July 23, 2007
5 Minutes for Books - Part 1 - “Here for You”
This review is authored by regular contributor Jennifer Donovan, book lover and mother of two of book lovers, who blogs at Snapshot.
This is the first of two reviews today. Click here for the second one, posted by Janice.
This giveaway is part of the Dog Days of Summer hosted by Rocks In My Dryer. To find more fantastic giveaways head over to Rocks In My Dryer. All winners in the giveaway will be announced on Friday, July 27 at the individual blogs. You will find our winner here Friday morning, July 27.
Here for You
If you have a daughter over the age of seven, you’ve probably already begun to wonder when that time is going to come. You know, the time when nothing you say is right and most conversations turn into an argument? The ages of fourteen to twenty are not years that we have to write off as a difficult phase that we simply have to endure. With effort on both the mother’s and the daughter’s part, these years can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship.
Here for You: Creating a Mother-Daughter Bond that Lasts a Lifetime is a perfect resource for you if you want to learn how to create this special bond. It will give you information on the reasons why a mom and daughter have “issues,” as well as steps to overcoming or minimizing them. More importantly, you will learn what steps you and your daughter can take to help insure that a positive relationship develops in these years. The book is written in alternating chapters to mom and to the teen. So even if she doesn’t want to listen to you, she might take the advice to heart if it comes from authors Susie Shellenberger and Kathy Gowler.
One of my favorite parts of the book was reading the simple things that real teens shared. It made me realize how simple it is to create a loving atmosphere that a teen would be happy to be a part of.
I love it when my mom turns up the radio and sings at the top of her lungs–Ellen, 14
I love it when my mom helps me clean my room–Lori, 16
I love it when my mom is just quiet when I’m hurting–Cyrstal, 14
I love it when my mom talks to me honestly about herself–Fran, 18
I love it when my mom tucks me in at night and asks how my day went–Brandi, 17
Other great sidebars at the end of the chapters list such things as
- Stuff I Wish I Could Tell my Mom
- Stuff I Wish my Mom Would Tell Me
- Stuff I Wish my Daughter Would Tell Me
- Stuff I Could Never Tell my Daughter
As the mother of an 8 1/2 year old daughter, I realize that her teen years are rapidly approaching. Reading this book caused me to resolve to create the kind of environment now that will help us share that kind of bond later. If you want to plan ahead, this is a great read for moms of daughters ages eight to twelve (and even gives some specific pointers to this age group in one chapter). The covenant is really designed to be made with girls from fourteen up to a young adult of twenty or so, and I honestly feel like it is a must read if you have daughters in that age range.
Click here to go to the publisher’s site to find more information on the book, including a hysterical video from the two authors that will not only make you smile, but also will give you a better idea of what is involved in the covenant between mother and daughter. The authors also have a conference called Closer Moms and Daughters (Here for You is only the first in the series of more books to come addressing this topic). You can also purchase a lovely necklace specially made for mothers and daughters as a sign of your covenant to build a strong relationship at that site.
The publisher has donated one copy of this book to a U.S. or Canadian reader. Please leave a comment by Friday to be eligible to win.
Congratulations, Sara at There She Grows, the winner of Mary DeMuth’s new book Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture. If you didn’t win, you can click over through that link and order your own signed copy.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests, Parenting, Product Reviews by Jennifer
281 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books - Part 1 - “Here for You” »
#1 - Christine (aka YoungMommy) @ 3:04 am
This book looks wonderful! My Julz is only 5, but it’s definitely good to be prepared!!
#2 - Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry @ 3:07 am
As the mom of three girls, I should really read this book!
#3 - Caryn @ 3:40 am
Enter me too please!
#4 - Myrna @ 3:41 am
Count me in.
#5 - Pam @ 7:06 am
As another mom of 3 girls, I would love to read this book.
#6 - Carey @ 7:51 am
Ive heard of this book, i would love to be included in the drawing. I have three girls and i think we could all benefit from it.
#7 - stephanie @ 8:15 am
Yes please!!
#8 - Adventures In Babywearing @ 8:25 am
How precious!! I wish my mom had this book when I was little. Our relationship was so difficult, but Praise God that NOW we are best friends.
Steph
#9 - CPA Mom and Soccer Mom Angela @ 8:34 am
I’m going to need all the help I can get with my daughter…..Hope I win!
#10 - Debi @ 8:34 am
Oh my, this sounds wonderful! Loved those quotes by the girls.
#11 - Mikki @ 8:37 am
Oh my!!! Would I not LOVE and cherish this book!! This looks so good and the video was such a trip!!
