SALT LAKE CITY — Moms are usually the ones giving out advice or offering support, but sometimes we need a little boost too.

Here's my list of "go-to" books for moms that come in handy when I need a pep talk or even just a laugh. I've divided the five books into three categories: books for information or solutions, books for uplift/getting through, and books to give a new perspective on an old situation (maybe a little unusual or specific).

Books for information and solutions

1. "The 5 Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman

This is an excellent resource for learning how your child needs to feel loved, not necessarily how you most readily show it. Although children need all five love languages, you can learn their primary and secondary ones.

This book helped me realize a few of my children valued time together most. With seven kids I've learned to be creative: One child likes grocery shopping (we laugh, learn life skills and eat ice cream); one child likes to watch "Worst Cooks in America" together; and another likes to explain the intricacies of the game Magic (which I still don't understand). No matter what other love languages I touch on, I know their primary ones are being filled.

2. "Parenting with Love and Logic" by Foster Cline M.D. and Jim Fay

Based on a more logical approach with a good dose of love, this book focuses a good deal on natural consequences and "affordable mistakes." It provides specific ways to respond to difficult situations. Absolutely fabulous!

Recently, I've had to do this with two children who continually bicker. Using a positive/negative tally approach, it's helped them to see how often they're engaging (more than they thought) and how quickly they can stop it when the incentive is right.

Books for comfort or laughter

3. "Lighten Up" by Chieko Okazaki

For years this has been my go-to for eliminating inappropriate guilt, understanding the ups and downs of motherhood, and letting go of uber expectations.

4. "A Joyful Mother of Children" by Linda J. Eyre

In this book, Linda Eyre shares real-life situations with wise solutions. It addresses the roller-coaster emotions that can accompany them.

This book has helped me countless times. One particular experience was when my husband and I were deciding whether or not to have a caboose baby. I just happened to grab this book off my shelf and it opened to a page where she was making a similar decision. Her candor about the emotions and concerns facing that kind of question helped me make a clearer decision for our family.

A close second was another of Eyre's books, I Didn't Plan on Being a Witch.

Books for different ways to see situations

5. "The Child Whisperer" by Carol Tuttle

Personality profiling isn't anything new, but Tuttle adds energy mapping to make a whole picture of your child. By understanding the "why" of what your child does related to his or her personality, you can eliminate labels like "naughty" or "obstinate" and instead better parent each child.

It's been called a respectful way of parenting. For example, a friend of mine was talking with another friend. Before sharing an experience about her daughter, my friend asked the daughter if she could — the child seemed concerned and said no. Where another child would have likely laughed or joined in, this child felt it was a breach of loyalty. Because of awareness, a healthy respect and trust remained intact between daughter and mother.

Enjoy filling a motherhood need with one of these fulfilling, useful and comforting books.

VIDEO:

Studio 5: Best Books for Mom

Enjoy more on this topic on the <a href="http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=38207752"target=_blank>"Studio 5 with Brooke Walker" website</a> or Connie's own site, <a href="http://conniesokol.com/" target="_blank">www.conniesokol.com</a>.</i>

Connie Sokol is an author, speaker, TV contributor and mother of seven. Contact her at www.conniesokol.com.

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