More Mommy Magic: 506 ways to Nurture Your Child

More Mommy Magic: 506 ways to Nurture Your Child
Adria Hilburn Manary
Seven Locks Press
ISBN: 1-931643-65-2
Non-Fiction, Psychology, Parenting
Reviewed by Frederick Noronha

This specialist book from the realm of 'family/parenting' comes from a "writer, poet, public speaker and work-at-home mom". Author Adria Hilburn Manary knows the issue, and packages it well.
As a parent of a two-year-old, what Hilburn Manary says makes a lot of sense.
Some of her tips are general ones, which could apply in any situation. For instance: "Goals that are not written down are just wishes." Or, "habit is a man's best friend, or his worst enemy."
But large sections of this book has specific ideas for anyone who wants to master the art of parenting, one we take so much for granted.
Across 15 chapters, this book is packed with pithy sayings, recipes, poems, pictures and text that gives an idea, actually 506 ideas, of how a parent can bond with her (or his) child.
Some tips are just applied commonsense, but covers things we tend to forget. For instance: Show your children how to make amends when they make a mistake. Or, when you have to say no, try to find something you can say yes to soon after.
One useful brief chapter is titled 'magic potions for sick children'. Another one focuses on how to cope 'when tragedy strikes'.
Take the chapter on 'Creating Memories'. Some ideas from it include tea parties with stuffed animals, family hugs, saying a prayer whenever we see an ambulance or hear a siren, or picnics in the backyard.
In a brief foreword, Helice Bridges of Difference Makers International writes: "Showing your child that they make a remarkable difference to you -- and demonstrating to them that they have the innate ability to make a difference out in the world -- is one of the most important lessons you can teach your child."
All in all, a useful book for anyone fighting the blues of bringing up young children.