A few weeks ago we talked about revolution. Sounds like such a grand thing doesn’t it?
REVOLUTION!!! It makes us want to pump our fists, let out a war cry and change the world.
But that’s not how revolutions start. They start with discontent. They start with hope for something better. They start with quiet whispers in back rooms. They start with one person. Then two. Then three…
Revolutions don’t start with our fists, they start with our hearts and minds. They don’t start with war, they start with words of wisdom and truth.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing a few simple things that I hope will help you start a revolution in your life.
The first item is something I’m calling, “Mom-iversity†– because nothing screams Revolution like a really cheesy name. But it’s catchy, expresses the concept succinctly and I’m sticking with it.
What is Mom-iversity
But, really, wouldn’t it be cool if there was a Mom-iversity? A place where we could learn the art of mothering from experienced professors? We could study for hours about things like**:
1. How to turn correction times into learning experiences.
2. How to equip your children to accept responsibility for their mistakes.
3. How to look for ways to meet with your children through love and emotional connectedness.
4. What discipline strategies work best for my child’s temperament?
5. Mastering leadership skills for mothers.
**Topics taken directly from the backs of several of the parenting books on my desk.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to study with a class full of other moms who are in the same season and striving to be excellent mothers as well? To bounce ideas off each other and share useful advice?
Wouldn’t it be great to have an organized plan of learning? To proactively pursue excellence in motherhood instead of reactively trying to find solutions to problems and pitfalls?
I Need A Plan…Do You?
Honestly, I think the best part would just be the accountability of HAVING to consistently work at being a better mother. Its just so easy for me to put down the parenting book and check Twitter instead. My kids aren’t going to ask. They’re not going to check up on my progress.
I’m a terrible book reader. I’ve started a million and finished 7. Ok. Maybe 8. Perhaps it’s a residual effect of my college world history class, but whenever I read a paper book, my eyes glaze over and I slowly nod off.
I need help. I need a plan. I thought maybe you might too.
Mom-iversity Schedule
It all happens next week. Here’s the schedule:
Tuesday – My brilliant friend Christa Wells will be sharing her thoughts on wisdom and bringing some inspiration your way.
Wednesday – I’ll share some tools and practical tips on creating your own Mom-iversity course.
Thursday – Giving away a free form. I know, get excited, right? Who doesn’t love forms? Thursday, we’ll each create a “syllabus†of the things we’d want to learn and develop a simple plan to reach those goals.
Follow-Up
Starting in October, we’ll get a little more official and I’ll ask you to:
1. Register for classes – which is really just a fancy way to say that you want to officially participate in Mom-iversity for the month.
2. Break down your syllabus – into something you can accomplish that month
3. Check in – weekly on Facebook.
4. Recap – at the end of the month on the blog.
Everyone who successfully completes their Mom-iversity goals for the month will be awarded a prize (tba).
Oh, and as an added incentive, next week’s Motivation Monday giveaway will be MASSIVE. It’s worth over $200! Be sure to check back on Monday (or just subscribe) to learn more about Mom-iversity and find out what the incredible giveaway is…
(If you’re interested in Mom-iversity, please leave a shout out in the comments. Having a general number will help me secure a great prize for all you “graduates.”)
Let the revolution begin.
::
(If this post inspired you, will you consider sharing it and inspiring someone else?)
{ 155 comments… read them below or add one }
Very excited! thank you!
I just discovered your blog last week and love the idea that action begets more action. I can’t wait to have a plan for more intentionally loving my kiddos.
I am so ready….looking forward to participating in this. I just told someone the other day, I need accountability!!!
Yay!
I am definitely interested! I have been asking God for wisdom on how to meet each of my children where they are, so having a plan will really be a good thing!
Looks like God is getting that prayer a lot. That’s exactly what I’ve been praying for too. I hope this will be helpful to all of us!
Kat, you rock. I’m in.
No….you rock.
Sounds great! It is so helpful to have some motivation in my life. I often have a lot of great ideas but trouble with follow through. Your blog has really helped me get focused lately…Thanks!
I’m in. I need some revolutionary change in my home and life as a mom. Praise the Lord!
I have so much to learn and so much room for improvement! But I’ve already come so far thanks to your blog, so definitely count me in!
I’m in as well and looking forward to it.
I love this idea. I definitely need change and I think I’m finally ready to do what it takes.
