists, except to portray it in a bad light?
My biggest concern with them, though, is that they practice censorship in a major way. ANYTHING that they don't agree with - whether it is something you personally say, do, or believe or if it is something you mention, such as curriculum or another speaker, author, etc - they will edit out of your posts. It's not because they don't allow these things mentioned - people mention curriculum and such all the time - it's just that if they don't like the particular homeschooling/parenting style, company or person, or especially if they deem it as "competition" (direct or that the idea is in opposition to scheduling) they will delete it from your post. (All posts are pre-edited before they appear on the board.) Or if you say something they dislike, such as "I am a relaxed homeschooler." or "My babies co-sleep with me.", or "I'm nursing a two year old." or "I just don't know if this scheduling-thing is working and if I want to keep at it. I think our family works better wit just a loose routine or no schedule at all." they might edit it out of your post or sometimes the entire post just disappears into never-never land. Sometimes I can't figure out why they're changing things at all - it sure doesn't save Teri time to re-write posts so it can't be that. The big problem I have with this, besides the fact that it appears sneaky and dishonest, is that when they change your writing it is no longer YOUR'S even though your name is attached to it. This is often done without your consent and without warning and now you have NO WAY to tell others you were in a discussion with on the board that that was NOT really what you said or meant. It's really frustrating and it's HARD to remain calm and not blow up at them when they do that. As a Christian I try to treat others with proper respect and behave in a Christ-like manner but I find myself getting upset too often on that list if I'm on long enough and I have to get off it for a while lest I say something I shouldn't. I think it looks like I'm ranting or bad-mouthing them here but I'm not - I just want others to know what the whole "MOTH experience" is like. I believe that the Maxwells mean well and love the Lord, their family, and their customers. I think they are trying to help others but MOTH is basically their livlihood so of course they are not going to want to allow any philosophies, ideas, practices, other authors, speakers, etc that could be competition for them or shed doubt that scheduling is "all that" to be heard. It's their book, their website, their company - they have a right to do as they please - just be warned that anything coming from them is not unbiased toward their way of life, beliefs and their book/business. You will NEVER get any reviews on the MOTH board that say that MOTH didn't work for a particular family because the Maxwells will not allow that. If you're looking for an honest, unbiased opinion on MOTH you won't get from anyone there so you have to get it here! You won't be pointed in the direction of other authors or resources to help you, either, like Flylady or other scheduling programs, books or audios. Whether it's because those others are "competition" or because they don't "measure up" to MOTH standards I don't know, but most authors will share other helpful resources with you with a list of "recommended resources" in the book or on the CD - MOTH will not do that.
They have some good ideas but, as I said, they're not worth the high price and can be obsessive. Their "scheduling kit' is useful but a bit over the top. You basically write out everything everyone in the family needs to do and how many minutes per day on each thing - sleep, eat, chores, schooling, playtime, baths, eating, etc - then put it on 1/2 hour or hour blocks of colored papers (one color per person), which you cut out and stick on (with sticky-tack) to a large, 3 legal sized page grid - time in 1/2 hour increments down one side, names across the top. It's very time consuming and messy and an already overburdened mom doesn't have time for another craft project! I think using an Excell spread sheet with different colors per person is much easier and neater - if you want to be so elaborate - it is easier to set up and change and you can print multiple copies to post around and give to family members and typing is easier to read for "visual" learners like me than the sloppy handwritten squares. Otherwise typing a loose schedule up in Word - color coded if you want - is easier. (All of my kids have permanently assigned colors - for appointments on the calendar, cups, toothbrushes, etc - so I always know who something belongs to.) You don't feel so guilty getting off track if you use larger blocks of time versus scheduling down to the nano-second!
As to the resources I do like. The #1 best are audio cd's by Lorrie Flem, of Teach magazine. She publishes a homemaking magazine for homeschoolers that is great. She has some wonderful workshops on scheduling, saying no to busyness, homeschooling, etc. Her stuff just uplifts me and encourages me like nothing else in the area of homeschooling and homemaking. She is not legalistic or rigid at all. She makes you feel good about being a mom and about scheduling the way that works for YOU and says if you DON'T use your schedule TOOL it is OK - it's there when you WANT to use it and to help you, not to be a slave driver. She also clearly says that babies should NOT be scheduled because God didn't design them to be and she says that when your kids are all little you should do routines - not schedules. She's not afraid to point you toward other resources that may help - she apparently doesn't see them as competition. I think her heart truly is to help other moms and not really to make a lot of money, though obviously she has a home business. I have most of her cd's and listen to them over and over for encouragement and practical advice on scehduling and other things - I really can't reccommend them highly enough.
I also just got a book called, "A Mother's Rule of Life". It is a book about scheduling but it goes beyond just the schedule to the heart of being a Christian wife and mom and how a schedule helps in that area but the schedule is not the most important part - all the facets of your life that you're scehduling in are. It is written by a Catholic but I think it's still applicable and useful for any Christian. I will probably write a review of it when I'm done reading it but so far I find it fascinating and extremely helpful.
So that's it - a very long review. The Maxwell's book may help but only if you have money to burn and can take what they say with a grain of salt. Otherwise skip it and either way, check out Lorrie Flem's website - Teacher's Bookshoppe and Teach Magazine.
