Longtime reader of Simple Mom and blogger over at Steady Mom, Jamie Martin has just released her first book, Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
Jamie has a big heart and an encouraging spirit, and her book drips of her passion to inspire moms to treat their role of motherhood as the most rewarding job around.
This weekend, she is generously giving three Simple Mom readers a signed copy of her book! And I recently had a chance to chat with her about this latest work…
1. Congratulations on the release of your book! Can you tell SM readers in a few sentences what the book is about?
Thank you so much, Tsh!
Steady Days
2. I know many mamas feel like they don’t have time to be a “professional mama,” and that they feel so much pressure to do things perfectly. What would you say to those mamas?
Professionalism isn’t about perfection or adding anything extra to our already very full plates. It isn’t about trying to “do it all” or do what some other mother is doing with her kids. In my mind, being a professional mother means not allowing life to just happen and pass you by. It means choosing the type of life you want for yourself and your family, and purposefully going after that goal. It means playing to your strengths–thereby becoming the best mother you can be for your children.
3. What’s one word you would use to describe the atmosphere in your home?
Freedom. My goal is that the atmosphere in our home allows each member of our family to become our best self–discovering and using the incredibly unique talents and skills we’ve each been given in a way that helps and impacts others. I want my children to feel free to become who they are meant to be–to be influential individuals who think for themselves. And that’s what I also want for myself as their mother.
4. Do you ever get asked, “How do you do it all?” Explain a little bit about how you choose your priorities, and about how you deal with that never-ending to-do list at home.
I don’t get asked that very often–I think it’s because I’m so open and real on my blog about all the things I don’t do!
I only put six things on my to-do list each day. Often the first three repeat: read to the kids, make dinner plans, do laundry. The other three spaces allow me to sort out life as it happens and time for blogging/writing projects. And that’s a wrap! It’s a very full life but one centered around my priorities, not someone else’s. I love it.
5. What’s the main thing you hope readers of your book walk away with?
Confidence. Sometimes parenting books unintentionally heap further guilt on mamas who already doubt their mothering abilities. Steady Days
6. What does this next year look like for you? Any plans to write a second book?
2010 is going to be an incredible year, and kicking it off this way is such a wonderful start! I’m also privileged to be part of one of the new blogs Tsh is launching in February through Simple Living Media. I’m thrilled to be the editor for the new site, Simple Homeschool, which will enable me to write about another of my passions–education.
I do have plans for a second book. I’d like to write about how we can give our children a global perspective–enabling them to become leaders who impact and change the world. But I won’t be getting started on that for a few months, not until I can make it work for our family and still keep everyone sane. As I mentioned above, I can’t do it all! But global-mindedness is a subject very close to my heart.
And most of my year will be spent loving and learning with my three little people. That is, after all, the most important thing.
Giveaway Time
This giveaway is now closed.
Here’s how to win one of the three signed copies of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question — What do you think is the single hardest thing about parenting?
2. To enter a second time, tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (use the “retweet” button at the bottom of the post).
3. To enter a third time, write about this giveaway on your blog, using this post’s URL (not Simple Mom’s main URL).
This giveaway will end on Monday, January 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I hope you win!
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The single hardest thing about parenting (for me, right now) is staying patient. I would love to win a copy of this book, thanks for the chance!
The single hardest thing about parenting is learning how “not to lose yourself”!!
I am greatly looking forward to reading this book!! I think the hardest thing about parenting right now (as a mom of an extremely strong-willed two year old) is patience. Wow, this is a challenging phase!
.-= Cara´s last blog ..Painting Our Master Bedroom =-.
Consistency and patience in discipline are the hardest thing for me. It’s easy to be lazy and let things slide or to blow my top and let all my emotions hang out. Sounds like a great book, BTW– and I’m adding her blog to my reader now
.-= Diana (Ladybug Limited)´s last blog ..Review: Veggie Tales: St. Nicholas — A Story of Joyful Giving =-.
I think the hardest think about parenting is finding your own rhythm to learn to balance all your roles and priorities. Last weekend my husband and I sat down to try to schedule time for various things (exercise for both of us, regular visiting of his grandmother in a nursing home, etc.) and we just need an extra day every week to try to fit everything in!
