Keep it Real and Grab a Plunger by Julie K. Nelson

Keep it Real and Grab a Plunger: 25 Tips for Surviving Parenthood

Author: Julie K. Nelson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 10th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781462116324

Paperback: 176 pages

Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

As a popular blogger, a college professor, and a frequent parenting guest expert on TV, you might suspect Julie K. Nelson is immune to the realities of actual parenting. But in fact, she’s been there—through all the late nights, huge messes, and tough moments.

Now she combines her expertise with her experience as a mom of five in this entertaining and pragmatic book. Learn how to overcome your natural manipulative, authoritarian tendencies and foster your child’s self-discipline, respect, and emotional maturity.

Humorous, insightful, and authentic, this book will get you through the sticky stuff with grace so you can enjoy those parenting moments that make it all worth it. 

My Review

There was so many things I liked about this book, it's hard to know where to start.  There were so many thoughtful messages and advice.  I appreciated them all.  Sometimes with parenting books, I feel lectured, or that everything I do is wrong when it comes to my kids, and I didn't feel that way reading this book.  I think there are many topics in this book that any parent in any stage could relate to.  For example: Lifting Children Who Make Mistakes, How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids, Bedtime Routines (that was and is still a needed necessity in our home), I could go on and on.  I recommend this book to parents who are first starting their journey, or like me, have older kids.  We could all use a refresher.  

5 out of 5 stars.  Enjoy the book trailer below!

About the Author

Julie K. Nelson is the author of "Parenting With Spiritual Power." She is a wife and mother of five children, raising them in Illinois and now Utah. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University in marriage, family and human development. Her scholarly research and creative writing have been published in journals and anthologies, and she has won numerous state and national awards for her writing. Julie has enjoyed teaching children in public and private schools and currently teaches at Utah Valley University.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Parenting with Spiritual Power by Julie K. Nelson -- Blog Tour

Parenting with Spiritual Power

Author: Julie K. Nelson

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 12, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1168-8

Paperback: 192 pages

FTC  FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review

Backcover

"I wish children came with an instruction manual!"

How many times have we heard this lament by a frustrated or overwhelmed parent?  Perhaps we have said these words ourselves.  There are "how-to" manuals for practically anything:  installing a new faucet, building a remote control car, baking an apple pie, refinishing an antique chair, or assembling a bicycle.  Is there a formula or a perfect manual for raising children?  Yes!  The scriptures.

In Parenting with Spiritual Power, Julie Nelson examines the lives of mothers and fathers in the scriptures (the best instruction manual) and the parenting principles we can learn from them.  Discover powerful parenting examples from Adam and Eve, the brother of Jared, and Captain Moroni, along with suggestions for personal application in this essential book.

My Review

Wow!  This book is exactly what parents need for some wonderfully inspired parenting advice.  While reading I thought to myself, yes, I need to do it this way, or this can make it so there may be less contention, etc.  Some things are so helpful, it is almost common sense.  These are lesson that we all can be doing as parents, especially myself.  I loved how the scripture references were used to support each chapter.  I am far from being perfect parent, ask my kids, but I know with the Lord's help, I can become a better parent.

I took some notes while reading this book that I wanted to share.

1. Our Heavenly Father is never too busy to listen.  His back is never turned.  (page 12)
2. Each child's feelings should be validated.  When resolving conflicts, we need to ask, gather information, and listen, listen, listen.  (page 15)
3. Catch the child being good...  Focus on the positive we see in our children.  Teach doctrine when guiding and correcting children.  (page 21)
4. "Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children.  Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children."  (Elder Robert D. Hales, page 25)

These are just a few of the helpful examples that I found while reading Parenting with Spiritual Power.  You will be lifted up and feel, that even on your worst days, you can do this.  We all need a little help and a spiritual boost.  This book gives you both.

Author Links 

Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books & Things / Deseret Book