****UPDATE*****
I had to add on to this already LONG review becuase I am more convinced than ever that the Maxwells are downright dangerous and legalistic:
If you are an AP parent or any parent who loves your kids you do NOT want this book! These people are obsessive and border line legalistic about scheduling. The schedule is more importsnt than anything, especially when it comes to babies.
The "advice" they offer about scheduling babies is cruel and downright dangerous as well as harder on the babies and parents (and other family members) and also is downright stupid. They would have you depend on lots of expensive plastic "equipment" to keep baby occupied so that you don't have to actually hold or nurse the baby very much. There is no nursing for comfort allowed (I assume they rely heavily on pacifiers or else don't even allow babies to suck at all, which they NEED to do.) Thre is no allowance made for growth spurts, teething, illness or your baby simply NEEDING - or - God forbid - WANTING - more time nursing and being held. (And needs and wants are the same things with babies.) Babies are robots to be programmed in a certain way that fits into a neat little "schedule" with no allowance for their individual needs, which change daily, even hourly. And you know those tools God gave you baby to communicate with you like crying, cooing, fussing, rooting, etc and those instincts He gave you to interpret and respond to your baby's cues? Forget those - ignore 'em - the Maxwell's have a better plan!
Sorry to rant but these people really frustrate me. Their advice for older kids can be useful, though it is still overbearing and obsessive. But with babies and toddlers their advice makes me sick. The book is only the half of it, too. If you get sucked into their online MOTH board you will see obsessiveness taken to extremes you never imagined. If you don't feel right treating your baby this way you will be made to feel like a bad parent. If you express doubts about baby scheduling or any aspect of scehduling you will either be "taught" the right way or be ignored. If you want to express your own opionion about why scheduling babies may not be good forget it - you will be blocked. You can't e-mail other members privately so you can't "help" someone in need unless your "help" measures up to MOTH standards. This is extreme censorship.
Even with older kids they get too carried away and make it much more complicated than it needs to be. If your kids are little you don't need all of this ridiculuosness. Just establish routines or maybe a very loose schedule based around mealtimes, chores, snuggling up with books, etc. Also, they are VERY "school-at-home" so if you are a relaxed homeschooler this may not work for you at all.
I used to try to give the Maxwells' the benefit of the doubt and think they really did want to help people but they were just misguided. But more and more I think that their primary goal is to make money and protect their "scheduling cult" at all costs. After all, their whole family lives off of their scheduling products and company. Even Steve Maxwell gave up his former career to build a "family" business based around his wife's book. They will not allow anyone or anything to compete with or challenge anything they believe or preach - even if it means people do NOT get the help they need in order to "protect" the scared cow of scheduling.
There are much better resources out there that are not so cultish and heavy handed. All of Lorrie Flem's (of Teach Magazine) audios and books are wonderful and will encourage you, not leave you feeling stressed and like a failure. She also stresses that babies and young children should NOT be on a strict schedule but you can use routines instead. "A Mother's Rule of Life" is a great book as well. Even Flylady is better than MOTH and she is obssesive! At least she doesn't make you feel like a failure if you or your family don't measure up.
"THE" book of any family!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-03-08
This book is totally AMAZING! I am not even a home-schooling mom, but this book can be applied to ANYONE! YOU WON"T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!
A Very Practical Guide to Scheduling.......2006-08-26
I purchased this book in the hope of getting some scheduling ideas and found just what I hoped for and more. My kid's are 7 and under so I really didn't know if these ideas would work, but they're great. I love the idea of changing activities every 1/2 hour and assigning siblings to play together. It's amazing the difference in our household just by using the schedule. If we don't, we can see a huge (negative) difference in our day. (I'm planning to come up with a Saturday schedule so it's not so chaotic.)
I admit to not cutting out the paper pieces. Also, while I did pray as I read the book, I didn't pray extensively and I immediately worked on a schedule when I finished the book. (I was actually formulating it in my head as I was reading.) I work part-time and have a varied schedule (i.e., M & W one week, T & Th, the next- 1pm -5pm one day, 5:30-9pm another), but even with this wrinkle, I found using this book, and especially the worksheets included, extremely helpful. I just figured out a general schedule so that our 'meat' is accomplished by lunch time, and the rest will work out depending upon my schedule.
Along with the others, I disagree with scheduling breastfeeding, but since I will not be having any more children, I just skimmed over this section.
I have read several other books on organization and scheduling and truly feel this one speaks directly to the needs of the homeschooling family.
A Pleasant Surprise.......2006-06-24
I came so close to not ordering this book because of the reviews. But this was a recommended book from a women's conference I'd gone to, and I really wanted to check it out, but I put it off.
After venturing to another's website (a woman I greatly admire who has lots of kids and homeschools), I noticed SHE used this system and again I thought, a try can't hurt...there's always resale, right?
I'm sooooo glad I bought this manual! It's been great so far! Very well written, easy to read, and downright practical! One of the BEST organizational books out there for homeschool families! (And I'm picky!)
I'll definitely put this book up there with my favorites, right next to my "FlyLady" collection--another great book for organization, even if you're NOT a homeschooler.
Really though, even if you're not a homeschooling family, this manual is great! Give it a try...as I mentioned earlier, if you don't like it, there's always resale!
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- What to Expect the First Year, Second Ed
- Women, Families, and Communities, Volume II, from 1865: Readings in American History (Women, Families & Communities from 1865)
Books Index
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| Self-Help
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