I think the hardest part of motherhood for me is overcoming daily monotony as well as staying connected to the outside world in what little free time I have. Also, trying to tackle the day will little-to-no sleep (whether it be from dealing with sick children, newborns, etc) is far more challenging than my professional career ever was.
The hardest thing for me is remembering my focus – living for Him and loving my kids!
.-= Grace´s last blog ..Party Time =-.
Patience. Everyday, all day patience.
Im about to be a first time mom in June and I find the hardest thing so far is making decisions and trusting yourself that you are making the right one!!
Sounds like a great book! The hardest thing about parenting is the responsibility we have to teach our children: to love others, right from wrong, making wise decisions, etc., it’s mostly in our hands to shape them!
Letting go.
.-= Linzi´s last blog ..A Peek into the Present for my Past Self =-.
The biggest parenting challenge I face is finding balance.
For me, one of the hardest things about being a mom is being patient…with my kiddos, and with myself. I’ve only been at this parenting thing for 3 years now, and yet so often I expect myself to do it perfectly and get so frustrated when I mess it up royally (which happens often!). And likewise, my boys, 3 yr. old twins, who are full of life and energy, are new at this “kid” thing too…They’re trying to find their role in our family, and in this world, while I’m trying to find my role in helping them become all they can be in our family and in this world! It’s quite a job for all of us…and I keep having to remind myself to just be patient….and take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time!
I think the hardest thing about being a parent is the constant unknown. Every age, every development is new, even baby to baby!
For me, the hardest thing about parenting is the balancing act that is required with the roles we play. And worrying about the long term effect of the daily job of “mom”. I would truly love to win this book. And if I don’t I’m going to make sure I get a copy. Because this “intentiona” talk is what I feel has been missing in my life as a mom. And I want that to change. Now.
Thanks for the giveaway. And thank you for a wonderful blog. I read it everyday, although I don’t comment.
Diane
Fatigue and trying not to lose your temper!
I think the hardest thing about being a parent fluctuates with the age of your child(ren) and the season of your life. For me, right now something really challenging is trying to figure out the best approach to training our 18-month-old: setting realistic expectations for him, making sure he succeeds, being consistent yet gracious when he doesn’t obey, knowing where the lines should be. Oh my, is it overwhelming! I know that will change with time though and soon there will be a different *hardest thing about parenting* for us. I can only take it one day at a time.
Like a number of people have mentioned, the hardest thing for me about being a parent is staying positive and consistent–everyday. I have good days and bad days (like everyone), but I would like to try to make more good days where my children see their mother enjoying life with a smile, and not getting so caught up in worrying over the little details of life.
.-= Kristi´s last blog ..Potty Talk =-.
The hardest thing (today) is patience. Or maybe finding balance. I think that there’s a sliding scale (entitled The Hardest Thing about Parenting) that changes with ages of the children, number of children, etc….
I would LOVE to win this book! I was a professional banker/financial exec prior to giving it all up and becoming a mommy to my precious twins. It’s the HARDEST job I’ve ever had, but by far the most rewarding. At this point, I think that the hardest part of this job is to remember to keep patience and love in everything you do and say. Although potty training and getting them to eat right are a close second and third!
.-= Mommy2Twinkies´s last blog .. =-.
The hardest part is knowing if I’m doing the right thing.
.-= Melinda M´s last blog ..Veggies…YUM! =-.
The hardest thing about parenting is to not put stress on myself to get it all done. I really like Jamie’s idea of only 6 things on her to-do list. I often find my lists very long for three days and then very short for two… which then leaves me feeling overwhelmed for three days and lazy for two. If I limit myself to what’s important to me and our family and spread it all out over each week, I would be less stressed, more pleasant with my kids and husband, and an overall happier person.
The hardest thing about parenting is keeping it all in perspective. My kids don’t get excited that I managed to dust AND mop in one day, they get excited if we play 4 consecutive rounds of Trouble! Remembering this is tricky and something I would love to be better at!
Patience is the hardest thing about parenting. Patience to work in “Toddler Time,” patience to stick with parenting techniques that only work after they’ve been ingrained, patience to wait for a developmental spurt to settle in … PATIENCE.
