Loving the Little Years

Motherhood in the Trenches

By: Rachel Jankovic

Narrated by: Gentry Rench

Length: 1 hr and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

I didn't write this book because mothering little ones is easy for me. I wrote it because it isn't. I know that this is a hard job, because I am right here in the middle of it. I know you need encouragement because I do too.

This is not a tender reminiscence from someone who had children so long ago that she only remembers the sweet parts. At the time of writing this, I have three children in diapers, and I can recognize the sound of hundreds of toothpicks being dumped out in the hall.

This is a small collection of thoughts on mothering young children for when you are motivated, for when you are discouraged, for the times when discipline seems fruitless, and for when you are just plain tired.

The opportunities for growth abound here but you have to be willing. You have to open your heart to the tumble. As you deal with your children, deal with yourself always and first. This is what it looks like, and feels like, to walk as a mother with God.

©2010 Rachel Jankovic (P)2011 Canon Press

Fantastic

I have older kids so I don't read "little years" books any more but this book is useful for all the seasons. I love Rachel and Bekah Merkle's work and am systematically devouring everything they produce. :)

Perfect

If you have small children, this is a MUST read. I may just read it every year. Maybe twice a year. So practical. Excellent and life-giving advice.

Worth the embarrassing eye rolls

I found many of my struggles as a mother here, realizing that I should be bringing my little ones God in every step. Thank you for opening my eyes!

The right perspective about motherhood

Very encouraging and down to earth. Loved it! As a mom of two, this book gave me a new perspective on motherhood. Rachel is an effective mom who wants to glorify God and does it with grace and courage. Loved her ideas and her way to see life

Fantastic read

This is the best parenting book I've read for the toddler years. Great Christian perspective.

Great Perspective....

Trigger: Spanking. This book mentions spanking several times.

We do not spank and it was shocking to hear it in the book.

Otherwise, the book was short and to the point. It reminds moms of the light perspective we should keep as our child grow. A reminder to love them for who THEY are and take it easy.....

Amazing!

I love how this book gave practical advice. The author was hilarious and genuine--loved it!

Kiss the wound and scurry on...

I picked up this book like a reach for a friend as tears whelp in my eyes, and Rachel Jankovic proved a worthy friend. The first few chapters had me silent-sobbing at a public park with my young child and Rachel in my ears. Her warm words of encouragement from one who is "in the trenches" with me, made me feel comforted and hopeful. Then, like any true and worthy friend, her tender pats turned into stern slaps on the back. She put her finger under my chin and lifted head. She wiped away pitying tears and straightened my shoulders while handing me my sword and my shield. She pointed to the battle field where the good fight still persists, and where the cries for help and shimmering armor both fill valley floor. She marked my face for battle, and waved me on with the flag of hope and victory.
I rarely use my monthly audible credit for anything less than a six plus hour listen-- this book is fewer than two. But I imagine it will be two hours of packed wisdom that will remain on repeat for the coming ten years-or-so as I battle through "the young years" of our brand new family, and I am grateful to have Rachel's fun, tough, and light-hearted warrior-words in my ears, head, and heart.

great encouragement and conviction for mamas

Short and sweet. Lots of good stuff... ideas, stories, attitude checks. I'll definitely be recommending this to other moms.

Can’t recommend this book enough!

This is an excellent book for Christian moms needing encouragement for the challenge of parenting little ones. Highly recommend! I plan to return to this audiobook to listen again and again when I need a shift in perspective.