Book Review: The Mother at Home

Rachel Cole asked me to read this book and see what I thought,  and while this group is for homemaking,  and not child-rearing, I thought it might be of some help and interest to some of you. Even if you don't have kids, or are passed that stage, it can serve as a good reminder to pray for the mothers in our group.

Like a breath of fresh air, this book comes down hard on the side of the need for strict parental discipline. It is not concerned about having friendships with small children, but about disciplining them to equip them for life. Even as an Auntie, I found it convicted my attitude, while pointing out ways discipline is no longer encouraged.

I was also convicted about not praying enough for mothers. It is a heavy responsibility you bear with long term ramifications for you and your children if you're lazy about it. It's also a responsibility that demands constant vigilance.

Two, caveats to what is said in this book. First, don't read it without the gospel or you will despair. The author doesn't pull any punches about children dying, weak mothers, and the road you can send your children down if you are lazy. You could easily be overwhelmed.  Remember grace and the gospel.

Second, doing everything right is not a guarantee your child will be all they should be or that they will be saved.  Yes, the Lord uses wise and good mothers regularly to save children and to shower the world with common grace, but it's not promised. All mothers must take their work seriously and trust it to the Lord. This isn't a magical formula to earn you your children's salvation.

Other than those two things,  I think this book could help set at right the total lack of discipline found in our child rearing today. Even if you don't agree with everything,  it will convict you and challenge you.

Our world is full of undisciplined adults, and undisciplined children. Our world is filled with homemakers who are knee deep in the trenches of child rearing.  This will help correct many of the world's current lies and help you be intentional and purposed.