As a new mom, I think the hardest think for me is figuring out how to invest my life in this wonderful little person but not forget about investing in my future too. In the midst of diapers and boogie noses, I need to remember to be a wife, friend, daughter, sister, and Child of God. I can’t forget that I have dreams too. they may taker longer to accomplish or even be put on the back burner but I can’t forget about them.
.-= rhiannon´s last blog ..New Year’s resolutions =-.
I would say confidence and not allowing outside influences. We all worry about our children’s influences, but we can be affected, too.
I think it changes depending on the season of my life, but currently I would say intentionally engaging my children– meaning choosing playing with them over laundry or getting out colors and such instead of popping in a DVD.
The hardest thing about parenting to me is finding the balance between doing the things I have to do to keep the family running smoothly and doing the fun things that my kids and I want to do to enjoy life even more. I hate feeling like I’m constantly telling them, “I can’t right now, Mommy needs to do…” I don’t know if it’s truly out of whack, or if I just feel guilt because so many “other” moms seem to do nothing but play with their kids. But I would LOVE a book with advice on intentional, professional mothering. It sounds fantastic!
.-= Julia´s last blog ..pictures! =-.
The single hardest thing for me is letting go of the “do it all” mentality. Stop, slow down, and enjoy the time with our children! I seriously need to tattoo that on my forehead backwards so it stares me in the mirror!
Karla
.-= Karla´s last blog ..Some Really Bad Photos of a Recent Makeover =-.
Finding balance, between all the things that it takes to run a house well, being a good wife and mother, and time just be silly with the kids. I am learning to be more disciplined with my to-do list, but also that its okay to have a dirt kitchen because my kids want to play together for a while.
.-= Carolyn´s last blog ..Silly Target =-.
For me the hardest thing is to set aside my frustrations and be the calm happy mother my daughter deserves. Most days I can do this well, but there are times when I have had difficulties with this.
.-= Buffie´s last blog ..Aloha Friday #117 =-.
the hardest thing for me? I think it would have to be the permanence of my decisions as a mom and how they affect my daughter. It’s scary!
.-= Coralee´s last blog ..Other Creative Endeavours =-.
The hardest part of parenting for me is BALANCE. I still need to figure this out. It’s hard: if I focus more on my child, then the house seems to go to ruins. If I spend the day cleaning, I feel like I’m neglecting him. Plus, there’s all the other things: my marriage, my hobbies, exercising, church, friends (where did they all go?), among other things. I’m working at it, though…
The hardest thing about parenting is balance. Balancing everything…. work, time for myself, my husband, the kids, my friends and family, cleaning, cooking. Life is parceled out into a million different pieces and it is constant juggling. I miss the ability to dedicate long periods of time to one project, person, or task. That’s the hardest.
Balance. between time for the kids, time with my oldest, time with my youngest, time together, time with my hubby, time to clean, time to run errands, time to cook, time to myself… it goes on and on.
This book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. As I question myself as a mother, it’s nice to have something to read to encourage me to keep going, and keep doing things as I see fit as it applied to my children, and not to how someone else thinks I should parent.
Time management! No matter what, there always weems to be something you have to sacrifice.
I find it extremely difficult to balance my interests with my three kids. I thrive on being productive and I constantly remind myself why I stayed at home in the first place – to invest in my children.
The hardest thing I’ve found about being a mom is the never-ending-ness of it all. It really is a 24/7/365 job. I went away for a weekend with my husband, but I still had to take a phone call from a distraught 4yo, and I worried about how the teens were doing with looking after everything… even when I was away, there was a part of me that was still there. I don’t think that *ever* ends, does it? I know my mom still carries my siblings and me in her heart daily…
.-= wendy´s last blog ..sneak peak =-.
For me, the hardest part of being a mom is finding balance. The balance between taking care of teaching the kids, playing with them, keeping up with the house, running the household, being a wife, and lastly, being my own woman.
BALANCE… It’s so elusive.
Looks like a great read!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Haiti =-.
