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Things My Mother Told Me: Reflections on Parenthood

by Katherine Hauswirth

114 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #00-0003; ISBN 1-55212-339-1; US$15.00, C$17.00, EUR12.50, £8.50

Warm anecdotes describe emotional and spiritual milestones in the life of a child, via memorable examples of thoughtful parenting.

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about the book      about the author      excerpt      catalogue info

About the Book The current generation of young adults is focusing renewed attention on the importance of raising children. This group was the first who could easily and precisely plan the timing of parenthood, but messages about families were confusing. Casualties of cultural transition, the current group of parents and would-be parents voices feeling lost when it comes to creating a well-rounded family. The book is an appreciative tale of a good, fun filled childhood. The tone is positive and humorous, yet incorporates earnest contemplation on how very essential a good role model can be. Each chapter springs from a quote or other verbal traditions (songs and stories) with which the author's mother relayed valuable lessons. These carefully chosen words served as tools for nurturing a confident approach to life. The stories detail the memory of growing up loved. Those seeking family meaning will experience it here, and come away with concrete ideas for thoughtful parenting. Read the news release for this title.

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About the Author Katherine Hauswirth is a freelance writer and psychiatric nurse practitioner. Katherine grew up on Long Island in New York. She now lives in the shoreline area of Connecticut. Her personal background of a truly unique and loving family combine with her professional training to guide her in her exploration of parenting wisdom. Contact Katherine at 860-526-3453 or email tkhaus@ntplx.net

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Excerpt

I am writing this in an empty nursery. The walls are an amateur study of Monet's garden in cheerful primary hues. I remember touring the upstairs rooms and being surprised by the bright orange sun stenciled above the rear window. The former homeowners had sponge painted this mural for their baby girl. Despite my then disbelief in the insistence of biological clocks, my eyes filled with tears when I walked through this powerful portal. The gradual crescendo of what I had dismissed as mythical ticking erupted into an unmistakable roar. I was suddenly grappling with the pull of maternity, and turned my wet eyes from the realtor's sight. I imagined the view my yet unconceived child would have from the nursery window. In an instant I became the cliche of a parent to be- aching with longing for a baby of my own. Tom felt a tug, too, and began to talk of fatherhood when we moved in. Our odyssey toward parenthood had begun.

So now we are nesting, my husband and I, and the nursery has become my perch of sorts. I look out from my painted world to the realm of real trees. I think big thoughts about life and its regeneration. The desire to create life has spilled over into my writing, and I write in the same way that I contemplate the hope for a child: thoughtfully, dreamily, excitedly...

Our goal of conception and parenthood sparks a rapid, persistent stream of thoughts about what kind of parents to be, and what shaped us the most as children. Having waited so long, we have had plenty of time to compile lists of "nevers" and "always" to adhere to when rearing our potential brood...

This book is about the "always" list. I was fortunate in that I learned a lot of these positives by example. I felt loved, and often leaned on my mother's words for comfort and wisdom. This book is about what she told me, and what I in turn hope to say to my child.

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Catalogue Information

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