LOVE THIS!!! Recently I was wishing I could go back to school, but just realizing that this time, when my daughter is small, is so precious and I should instead throw myself into being the best mom I can be . . .cannot WAIT to start “Mom-versity”!!!!!
That’s exactly how I feel Lori!
I am in! Just what I have been praying for.
I think this is a great idea. I’m in.
I am very interested!
This sounds like just the thing. I’m a first time Mom, due at the very end of October, and I have a stack of books I keep putting off. If I can keep the baby in long enough, maybe I can make it through my course!
Chris,
I plan on doing this at least once a quarter (maybe more) so don’t worry if you don’t get through it the first time.
I am in, too!
This looks great! I’m defiantly in…except I don’t want to do face book. Any exceptable alternatives??
You could post your update on Motivation Monday. I think discussions might be held on Facebook. If it gets very popular, I might consider installing a forum, but I’d need to do a trial run on FB first to see how active it might be.
I’ll see if I can come up with some other options too. Definitely want you fully involved.
Interested! Thanks.
Definitely in need of something. A revolution sounds good to me.
sounds great!! Just the kind of “back to school” I need!
I’ve got four kids I’m raising on my own. Not an easy task. I need all the help I can get. I’m not sure how I’ll manage with work, school, and running my household, though.
Darlene,
Well, I’m all about small goals, so we’ll all try to create plans that will fit with our individual schedules. We’ll make it work for you if you’re interested!
Oh, yes please. This sounds fun and helpful (two wonderful things).
Sounds good!
This is definitely something that I need. I’m in!
I’m in!
I’m excited about this
)
Oh, gosh, I CAN”T WAIT! Sorry to yell, but that’s how excited I am!
I’M EXCITED TOO!
Sounds super fun and inspiring to me! Thanks for all the time and hard work you and your team put into incouraging us in our motherhood!
I’ve been overwhelmed with being a mom lately. My oldest turned 13 less than a month ago, and its like a switch flipped! I need a way to connect with him.
I have 2 step kids that I just don’t always “get.”
My daughter will be going through testing for learning disabilities, specifically dyslexia, so learning all that I can about how I can share the world with her is a priority.
My goals also include learning each of their love languages, and start incorporating them into my daily life.
Thanks for coming up with this idea! I can’t wait to indulge into some Mom specific learning.
Glad to have you along!
Bring it!!! Love it!!! I AM IN!!!
I’m interested. Always looking to improve.
I’m interested.
I am very interested but I am 6 weeks from giving birth to baby number 5 so I don’t know if I will manage to do my homework!! Maybe I can ‘audit’????
Jessica,
Next week, I’ll help everyone make a plan that will work with their schedule. Also, we’ll do this on a regular basis (maybe quarterly?) so even if you miss this one, we’ll do it again soon.
Kat,
You rock!!!! You know I am in!
Awesome!
This sounds so cool!!! I have a 6 and 7 year old and so many times find myself at a loss to handle the situations that come up. I know what to do with babies but this whole I have ideas, thoughts, feelings just really throw me for a loop.
So yes I am really looking forward to this.
I SO relate. Mine are 8 and 6 (and 3) and sometimes I just have. no. clue. what to do.
I have such a hard time staying motivated, I do good for a while, then I have a really bad day and it all crashes……I can’t make myself get up in the morning and I feel defeated all day because of it. I do need some accountability, just discouraged with this whole mommyhood thing.
Leslie,
Oh girl, we’ve all been there! I hope you find some encouragement here, with these other wonderful moms.
As my husband tells me when I’m discouraged and feeling like an awful mom, “It’s not about the mom you were today, it’s about who you’re fighting to be.”
Oh Thanks Kat. Not about what kind of mom you are now but about the mom you are fighting to be!!!! Thank you so much for that!!!!
Kat this is a great idea! I love your creativity! I am looking forward to graduating with honors!
Wow Kat! This sounds really incredible and interesting.. I’ll be really glad to be a part of the awesome community! Am just wondering about how much time would all of this involve, in terms of ‘classes’ and ‘homework’ ? Just asking ‘cos I have a really packed month ahead with tons of writing and family stuff, plus taking care of an unwell spouse, so.. wondering..
Prerna,
First of all, this is something I plan to do regularly (possibly quarterly). So if October doesn’t work for you, perhaps it might be better for you in the Winter.