This Here for You book looks great!! THanks for the contest!!
#12 - peach @ 8:38 am
Count me in, too. I have two daughters, and this sounds like a great resource.
#13 - Diana @ 8:48 am
Count me in…my daughter would love this…she has a daughter too!
#14 - Lynnae (From Under the Clutter) @ 8:51 am
I have a 9 year old daughter. This book sounds like a fantastic resource! Count me in!
#15 - Bad Sheep @ 8:56 am
What a positive book for a mom. As a mother of a 4 year old, my sister in law would really love this.
#16 - Crystal @ 8:58 am
Oh I could definitely use a book like this. I have a 13 (almost 14) DD and I feel like we are going more our separate ways every day.
#17 - Kathy @ 9:15 am
I’m inspired. Would love a chance to win the book. I have a seven year old daughter and I can already feel the indifference between us. Please count me in. Thank you.
#18 - Georgia Mom @ 9:16 am
Count me in!
#19 - Cmommy @ 9:18 am
Thank you for the info about this book and the authors! I’d like to be included!
#20 - LinseyKnerl @ 9:20 am
I really need this book… thanks for the giveaway!
#21 - Melinda @ 9:21 am
Yeah, I definately need this book. I have an 8 year old daughter.
#22 - dcrmom @ 9:24 am
Count me in! thanks!!
#23 - My Quotidian Mysteries (Laura) @ 9:25 am
As the mother of a daughter, and the daughter of a mother, this would be a treasure to have.
#24 - Minnesota Momm @ 9:36 am
Sounds like a wonderful book! I’m a momma to identical twin girls and am always looking for books about moms & daughters! Count me in!
Kim
#25 - Jennifer @ 9:36 am
Sounds great! Count me in please!
#26 - Susan @ 9:37 am
WOW! Great choices! Sign me up!
#27 - Chrissy @ 9:45 am
What a fabulous idea. Count me in.
#28 - Katja from Skimbaco @ 9:47 am
Please count me in! I would love to read that book!
#29 - jenny-up the hill @ 9:48 am
This sounds like a great book…would love to read it! Count me in!
#30 - De'Etta @ 9:50 am
Sounds like a great book - I’d love to be considered for the drawing. Mike_DeEtta@verizon.net
#31 - Tina @ 9:53 am
I would so love to win this book.
All God’s best,
#32 - Jen @ 9:57 am
What a wonderful giveaway! Please count me in!
#33 - Stacey @ 9:58 am
I would love to get a head start on the bonding process with my daughter. Stacey
#34 - Mama Zen @ 9:58 am
I would love to win this book for my sister. My niece is about to enter the teen years.
#35 - MollyCoddled @ 10:01 am
Okay, so I’m sure no one else here has a daughter so I should definitely win this one. Please?
#36 - Photojenic @ 10:03 am
My 17yr old DD and I have been bumping heads a lot lately. This sounds like the perfect book to help us have a good relationship during this rocky time. Thanks for this giveaway!
#37 - Jill @ 10:06 am
Looks like a great bookd!
#38 - Ellen @ 10:09 am
I would love this.
#39 - Jill (CDPJ) @ 10:10 am
Sounds like a great book… I think my SIL would love it, since she has 2 girls. Sign me up (on her behalf
Also, I posted a link to your giveaway on my post, too!
#40 - Amy @ 10:11 am
I would love to win! Please include me in your drawing!
Thanks,
~Amy
#41 - Misti Hollrah @ 10:17 am
As a mom of 2 girls-I would love to own this book!
Thanks!
#42 - Jennifer @ 10:18 am
Oh — I’ve got an almost 12yo… THANK YOU!
#43 - Tammy @ 10:20 am
I’d love to be entered for the book giveaway! Thanks!!
#44 - Melissa @ 10:27 am
this would be awesome to have. please enter me. thanks!
#45 - dallimomma @ 10:31 am
I have a friend with a 13 year-old daughter who desperately needs this. Thanks.
#46 - slawebb @ 10:32 am
I’m a mother of 2 (so far) daughters. This would be reallyhelpful.
#47 - Diatribal @ 10:40 am
I have a little girl and I would love to be better prepared for her!!
Count me in!
#48 - Paige @ 10:40 am
I have 3 daughters. I could use some advice.
#49 - Jill S @ 10:45 am
Sounds like a wonderful book that I could use!
#50 - Tiffany M @ 10:49 am
Enter me…I am a mommy to 3 beautiful daughters(and 1 son)
#51 - Becca @ 10:53 am
I heard this was a great book - I would love to read it! Thank you!
