(Inside: Fun mom t-shirt ideas. I’ve always been a shirt collector: vacations, teams, schools, and mom t-shirts. I love clothes that are cute and comfy.)
And a cute t-shirt or sweatshirt that fits just right.
There’s just something about putting on warm, soft clothes that I think are at least somewhat-stylish (I’m not going for perfect) that helps me transition from work-mode to mom-mode. It’s a routine I always look forward to; the little things really do matter.
Normally, I have trouble spending money on myself. Life is so expensive, I find myself often paying for something bigger, like an alto sax so my kid can march in the band, and then placing the clearance-priced pair of yoga pants back on the rack because $9.99 at Target is too much to spend on me.
But, I just really enjoy my comfy mom t-shirts and wear them all the time. Because of that, my collection of mom t-shirts is growing, and I’m not even sorry.
It is just an area that I will let myself spend money on.
Hardworking momma, you also deserve to have those routines that are bright spots on your day: a cup of coffee, music relaxing you as your drive home, or comfy clothes that wrap their arms around you and remind you that your role as a mom is the best ever.
These are the current mom t-shirts I have my eye on. I’m making a list, checking in twice, gonna refresh my wardrobe a little. I thought you might what too, as well…
Hands down this MAMA shirts is my favorite. So simple and classic. I love pink, but there are myriads of colors to choose that will match anything. This one I could get away with wearing at work with dress pants and a sweater. Or for just my at-home joy. Yup – it’s at the top of my wish list.
Where was this shirt when I was pregnant? Tacos and babies. Two of my favorite things. If you’re a click younger than me and still in this phase, announce to the world that you’re a mama-to-be with these clever Eating Tacos for Two t-shirts. I’m remembering this cute tee for my next baby shower. Because, again, where was this shirt when I was pregnant?
Where my girl moms at? Sport this fun Girl Mom/Mama t-shirt any day of the week. Your daughters are sure to love seeing your girl mom pride. This tee will easily become a staple in your wardrobe.
As a mama of 3 incredible boys, I have a big ol’ soft spot in my heart for any boy mom t-shirt. This Life is Better with my Boys tee hits home. It’s the message that I want my boys to hear, and the message that I need to hear on the best days and the hard days. ‘Tis true. Life is most definitely better with my boys.
Doesn’t parenthood sometimes feel like you’re in the trenches? These camouflage Mom Life tees give off a fun vibe with the right amount of “Mom life requires hard work” on the side. The best thing about this shirt? It comes with a matching camouflage Kid Life t-shirt that works for both a son or a daughter. Camouflage has always been one of my favorite designs to wear – it always hits the mark.
I loved sports growing up. It was a big part of my high school and college experience, so I wanted to share that side of myself with my sons. I’m so glad they like sports too. They don’t have to be top athletes on the top teams, I just love seeing them moving and having fun. So, yes, a sports mom tee is, of course, going to make it onto my list. Especially this basketball mom shirt– it’s perfect. When’s Christmas?
We’ve all been there. Those days that feel a little bit out of control. he days the jug of milk gets tipped, the kids can’t get along, and we’re running late. The days where This is my Circus, These are my Monkeys seem to ring a little extra true. But even in those days, we can be so thankful for our little monkeys that we get to call ours.
I remember thinking I was tired before I had kids. Then I had kids. Yeah, I was NOT actualy tired before. This #momlife tee is cute and accurate and goes with anything in your closet. Yup, I like it.
If there’s one t-shirt that states the truth more than this, I need to see it. Chaos coordinator is a badge of honor for the mamas of the world. We hold so many of the THINGS together. Appointments, birthdays, piano recitals, switching the laundry, and remembering the last time the pre-teen showered to name a few. This tee is perfect for all moms.
It all comes back to this. Whether you have one kiddo or ten. Whether you carried your child or fostered your child or adopted your child, this Blessed Mama t-shirt sums it up. In the good and bad, the happy and hard, the highs and lows, you have the privilege of pouring your life into another life. No person has as much influence on your child as you, Mama (and Dad). Let’s not forget that you truly are one blessed mama.