I think the hardest thing for me is not just letting my day happen. I want to be thoughtful about what we do and how we spend our time (without becoming obsessed with perfection, of course), but frequently I feel like time and events just wash over us without me being fully aware of what we’re doing and why. I don’t want it all to slowly slip away a day at a time. Related to that, I find it difficult to maintain the self-discipline required to do all the things that are easy to ignore in the moment, but have lasting consequences.
I would really enjoy a copy of this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
I would say the hardest thing about parenthood is…..everything!!! Ha ha ha….I say this because I am due in about 6 weeks with our first children (twins!) and am just completely overwhelmed and in awe of the fact that I am going to be a mother! I’m looking at it as an adventure, knowing that I really have no idea what is ahead. I read Jamie’s blog and I like her philosophy and I think her book could probably help me put some fears aside by taking control of my parenting….instead of letting it just happen to me!
I think just having the mental energy to always be engaged with them, while keeping them safe, meeting their physical needs and doing all the other things Moms have to do is one of the hardest things about being a parent.
The hardest thing for me (but something that God is growing me through) is to NOT WORRY about things. As a wife and new mom, I found myself almost driving myself crazy trying to figure it all out! How do I raise this kid?! Will there ever be a safe plastic?! haha When am I going to do laundry, cook and still have time for my husband and myself? I’ve simplified my routine quite a bit, but I’m still learning to find a joyful and peaceful balance in things…the journey continues!
I would agree that the hardest thing about parenting is being in the moment and not letting her “get under my skin”. Taking a deep breath and realizing that she is 2 and I am the adult…
I retweeted http://twitter.com/nafyboocs/status/7797934232
.-= Buffie´s last blog ..Aloha Friday #117 =-.
Trying to get on top of it all.
The cleaning, the cooking, the schooling, the clutter, the home-making… I often feel like I am being swallowed up by it all. I think this book may have been written just for me. Even if I don’t win (but PLEASE pick me!), I will have to carve out some extra cash for this resource. Thanks for the info and for the giveaway!
Shannon
.-= shannon´s last blog ..Jackson is 1! =-.
I’d say the hardest thing is really engaging – to turn away from housework, my own work, distractions, tv, my own thoughts to really engage as needed with my kids when they need it…not when I’m ready.
As a mother of 3 teenagers. I began my quest 18 years ago to be the perfect parent by combining my motherhood career with my money making career. So I decided I would become a daycare mom. Over those 18 years of trying to perfect all incredible demands that are required, I’ve done a pretty good job I think! Mostly just letting go of the little stuff. But I find that PATIENCE is really the hardest. I am, by nature, a very patient & mild mannered person and have no problem with it most of the time even under pressure, I can maintain my cool. But it’s the letting go of the inner stress at the same time that really is tough. It is those times where pressure seems to get the best of you or the whole world seems to need you “right now” while you must still remain calm & loving & good at what you do! THAT takes great strength & endurance. I feel that I am close to conquering this one in the most stressful moments finding that holding it in can honestly be bad for your health (mental & physical). Letting go of the stress as it comes is something I’ve really worked on & is getting better with practice.
I find a lot of stuff gets left undone just because it’s not the thing screaming at you. Lots of times the dishes get done but one on one time with the kids doesn’t happen. I like that her title says Intentional parenting. I need more of that.
The hardest thing about parenting is learning to let go. Each day, children learn more, discover more freedom, and gain independence. To do the job well, you have to prepare for the day they can fly on their own without you. It’s difficult because the instinct to protect never goes away, yet we must let them go anyway. One of the many paradoxes of parenthood!
The hardest thing for me as a parent is being able to sit and play with my son without letting the million other things that need to get done distract me and rob me of enjoying my time with him.
.-= Lydia´s last blog ..Donair =-.
Making sure that my time with the kids is quality time, being in the moment and focused on them instead of letting my mind wander to and fret about the other housekeeping tasks to do.
Oh my, the biggest challenge? There’s a LOT!
Balancing priorities, and still finding time for you…
Constantly being a ‘good’ example of model character and decision making….
Never quite feeling like your fully rested!
.-= heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last blog ..Re-Ignite Date Night {#21} =-.
I can only imagine (right now), but I would say consistancy.