#52 - Abbi @ 10:57 am
Oooh, looks interesting, I have two little girls! Thanks!
#53 - Revka @ 10:59 am
As mother to three girls, I want this book!
#54 - Jessica @ 11:00 am
This sounds like a fabulous resource! If I’m not the winner, it will be on my wish list, and I think it may be included in Christmas gifts for my “mom friends”.
Thanks for introducing so many of us to this book.
#55 - Greatexpectations @ 11:05 am
As a mom who is struggling with her own mother-daughter relationship, and the mom of twin girls, I NEED this book. Thank you so much for telling us about it. Win it or not, I’m getting it! Lucky for me, I have some time.
#56 - Linda @ 11:06 am
Count me in!!!!!!!
#57 - SingForHim@RealLife @ 11:16 am
I really need this book, I have three girls!
#58 - Denise @ 11:19 am
I have a 6 1/2 yr old daughter and would love the chance to win this.
Thank you so much
#59 - Megan @ 11:24 am
Four girls in my family. Enter me too, please!
#60 - Becky @ 11:40 am
Great giveaway idea! Thanks!
#61 - Nikki @ 11:41 am
I have had a stuggle with my 10 year old daughter lately . I have been luck with my 14 yr. old but the younger is going to be a challenge. would love to read this book.
Nikki
#62 - Sherry @ 11:43 am
My daughter is almost 6. I would love this.
#63 - Monkey Giggles @ 11:44 am
Would love a chance to win this….my daughter is 10…
#64 - Jen @ 11:47 am
Count me in, please.
#65 - Kelley @ 11:48 am
With two girls who are growing up quickly…I need this book!
#66 - Dawn @ 11:53 am
My girls (2 and 8 weeks) are far from teens, but it’s never too early to prepare!
#67 - Anastasia @ 11:55 am
How sweet! I’m in
#68 - Barb Jones @ 12:01 pm
I have a daughter who just turned 15 and would love this book.
Barb J.
#69 - Sheri @ 12:05 pm
Oh very interested in this book. Count me in.
#70 - Mummymac @ 12:08 pm
Me Too
#71 - gale @ 12:13 pm
Love that. Count me in.
#72 - Bridget @ 12:13 pm
I WOULD LOVE to win this!! Thank you for the opportunity!!
#73 - Mama Money @ 12:23 pm
Nice–count me in!
#74 - Lisa B @ simply His @ 12:23 pm
Ok, my daughter just turned 8 and is already in the stage of “nothing you say is right.”
It sounds like I definitely should read this book!
#75 - Robin @ 12:32 pm
Please count me in!
#76 - Angela @ 12:36 pm
Oh my gosh! This would be an invaluable addition to my library of treasured books. Please enter me into the contest!
#77 - julie@lovelaughterlaundry @ 12:43 pm
I really should read this book. Enter me please.
#78 - Allison @ 12:48 pm
This would be an interesting read. I want to always have a close relationship with my kids.
#79 - Jen @ 1:11 pm
Oh, what a wonderful book! Enter me, please!
#80 - Shannon @ 1:14 pm
Count me in!
#81 - Jessica Saunders @ 1:24 pm
Would love a book like this
#82 - Jenny @ 1:27 pm
As the mom to two girls, please count me in!
#83 - Tessa @ 1:33 pm
As the mother of 3 girls, count me in.
#84 - Ginny @ 1:34 pm
Enter me, I have two girls. One just turned 6 & the other one is about to be 10, so I can already see it happening, lol.
#85 - Ashley @ 1:39 pm
i have a daughter. i also had a rocky relationship with my mother. maybe this would prepare me for my own battles with my children.
#86 - robin @ 1:39 pm
looks good, I’m in!
#87 - Janne @ 1:50 pm
Looks good. Enter me, please.
#88 - Jennifer @ 1:53 pm
I would love to have this book! I have a daughter and this topic really interests me. Thanks so much!
#89 - InsaneMom2Four @ 2:00 pm
This sounds like an awesome book. My daughter will be 10 in a week and I am completely lost. She is the only girl we have. Our three boys, I can relate too, but she is so opposite of me, that I just don’t know what to do most days. Please add me to the contest.
#90 - Carolyn @ 2:00 pm
I have a friend who could really use this book.
#91 - Kristi @ 2:04 pm
Please enter me too!
#92 - Lori @ 2:05 pm
This would be such a blessing for my daughter and I. Count me in!
#93 - Miranda @ 2:13 pm
So Sweet, Please count me in!
#94 - Amanda @ 2:17 pm
oh sounds cool. thanks
#95 - Julie Ruhlman @ 2:18 pm
I’d like this!
