From Publishers WeeklyAccording to Penley, who self-published The M.O.M.S. Handbook, the key to making mothering easy and enjoyable is to become aware of ways of interacting in the world (e.g., being extroverted or introverted, sensing things based on facts or feeling them intuitively) and balance personal needs with external demands. Penley developed her "Mothers of Many Styles" (M.O.M.S.) program to free women of the image of the "perfect" mother and help them identify their strengths and weaknesses first as mothers, and then in all relationships. Based on the Myers-Briggs personality inventory, Penley's questionnaires and evaluations may aid some readers, but others may find the systemit involves 16 personality types and 16 corresponding mothering stylescomplicated and time-consuming. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Penley's program is her focus on self-care and her recognition of the unique gifts that each woman has to offer her children. However, trying to work with Penley's system on a daily basis could, ironically, add more stress and yet another layer to the image of perfection: the thoroughly self-aware mother who can respond appropriately to her child in all situations. (May 1) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "A genuinely new and creative way to look at how you are likely to react and behave as a parent." -- InfoDad.com, 05/25/06"Fabulous...I highly recommend it!" -- Solutions for Busy Moms, 03/16/2006"It may be the best book written on this subject and it could help your relationship with your daughter." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/06"Show[s] where your strengths--and, sure, weaknesses--lie. Their point is that there are all kinds of good moms." -- Chicago Tribune, 05/14/06"Useful [and] recommended." -- Library Journal 4/25/06"[A] practical, example-filled bookAffirming." -- Seattle Times, 6/3/06"May be the best book written on this subject." -- Washington Post, 8/18/06About the AuthorJanet Penley has been conducting parenting workshops for groups of mothers, therapists, and life coaches and for corporations for more than eighteen years. The mother of two grown children, she lives in Texas. Diane Eble is a professional writer, mother of two children, and the author of ten books. She lives outside of Chicago. how do you find a book when you dont know the title MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book that was recommended to me now I ...By MarieGreat book that was recommended to me now I recommend it to others. There are 16 basic personality types based on if you are an extrovert or an introvert, do you like a schedule or fly by the seat of your pants, are you a hands on teacher, or like letting your kids figure it out themselves....Very interesting to see what you are based on your preferences. Then if you aren't quite sure between 2 choices they give you examples of each, which is helpful. When you have determined your personality type, they give a list of things that your personality is good at may struggle with. I was spot on so reassuring to see, "ok, so I might be great at showing my kids the world, hands on, they think I am the fun mom because we are always on the go, exploring new things but my personality struggles with sitting down 1 on 1 having quiet time with each kid." Very helpful to recognize what you are naturally good at what may not come so easy to you. Also good at realizing your kids may not have your same personality (I'm an extrovert who thrives on peoples energy loves crowds, one of my children may like to sit home in the quiet find crowds draining) how to determine their preferences.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I wish this book went into more detail about each ...By Ashley WynneI wish this book went into more detail about each personality type. I also wish it explained some of the struggles and benefits of growing up with a mom, sister, friend of each temperament. Otherwise, I appreciate this book and talk about it with my friends all the time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So, so good!By JKWAfter reading this,I feel so refreshed and encouraged, yet challenged! I feel validated in my unique giftedness as a mother, and I appreciate having a greater understanding of the functions of friends and loved ones. It's helpful to know what I can improve, how to refill my tank on several levels, and how to be confident using my particular strengths in my parenting. Very validating, and encouraging book! Definitely recommend!