This looks like a beautiful book and would make a great primer for getting ready for the next steps in my life.
.-= MeganAnne´s last blog ..positive thinking =-.
Honestly….for me, the hardest thing is the daily battle with my own selfishness. That gets manifested in otherwise completely unrelated ways. But, it’s my biggest battle.
The hardest thing for me about parenting is trying to meet everyone else’s needs AND my own.
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Soft Books (WIP #3) =-.
Wow, this question really got me thinking and I’d have to say that it has changed over time. The first nine months for each of my sons the hardest part was definitely the complete exhaustion. I felt like I lost myself. Now, I’d have to agree with a lot of the other posters who have said it’s trying to maintain the balance between spending and enjoying quality time with my children and the tackling the ever growing to do list.
My hardest thing about being a mom is making time for each child in the midst of working full time and having things of my own I like to do. I also really struggle with being consistent when it comes to making sure my kids take care of their chores and other responsibilities.
Having patience is the hardest for me. Especially at 2 or 3 am if my daughter wakes up and won’t go back to sleep.
Ah, the hardest thing about parenting is the day-to-day struggles of mid-afternoon monotony. I try to come up with fun ideas and great activities, but sometimes I get worn out trying so hard.
I think the hardest thing about parenting is slowing myself down enough to do all the “little” things like read, color or simply sit with my kids, when I have a million other things to do. i often devalue those things and place other things over them as “more” important, forgetting that at the heart of it, those things go a long way toward growing a secure, stable, loving relationship with my kids.
The hardest thing about parenting for me is figuring out the how, what, when, where, why, and how of discipline. There are so many “options” and so many different personalities, somedays I feel like I just can’t “get it right.” This is also one of the most difficult because the training and raising of our children is one of the single greatest, life changing things we will do in their lives.
Thanks for the chance to win!
.-= Rebecca Mast´s last blog ..Progress =-.
Finding a good rhythm for daily life and not giving in to mom guilt!
The hardest part of being a parent? Today, it is beating back the beast of self doubt during my 3 year old’s short nap.
I think the hardest thing is finding balance between taking care of yourself and taking care of the kids. You can’t have one without the other, but I often feel guilty for thinking of myself first.
.-= Gina´s last blog ..Starbucks Home Brew Giveaway =-.
I think the hardest thing about parenting is putting the most important things first, above things we think are the most urgent. My kids won’t die if their underwear is from yesterday.
Glad to hear I’m not alone…struggling to find the balance between household busyness and playtime.
I think the hardest thing about being a parent is that unlike other jobs, it is 24 hours, 7 days etc etc. Once you are a mother, you can’t step back and stop being a mother, even for a few hours.
I think the hardest thing is determining what “balance” looks like for you, at your house — not your neighbor’s or best friend’s or anybody else’s. Would LOVE to win this book! thanks for the chance.
For me it is being patient and reminding myself that my kids are only three and one. They won’t understand things they way I do and I should enjoy them the way they are without trying to change everything they do.
Making time to do the little things. We get caught up with the big things, like school, work, clean home, and forget to take the time to do the small things, like playing with playdough.
I struggle with guilt as a SAHM… If I’m spending time with my kids, guilt about the household responsibilities not getting done, and vice-versa, if I purchase something for myself, guilt that the money would be better spent on my girls or on a household need, guilt that I can’t give as much attention to my second daughter as I poured into my first… Each and every day, I strive to find balance. I know that only then, can I teach it to my girls…
The hardest thing about parenting is being happy with the job I’m doing rather than feeling like I need to do even better.
Fear. After going through chemotherapy and then fertility treatments, it seemed motherhood might not be in the cards for me. And now, when I look at my healthy and beautiful son, I often feel he’s too good to be true. I struggle with the thought of somehow losing him and the fear that he will experience a traumatic injury or illness. I frequently have to remind myself to just enjoy the present and not waste our moments together living in some imaginary future.
In a single word… BALANCE. Balance of time, balance of discipline, balance of work, balance of excercise…. BALANCE!
Thanks for the chance to win the book!
Juggling time for myself, spending enough time with the kids & my husband, and getting all the things done that need to be done. I’d love to read this book.
