Sweetie...Squeeze Your Cheeks!
You Don't Know How to Be a Mom (And That's OK, Neither Did I)
by Jennifer Tiras
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Aug 22 2023 | Archive Date Aug 22 2023
Advantage Books | Advantage Media Group
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Description
In the car one day, Jennifer Tiras’ recently potty-trained toddler, Avery, informed her that he had to poop. (Yikes; please, not in the new vehicle!) Thinking fast, she responded, “Sweetie … squeeze your cheeks together, and hold on just a few minutes!” When Jennifer looked in the rearview mirror, he was holding his face and squishing his cheeks like a determined little fish. This hilarious “wrong cheek” incident inspired her to document the special moments in her family life.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Houston in 1994, magna cum laude, with a degree in Early Childhood Development. With a good grasp on “how to handle children” she eagerly embraced motherhood … and quickly learned an eye-opening life truth: Nothing could have fully prepared her to be a mom! Nevertheless, she blended her educational knowledge with her heart for children and developed tips and strategies for every stage of motherhood!
Having trouble with an infant’s sleep habits? You, the parent, are in control! Let Jennifer show you some practical steps for sleep time. Does potty-training seem like you are entering a blind tunnel with no guidance? Simplify it with eight clear and achievable steps to potty-training success. How about the really big issues, like when to talk about sex, earning their own money, and keeping them close in the older stages when they want to drift away? Jenn has thought of it all, and she’s got you covered!
By weaving together detailed experiences from her teenage years to today, Jennifer tells story after story about every stage of motherhood and how it all comes back full circle. It is truth. It is emotion. And it’s told in a priceless, entertaining way that keeps the reader eagerly flipping the page to see what Jennifer might say next.
Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but it does indeed come with a mother.
Featured Reviews
Very informative and it should be given to first time parents.
I actually learned a lot and it will help me if and when I decide to have any children.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and or the author for giving me the chance to read this book and I am freely leaving my review.
The new "What To Expect When You're Expecting"! This book is full of tips, incite and stories, on what parenting is REALLY like. It gives you honest advice of what you can expect in parenthood that some people might shy away from telling you, all the way from pre-conception and then throughout their entire childhood. I think the only thing I'd suggest, is I feel like when parents read books like this, they appreciate snippets/advice/stories being broken up a little better to refer to later on, rather than several paragraphs bunched together going into detail
As a mom of 3 girls, this is a book we can all connect with. Those crazy stories that we don't think anyone could possibly believe, but as parents we have been there. It was a solid quick read that is meant for the motherhood readers.
"Sweetie...Squeeze Your Cheeks! You Don't Know How to Be a Mom (And That's OK, Neither Did I)" by Jennifer Tiras is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of the ups and downs of motherhood. The author shares her experiences and wisdom as a mother, offering practical tips and strategies for various stages of parenting, from infancy to the teenage years.
The book begins with a funny and relatable anecdote about Jennifer's potty-training adventures with her toddler, which serves as a catalyst for her to reflect on the special moments in her family life. As a mother with a background in Early Childhood Development, Jennifer thought she was well-prepared for motherhood. However, she quickly learns that nothing could fully prepare her for the challenges and joys of being a mom.
Throughout the book, Jennifer shares her insights and advice on various aspects of parenting. Whether it's dealing with infant sleep habits, navigating the potty-training process, or addressing bigger issues like discussing sex and keeping teenagers close, she offers practical and relatable guidance for every stage of motherhood.
What makes this book stand out is Jennifer's storytelling style. She weaves together detailed experiences from her teenage years to her current role as a mother, creating a narrative that is both honest and emotional. Her anecdotes are filled with truth and emotion, and her entertaining storytelling keeps the reader engaged and eager to read on.
Jennifer emphasizes that motherhood doesn't come with a manual, but it comes with the love and dedication of a mother. She provides reassurance to fellow moms that it's okay not to have all the answers and that each mother's journey is unique and special.
"Sweetie...Squeeze Your Cheeks!" is a delightful and relatable read for all mothers, filled with laughter, wisdom, and heartfelt moments. Jennifer Tiras' candid storytelling and practical advice make this book a valuable resource for mothers seeking guidance and understanding on their motherhood journey.
Jennifer Tiras is a talented storyteller and has some really sweet stories about raising her four sons. She is able to see the humor in the challenge of raising children. Where she lost me a bit was the posing of advice with the tone of "I did it this way so you should too." She is a wonderful writer and I would have rather read this as a memoir than a self-help book. She has some insightful things to say about raising teenagers in the modern world, but her "advice" about pregnancy, birth, and toddlerhood was very outdated and is not supported by current medical research (i.e. asking for an enema during birth or even the discussion of episiotomies).