Shopping is fun. Here are some more ideas for families raising big kids…
Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens
You just dropped your kid off at practice, picked up another, and are trying to decide what to make for dinner. Your days are filled with work, parenting, and waiting for password reset emails.
You are parenting tweens and teens.
It’s an amazing life phase, but also challenging in unique ways. In it all, you’d love a little encouragement to help you laugh, grow in faith, see parenting hacks, get ideas to connect with your kid, and celebrate the awesome momma you are.
I got you, friend. Sign up for Empowered Moms and Kids monthly emails and get encouragement in your inbox geared for someone exactly in your life chapter. It’s totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Plus, you’ll get instant access to all the great resources in thefreebie library.Join our community below.
Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.
(Inside: Gifts for moms that they will love. Here are fantastic gift ideas that say “I love you” to the mom raising tweens and teens.)
Are you looking for a gift for a mom raising tweens and teens?
You’re about to make her day.
Because between work and community and family, moms of older kids have been juggling and giving and giving some more for well over a decade. We’re busy. And the causality of that is this common theme: we take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves. A gift to a mom disrupts that pattern – it reminds moms that we are seen and loved and appreciated.
A nice present means so much.
Since I am currently in the thick of raising two teens and a tween, I thought it’d be fun to think about the needs (and wishes) of a mom specific to this season and make a list of what gifts she might like. Here are some things that moms parenting tweens and teens love…
Moms wanted that last piece of cake – best gifts for moms
That last piece of dessert…we wanted to see the smile on your face as you ate it, so we didn’t actually tell you we wanted it to. So, gift the mom in your life her own treats – every bite, first and last.
Moms love their comfy clothes – best gifts for moms
We just spent our money on soccer camp or new reeds for the saxophone, so there’s no way we’re going to buy ourselves the new pair of yoga pants that we really wanted. So if you notice and buy them for us, you’re our hero.
Moms love their fancy clothes, as well – best gifts for moms
As much as we love our comfy clothes, we still want to feel young(ish) and pretty, so we love our nice clothes too. But, before you buy any of these gifts, find out your loved one’s size. Don’t worry about the surprise factor; the fact that you are planning a gift and us knowing that is just as fun as the gift itself. Also to be noted, we hate returning things. So if it doesn’t fit, have a plan to get it exchanged without help from the mom in your life.
Moms love their family to help clean the house – best gifts for moms
Do you really want to make us happy? I mean over-the-top fill your mom (or spouse) with joy? Embrace cleaning. Here’s a lovely way to present this gift: (1) clean the whole house, (2) grab the printable below and tuck it into a sweet card with kind words, (3) tell mom that you will be organizing the family to clean once a week for the next month. Mom will swoon. The end.
Moms love sentimental jewelry – best gifts for moms
Moms of tweens and teens become a little (a lot) over-sappy. We see how fast time is moving and realize that the parenting days with kids in our home are fleeting. Sentimental gifts that mark this season of life are so appreciated. Here are some ideas.
Of course, moms love when their family members print out some photos and put them together in a photo album. We mean to do it, but the days are so busy – so if it is done for us? Just heaven.
Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens here.
Moms love family time – best gifts for moms
If I had to nail down “what moms want” to just a few things, at the top of the list would be this: time with our families. Plan a family night: a game or puzzle, some snacks and a movie. That’s pure gold.
I’ve wanted the iRobot and Shark vacuum/mop for years, but haven’t spent the money because school supplies and sports camps, and new shoes for my teens… Moms love our gadgets so to have someone pay a little more for the expensive thing that makes our lives easier and gift it to us is just lovely.
I was just introduced to Color Street (see below) and absolutely love how easy it is to do my own nails. I love looking down at my hands and seeing beautiful colors. Does the mom in your life love to have pretty nails too? These might be good ideas for her…
Moms continually give (and are happy to do it!), but we also so desperately need to also take care of ourselves. If you put together some self-care items then pick an evening/day that the family handles everything so that mom can enjoy rest and relaxation, what a gift that is to her.
Moms love inspiration and journals – best gifts for moms
By the time moms get to the chapter of parenting tweens and teens – a thing or two in life has happened. Good stuff, but also hard stuff – and moms need time to process and be encouraged. The Lysa Terkurest books have helped me unpack my thoughts, grow from, and move past some hard stuff (including a later-in-life miscarriage), so I highly recommend her work. Here’s also a list of 60+ of my favorite inspirational books.