#96 - Mary@notbefore7 @ 2:32 pm
With two daughters, I am sure I’d love this!
#97 - Lauren@Baseballs&Bows @ 2:32 pm
I would love this!
#98 - Tater and Tot @ 2:35 pm
Add me to the list!
Thanks!
#99 - Heather @ 2:37 pm
As a mother of 2 girls (5 1/2 and a just turned 13 year old), I would love this book! Count me in please. Thanks.
#100 - Dawn @ 2:59 pm
This sounds like a great book. Count me in.
#101 - devildogwife @ 3:03 pm
Sounds wonderful. Please sign me up!
#102 - Jenn in AZ @ 3:08 pm
Oh! *sniff* This sounds like a WONDERFUL book! As a mom to a teen girl, there are some rough patches for a year or so. (Mom had a bit of growing–and learning to let go in stages.) Now, at 16-going-on-17, things are lovely, tumultuous, joyous, frustrating, endearing, confusing, and a tremendous blessing all around. I have two more to go through (a boy and another girl) and there will be challenges–with different triumphs and pitfalls throughout–but with God I pray my children will grow into servants and leaders.
I would love to be in the drawing for this book!
Thanks,
Jenn in AZ
#103 - Wendy @ 3:12 pm
Please add me!
#104 - salli @ 3:13 pm
Count me in…it sounds like a wonderful book!
#105 - Mrs. Nehemiah @ 3:15 pm
I think I need to read this.
#106 - Amy @ 3:27 pm
Great book!
#107 - Jennifer @ 3:35 pm
This looks like a great book! I have 4 daughters so enter me in please.
#108 - Andrea @ 3:36 pm
Sounds AWESOME! Pick me, pick me!
#109 - Dawn @ 3:39 pm
Please count me in as well. I have a daughter of my own and anything to help prepare me for this time would be awesome!
#110 - kelli in the mirror @ 3:41 pm
Count me in! I’ve been wanting to read this one.
#111 - Natalie @ 3:45 pm
I worry so much about “losing” my daughters - not having that connection that endures especially during those turbulent teen years. This book sounds like a real treasure!
#112 - Krissy @ 3:45 pm
Such an important topic. I have 2 girls. I’d love to win!
#113 - Julia @ 3:49 pm
Please enter me to win Here for You. Sounds like a great read for those of us with daughters.
#114 - qtpies7 @ 3:51 pm
Wow, I would love to read that book, I have 3 daughters, and it is difficult to get your teen to trust you enough to share thier life with you.
#115 - Jessica @ 3:51 pm
As a mom of (soon to be) three girls, this looks like a great resource! Thanks!
#116 - Eden @ 3:56 pm
This would be totally awesome to read! Please count me it!
#117 - Margie @ 4:01 pm
Love it! Please enter me
#118 - Andrea @ 4:13 pm
I’m in!!
#119 - Nancy @ 4:21 pm
I’m in!
Thanks and be sure to enter mine for “Simple Abundance”.
#120 - allhisblessings @ 4:26 pm
Out of my 6 children, one is a girl LOL, so I’d love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity!
#121 - problem girl @ 4:31 pm
This sounds like a awesome book. I hope I win this one!
#122 - Gretchen @ 4:36 pm
Hi, Please count me in!
#123 - Amy @ 4:40 pm
This sounds like an awesome book! I hope I win!
#124 - Abbey @ 4:47 pm
My daughter is only 8 months, but it’s never too early to start cultivating a special relationship!
#125 - MoneyDummy @ 5:11 pm
How fun! Count me in!
#126 - Angie @ Many Little Blessings @ 5:14 pm
Looks like a great book to read to prepare — my dd is 2 1/2.
#127 - Natalie @ 5:23 pm
With two daughters, I could really use this book.
#128 - kristina @ 5:30 pm
My baby is only 2 but this sounds like a good book to read. great blog btw.
#129 - Christie Daniels @ 5:42 pm
Please count me in!
#130 - Michelle @ 5:54 pm
This book sounds wonderful, please add me! Thanks so much!
#131 - Mercy @ 6:01 pm
This is the important stuff. Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
#132 - Jo @ 6:15 pm
This would be a perfect thing to give my daughter for her upcoming 13th birthday!
#133 - Andie @ 7:21 pm
I have two daughters (ages 3 & 7). I would love this book!
Blessings-Andie
PS…check out my giveaway!
#134 - Mom of Four @ 7:38 pm
This sounds like such a wonderful book. I would love to read this as my eldest is just a few years away from those teen years. Thanks so much!