The hardest part of being a parent/mom is finding time to just relax with my kids. There is always so much to be done that I feel guilty to just sit still and be mom.
The hardest part for me is that as soon as I have something figured out it all changes! I work part time where my schedule is not consistent and neither is my shift. As soon as we get some semblance of a routine down, she changes things or work does! I love it, though.
.-= Stacie@HobbitDoor´s last blog ..My 31st Birthday =-.
What do I think is the single hardest thing about parenting? Acknowledging that sometimes the way I am inclined to do things will not get me the results I want. Parenting is not only about teaching your children, but also being willing to learn yourself. I find this especially challenging when my hubby’s methods are getting better results than mine are. Discipline is a big part of this…I’ve recently become more attuned to the fact that my three year old son manipulates me more than I thought he did. Mama’s a softie and Papa means business. Hence my addendum New Year’s resolution: teach my son that I’m not his slave and raise him to be a kind, low-maintenance man for some lucky woman!
.-= Pot Luck Mama´s last blog ..What are you doing for others? =-.
sleep! hands down! And finding time for me without guilt.
I think remembering to focus on your kids is the hardest thing. In my effort to keep the house clean, or be the perfect wife, or do all the good things (that really are good things), I can forget that the more important thing to do today is sit down and play with blocks, or have a tea party, or read Goodnight Gorilla for the 57th time. Time is love to kids.
For me the hardest thing about parenting is consistent discipline/training. Being consistent amidst all of life’s daily changes is hard in and of it self. So is training. It’s hard to correct and train when you just want to enjoy your kids. But when I consistently train them, I enjoy them so much more. And so do others!
The hardest thing about being a parent is continually putting my children first, even when I would rather put myself first.
.-= Mary McCarthy´s last blog ..Usborne "The Children’s Book of Art" Giveaway! =-.
The hardest part about parenting is trying to maintain a healthy balance and to be patient.
The hardest part for me is trying to not be so hard on myself. I used to feel like a failure if all he had for dinner was pb&j or he didn’t want to do a certain activity. I was bad about comparing myself to other moms who put out that “perfection” fallacy. But, I have a very healthy and happy and sweet 3 1/2 year old boy and we have a great time! I must be doing something right
I just retweeted this giveaway.
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Minnesota =-.
It is hard to to not let the urgent overshadow the important. Although, that is getting a bit better now that the kids are a little older and not all babies and toddlers.
Thanks for the give-away!
The hardest part of parenting for me is finding balance between spending time with my daughter and getting housework done.
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Minnesota =-.
Oh, man. What ISN’T hard?? I think it’s consistency and for me personally time management is so hard. I’m so easily distracted. However, by the grace of God, I think I’m keeping my priorities straight. I just wish I was more productive and could maximize my time better.
.-= bellaguinness´s last blog ..busy, busy, busy =-.
Like many others, I’d say the hardest thing about parenting is paying attention to life and living purposefully. It is so easy to get task-oriented and miss the beautiful moments!
.-= Ann Boyd´s last blog ..Shorty =-.
Retweeted and blogged! (I really need this book.
.-= bellaguinness´s last blog ..a must read =-.
I think a lot of times the hardest thing about parenting is the selflessness required, but of course it’s worth it!
The hardest thing about being a parent? – being consistent! If it’s with discipline, new routines, or simply reading more, I find it hard to stick with it and be consistent when life happens.
Interesting book. I think the hardest part of parenting is watching your children make mistakes. When you give them advice and they choose another way, you need to just sit back and hope they learn from the mistake. That’s hard!
For me and I think for a lot of Mothers, it’s following our heart, our instincts about our children without letting outside influences affect what we know is right for them.
Balance. It’s difficult to balance time with each child; balance parenting duties with time for self; balance kids activities, responsibilities, and schoolwork with fun; balance family time with time with friends.
The hardest part for me is doubting myself all the time! Am I doing it right? Am I doing the best thing for them? etc!! Thanks, Julie
The hardest part about being a mom is balance! Making sure that I get to do everything I want and need to do for my children, my family as a whole, AND myself. And inevitably, it’s myself that gets the short end of the stick. (But at least I know I’m not alone!)
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