What did I miss? Have you gotten a gift for mom that she has loved? Leave a comment and let me know. And also, before you go, don’t forget to join our community of moms of bigs here.
Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens here.
Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens
You just dropped one kid off at practice, picked up another, and are trying to decide what to make for dinner. Your days are filled with work, parenting, and waiting for password reset emails.
You are parenting tweens and teens.
It’s an amazing life phase, but also challenging in unique ways. In it all, you’d love a little encouragement to help you laugh, grow in faith, see parenting hacks, get ideas to connect with your kid, and celebrate the awesome momma you are.
I got you, friend. Sign up for Empowered Moms and Kids monthly emails and get encouragement in your inbox geared for someone exactly in your life chapter. It’s totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Plus, you’ll get instant access to all the great resources in the freebie library.
Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.
Okay, maybe that’s not totally true, but a book started my healing process. I was in a deep mom slump. A miscarriage followed by a job loss left me feeling beaten down at best. I’d never read inspirational Christian books before, but a title caught my eye: Uninvited – Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (Lysa TerKeurst)
I didn’t feel left out, but I felt sad (like all the time) and I cried a lot (like every day) and this book just seemed hopeful
So, I started reading. Then this crazy thing happened…I felt better. Not a lot better, simply one minuscule click forward. But still, it was progress. So, I picked up another inspirational book.
Then another.
Dr. Gotham famously says a healthy marriage needs 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative one. (The magic 5:1 ratio.) I think our relationship with ourselves is the same: 5 positive thoughts for every 1 negative one. Except, in that low season of my life, one negative thought seemed to exponentially multiply – so I found that I needed to input about 15000 positive thoughts daily. Or maybe even hourly. As a result, I kept finding more inspirational books and reading them.
(And did other work as well in healing. Lots of “other” work.)
But slowly – at turtle speed – I climbed out of my valley. And it was through books that I kept a steady stream of encouragement flowing into my brain. So, momma, I don’t know where you’re at in motherhood:
Are you depressed or feeling anxious?
Are you trying to make a decision?
Do you need the confidence to go after your dream?
Do you just need encouragement to keep you going?
Or things are going great, you just need “maintenance.”
Here are some best books for moms to read. I’ve read most of them and the few I haven’t are on my “must-read” list. There is a book on this list that will move you. Read with joy, then tell me about it in the comments. (Or let me know about a book I missed!)
Now, onto the list of best books for moms…
Photo by Prasanna Kumar on Unsplash
This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you purchase through these links. (At no extra cost to you.)
“I need to heal” best inspirational books for mothers
The Broken Way: A Daring Path to the Abundant Life (Ann Voskamp) I found this book right when I needed it. It gives you a fresh look at pain and how it transforms your life in amazing ways. This book takes away the fear of hard stuff happening. You’ll see how that the cracks in your life let God’s love into your heart in breathtaking ways.
Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (Lysa TerKeurst) I picked up this book when I was going through a painful period in my life; I had no idea how healing reading it would be. The bottom line is that it made me think about the root of some of my pain, which was seeking approval. For anyone who struggles with people-pleasing, this is a must-read.
Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole (Angie Smith) Angie wondered if really all hard things worked together for good. She took time to sort through her thoughts and research heartache; this is her story.
Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way (Shauna Niequist) I read this book just when I needed to hear this message. Amazon review explains: “Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a moment of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich even when it contains a splinter of sadness.”
The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts (Sarah Mae) Sarah tells her story of her tumultuous relationship with her alcoholic mom. The book has both Sarah’s words and her mom’s journals. Was Sarah makes sense of their rocky relationship, she finds healing, peace, and love.
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess (Jen Hatmaker) After reading this book, I looked at all the “stuff” in my life and was able to let go of clutter that was supposed to be making me happy but instead was causing me stress. My faith grew in huge ways through reading Jen’s work.
Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of Your Try Hard Life (Emily P. Freeman) This is on my to-read list. Here’s what the review on Amazon says: “Many of us believe that we are saved by grace–but for too many, that’s the last time grace defines our life. Instead of clinging to grace, we strive for good and believe that the Christian life means hard work and a sweet disposition. As good girls, we focus on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods. When we fail to measure up to our own impossible standards, we hide behind our good girl masks, determined to keep our weakness a secret. In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites women to let go of the try-hard life and realize that in Christ we are free to receive from him rather than constantly try to achieve for him.”
Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are (Ann Voskamp) Ann was in a deep valley of sorrow and sadness. She desperately wanted to pull herself out of her depression, but she wasn’t sure how. So, she started writing down all the things she was grateful for. 1000 things. This book is poetic and beautiful. You won’t see the world around you the same again.
Get instant access to the freebie library which includes a pdf of this list of best inspirational books for moms list.
“I need motivation” best inspirational books for mothers
Everything is Figureoutable (Marie Forleo) I’ve listened to Maria’s podcast and she is the real deal. There’s a reason why I listen to her motivational podcasts while I run. So, I’m excited to read her encouragement in her newest book.
“I need direction ” best inspirational books for mothers
The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions (Emily Freeman) I struggle so much with making both big and small decision. Whether you have decision fatigue (often a result of low-grade daily anxiety) or complete decision paralysis, this book will help you. In it, you’ll untangle the art of making decisions, gain a renewed perspective and feel more confident. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I read it twice and underlined 50% of the sentences. I highly recommend it.
Own Your Life: living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love (Sally Clarkson) I admire how Sally lives life her way. Meaning, in deep faith, she follows God’s call even if it goes against the grain. (Like some examples of how she parents.) If you want to take a more thoughtful look at your own life and move forward more intentionally, this book is for you.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World (Bob Goff) I loved this book. Bob Goff tells stories that point you to see God move and guide you in the ordinary. Though the book is more about seeing God in the ordinary, what Bob says about “God’s will for your life” was life-giving, direction-leading thought. I had a total aha moment with this book!
“I need to laugh” best inspirational books for mothers
“I want to be inspired to be more creative” best inspirational books for mothers
A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live (Emily P. Freeman) If you are not convinced that God designed us to be creative, this book will change your mind. You’ll be inspired to pick up that artistic expression you’ve been longing to do and go for it with absolute joy. I loved how Emily taught us creativity through the lens of God’s design for our lives. This book is so good.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (Elizabeth Gilbert) This book doesn’t have a religious affiliation (and she writer drops the F-bomb a bit), but I lent my copy to my pastor’s wife and she liked it, so there’s that. This book I found incredibly inspirational – you’ll fall more in love with your craft because of Elizabeth’s word.
“I want to get healthy” best inspirational books for mothers
“I want to grow my faith” best inspirational books for moms
Chasing God (Angie Smith) If you feel like you are always chasing God, but you don’t actually know him, then this book is for you! It will open your eyes to seeing how God meets you right where you’re at, in the simple, every day.
Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity (Jen Hatmaker) Jen opened my eyes to see the world around me through the eyes of Jesus. Meaning, she challenged me to notice people who aren’t like me. (And celebrate them.) She also challenges us to give in bigger ways that are out of our comfort zone. This book will grow your faith and change your perspective in a very good way.
The Organic God (Margaret Feinberg) This is absolutely one of my favorite books. Margaret tells beautiful stories that help you better understand who God is and see Him working all around you.
Play with Fire: Discovering Fierce Faith, Unquenchable Passion, and a Life-Giving God (Bianca Olthoff) As you read Bianca’s story of growing her own faith, you’ll find a piece of yourself somewhere along the way. What I remember most about this book is being completely overcome with a real-life–prayed-for miracle that happened. There is a real God who loves us and fights for us and Bianca helps you know Him more.
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, as you Are. (Shauna Niequist) This is a daily devotional that helps you find joy and faith in ordinary life. When I bought this book, I didn’t realize it was a devotional. I was disappointed because I don’t normally read daily devotionals. But I read it anyway and found it to be lovely. I was glad I picked it up.
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith (Barbara Brown Taylor) A friend lent me this, but I ended up buying my own copy so I could highlight it up!Barbara Brown Taylor is a former minister with a gift for teaching about faith. I think you’ll love this book too.