#135 - Ranelle @ 8:13 pm
My oldest daughter is almost 11. I feel like I could’ve used this a couple years ago! Better late than never I suppose.
#136 - Jane @ 8:19 pm
This would be a lovely gift for my cousin who has three young daughters.
#137 - Samantha @ 8:23 pm
Looks like a good one! Thanks!
#138 - Maine Mom @ 8:43 pm
Count me in!
#139 - Rebecca @ 8:46 pm
I’d love to be included!
#140 - Melissa @ 8:56 pm
I would love this book! Enter me please!
Melissa
#141 - Jessica @ 9:02 pm
Oh wow… what a great giveaway! I have 3 daughters… this is something that would get much use in our home!!
Count me in, please!!
Jessica
tjneiger@gmail.com
#142 - Kathy, Jeff's Wife @ 9:11 pm
Mom of daughters…we’d love it!
#143 - Jenn @ Frugal Upstate @ 9:18 pm
This sounds great. Please add me in.
#144 - PJ @ 9:21 pm
I’d love to win this, having four daughters. If I don’t I think I’ll purchase this one, looks great.
#145 - Doreen @ 9:23 pm
Fantastic!!
#146 - KatieBug @ 9:34 pm
What a great resource for the mother of a girl!
#147 - EPM @ 9:51 pm
I have 3 girls ages 2 - 8 - this would be great!
#148 - Jennifer @ 10:09 pm
I have a 9 year old daughter and I am sure this would help me with her in years to come! Hope I win!
#149 - Tonja @ 10:10 pm
would love to read this book…count me in!
#150 - serina @ 10:42 pm
As a mom to two daughters, this book sounds really interesting. Count me in!
#151 - Kathleen @ 10:51 pm
This book looks very good. I have four daughters.
#152 - Wendy @ 11:00 pm
HEy- I need all the parenting help I can get!
#153 - simone @ 11:12 pm
I would love this book thanks for the giveaway!
#154 - suzanne @ 11:33 pm
I was just reading about this book and would love to have a copy!
#155 - Donna @ 11:36 pm
With three daughters, I sure would love to read this book.
#156 - Pastormac's Ann @ 12:06 am
I have three girls - please enter me in your giveaway.
#157 - PEA @ 12:07 am
Fabulous giveaway!! Please enter my name in your draw:-) Thank you!! xo
#158 - Laura Williams @ 12:13 am
Please enter me into your drawing! Thank you!
#159 - Perri @ 12:26 am
they look like great books - please enter my name.
#160 - Tasra Dawson @ 12:26 am
Sounds like a much-needed book and conference. My daughter is right at that age where we either are great or butting heads. Weird how that happens!
#161 - rachelle @ 12:35 am
Love the giveaway! Please Enter me in it! THaNkS
#162 - LoriB @ 12:46 am
Sign me up. I love to read.
#163 - cre82learn @ 12:53 am
I have two daughters and could really use these!!
#164 - LivingforGod @ 12:59 am
Please enter me in this contest. Thanks!
#165 - liz @ 1:04 am
Sign me up!
#166 - Laura @ 1:31 am
Please include me, this will be very helpful as I have a 10 yr old daughter.
Laura
#167 - jen @ 1:41 am
yes, please!
#168 - Anne @ 1:49 am
I’m in!
#169 - Lynn @ 1:56 am
I have two wonderful daughters (17 & 5) and would love to read this book!
#170 - Jenny in Ca @ 2:00 am
please enter me!
#171 - tanyetta @ 2:04 am
Great Idea! I would love to win. Please count me in. Thank you.
#172 - Diane J. @ 2:15 am
Sign me up, please!
lenadianejennings@yahoo.com
#173 - Alycia @ 5:49 am
Please sign me up!! Thank you!!
#174 - Jodi @ 7:05 am
count me in!!
#175 - Christine @ 7:12 am
I’d love to win this! Count me in!
#176 - groovyoldlady @ 7:32 am
groovyoldlady at adelphia dot net
I have two girlies…so count me in!
#177 - Pam @ 7:52 am
As the mother of 3 girls, I would love to know more. Pls. count me in!
#178 - Michelle @ 7:55 am
This sounds like a great book for me and my daughter.
#179 - Dora Renee' Wilkerson @ 8:11 am
Oh, put me in your contest too. I have an 8 year old daughter. This would be a good one for us too.
Dora Renee’ Wilkerson
http://www.bricoreandfamily.blogspot.com/
#180 - amybee @ 8:42 am
count me in!
#181 - Tami @ 8:47 am
I love contests. Thanks for a chance to win!!
#182 - Annie @ 8:49 am
Looks like a great book!