Dear Mom: by Melody Carlson

Happy Mother's Day a bit late, everyone. Whether you have children, care for children, teach Sunday School, or pour your life into others, you are a mother. God calls us to constantly give in II Timothy. So enjoy your day!

Here's a book that may help you in your mothering.

Teenagers are a bit of a mystery. Let's face it -- even though I'm not old, the world has changed since I was a teen. And now that my oldest is getting closer to those mysterious years -- thankfully we still have a few years to go! -- I'm on the hunt for books that will help me prepare for when my girls are teens, but also to help me relate to the teens I know right now. And frankly, this book won't hurt me when writing teens either!

What book am I talking about? Dear Mom by Melody Carlson. I found this book compelling. It addresses what teenagers think about their relationships with their moms and how can we as parents reach out to them in a way that encourages a healthy relationship. Very easy to read, but also very packed with great information.

This book is incredibly readable and filled with awesome information. For example, the chapter on privacy forced me to think about the importance of building trust so I don't have to snoop or violate my child's privacy to know what is going on in her life. There are times that may be necessary -- but there were strategies to avoid that, too. I found myself nodding as I read. Much resonated from when I was a teenager. And even more struck home as I considered how I should respect and treat teens. Read this book while handing your teen Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Together they'll get you both prepared!

Dear Mom: Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know But Will Never Tell You By Melody Carlson Popular teen girls' novelist Melody Carlson helps moms cut through murky and uncharted waters so you can hear what your daughter is really trying to tell you through her anger, silence, and mixed messages. Dear Mom focuses on your daughter's heart and soul. Get to know her hopes and fears, doubts and dreams about her identity, guys, friendships, and even you. You can connect on a deeper, more intimate level that will carry both you and your daughter through the stormy seas of life.