The Power of a Praying Parent Book of Prayers (StormieOmartian) I can’t read Stormie’s books at night because her written-out prayers hold such power, love, and inspiration, that I get excited about praying for my family and can’t sleep! This is a great morning book.
“I need a friend” best inspirational books for moms
Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom (Elisabeth Hasselbeck) Elisabeth walks you through her season on the popular reality television show Survivor, her decade on The View, and her few years at Fox News. The tone of this book isfriend-like, casual, and vulnerable. Elisabeth shares her story of life and faith with you – it’s refreshing and uplifting.
Finding the Bright Side: The Art of Chasing What Matters (Shannon Bream) Shannon shares her journey of beauty pageants (competing on a National level), law school, becoming a popular news broadcaster, her husband’s cancer battle and her decision not to have kids. In it all, she shares how her journey has deepened her faith. You feel like you’re talking to a friend.
Brave Love: Making Space for You to Be you (Lisa Leonard) Even though I don’t know Lisa personally, I’ve ordered a ton of her jewelry and got to be on her book launch team. This book tells her story of how she built her wildly successful business, her journey with parenting a special needs son, her perserverance through marrital strife, and how she conquers life.
Becoming (Michelle Obama) Where do I start with this book? No matter what your political stance is, Michelle Obama is your girl. Honest, vulnerable and incredibly likeable, I ate up this book. I walked away feeling encouraged and inspired. (And like I could do anything!)
“I need to relate to my kid better” best inspirational books for moms
Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him (Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson) Sally’s son Nathan grew up with some serious mental health issues. Both Nathan and Sally tell how they learned to better connect and understand each other. Nathan shares his story of learning about himself and growing into a thriving, happy adult. Then Sally shares the mom side of his journey. This story is a tear-jerker and will help you see your challenging child as the blessing that he (or she) already is.
“Help me overcome perfectionism” best inspirational books for moms
Why Your Best is Good Enough (Kevin Leman) I love the wisdom and humor of psychologist, Kevin Lehman. This book was one of my favorites that he’s written. (And I’ve read many!) Amazon review says, “Dr. Kevin Leman helps those who struggle with self-doubt to value their talents and gifts and accept their shortcomings. He points out why the lifestyle we develop as a child determines our degree of success or failure and explains how, regardless of the past, each person can develop a healthy lifestyle today.”
You just dropped one kid off at practice, picked up another, and are trying to decide what to make for dinner. Your days are filled with work, parenting, and waiting for password reset emails.
You are parenting tweens and teens.
It’s a fantastic life phase, but also challenging in unique ways. In it all, you’d love a little encouragement to help you laugh, grow in faith, see parenting hacks, get ideas to connect with your kid, and celebrate the awesome momma you are.
I got you, friend. Sign up for Empowered Moms and Kids monthly emails and get encouragement in your inbox geared for someone exactly in your life chapter. It’s totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Plus, you’ll get instant access to all the great resources in the freebie library.Join our community below.
Read the Full Series on Self-Care & Inspiration for Moms
Why is self-care so hard for moms? Y’all, I ignored it for so long, that I had an epic mom crash. (I talk about it over here.) I never want to go there again, so it’s game on, self-care!
I recently listened to a podcast by the author of my favorite book on creativity (affiliate link), Liz Gilbert, where she talked about how she feels like she has been given the divine responsibility of being in charge of “Liz,” so needs to do what’s best for “Liz.”
Okay, I hope I don’t mess up the interpretation of what she said too much, but let me tell you how it went into my heart…
God gives us the sacred responsibility of taking care of ourselves. So, I need to see myself in the 3rd person. I need to step outside of myself and say, “Cheryl doesn’t need to be doing that. She’s done enough..she needs sleep, or to say ‘no,’ or to sit and pet her beloved dog.”
For this go-go-go, do-all-the-things girl, that way of explaining our self-obligation was powerful. Self-care is vital. We better serve our families and communities when we are in a good place. So, be encouraged by the full series on self-care and other inspiration for moms.
Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.
I want to be a stylish mom. With the recent huge shift in changing fashion, I’ve rediscovered shopping as I’ve updated my wardrobe. Here are some fun finds.