Also, next week, we’ll make our “course plans” and tailor them to our schedules. So it can be as simple or complex as you make it.
I concur with sentiments already shared. I need all the help I can get. Structure? I need structure? Just because it’s 8:30 am and my 4 year old is watching morning shows and I don’t know exactly what I’m doing today and I vaguely know what’s for dinner tonight??? So, what are you saying?
Love you, friend!
After working through my mission recently, I knew that I needed to focus on discipling each of my boys. I think this will help me be more intentional. Thanks!
what a great idea. Can’t wait to join you. We may have to continue it after the month of October.
I really need the cliff notes for #2 on your list of potential topics today! My son has already blamed both me and his little sister for the fact that he got in trouble this morning. I told him he needs to take responsibility for his actions and I heard a sigh the size of which I didn’t think a 5 year old could produce! So yes, I will be participating, and hopefully learning lots. I still can’t believe how ill equipped I feel for the most important job of my life!
Sounds awesome! I so need this! Proactive instead of reactive – just the idea sounds refreshing.
I’m in! I really need to get more into being a mom. Sometimes I feel like my priorities are elsewhere when I really need to be focusing on my girls. This could be just the thing I need! Thank you so much!
This is exactly what I need. I’m in!
count me in!
Love it! I’m in
I am sooo ready for this. Cant wait to begin.
This is a great idea. Count me in too.
Great idea! I’m always seeking guidance as a mother!
Woo hoo!!!
This could be great!
A mother and homeschooler of 5 I think this is a great idea.
I AM IN!!!
I would love to participate. Thanks.
I am VERY interested in Mom-iversity! Can’t wait to start!
I’m in! I really should have gotten started about 15 years ago, but better late than never. I’m working very hard these days to get it right. I only have 4 years and he will be out the door and off to college.
I’m in
Thanks for your inspiration!
I’m interested in the Mom-iversity.
This sounds great! I’ve been trying to get more organized as a Mom, connect with my children where they need, and have a peaceful home all at the same time
Sounds like this course will aid in all those goals! Thanks for reaching out to us Moms that are desiring to make a difference in the little lives of those whom God has entrusted us with.
Count me in!!! Sounds AWESOME!!!
Sounds great…can’t wait. Count me in!
Mom-iversity is exactly what I need and with my heart’s desire at the core – Jesus in all we do and say! Thank you professor!!
Thank you Professor! Mom-iversity is exactly an answer to my heart’s desire!
I’m in too, even though my children are grown. My YD and 2-year-old granddaughter will be living with me for several months, and I am sure I will get something out of a mom-iversity that I can apply to my life.
Sounds GREAT!
Consider me ‘IN’
I’d love to contribute if you have a need in any of the areas you listed as well.
Cheers!
~heidi
I’m soooo in!!!! Woohooo!!!!!
This is just what I need. I’ve been working on something similar for our family but this is just what I need to be accountable to actually get it done!
I love it!!!!
Yes, I would love to be involved! I think you’re so inspiring – I’m looking forward to it.
Most definitely interested! Count me in!
YAY!!! This sounds exciting, fun, informative, inspirational…i’m in love, and it hasn’t even started! : ) So exciting!
I’m in! Mom-iversity sounds awesome!
I’m in… I can always do better as a mom and learn from others!
Sounds like a good plan! I am interested to check it out.
Count me in!!
Sounds awesome!
Whoo Hoo! Yay I’m sooo ready! I want to be the mom I know I can be, I’m doing the study breaking free because I need to break free from all of the bondage that I’ve been under for years! I know that the bondage I am under hinders me from being the mom I want to be. So the study and the momiversity is going to be such a blessing to me!
I am so in!! I seriously think your site has been a God-send to me today. Over the past few days I have been feeling so down about not sticking to a plan in my home and generally not taking care of my family and home the way I should be. I sat down last night and started writing about how tired I was of feeling this way and my plan to start changing it, and then today I stumbled upon this site as well as “So, I Married a Mennonite…” where she was doing the maximize your mornings challenge. So, so good.
Whoop whoop! I’m SO ready for this!
Count me in!
Ok I NEED this one… I am in.
I’m in and looking forward to it.
Yay! I am in, too!
Yay! I am so excited to be more intentional with my parenting!!!!! Love how God is working through you to encourage so many!!!! Thanks for being willing and obedient!!!!!
Kat, I’m with you on this one. Way to rally the troops!
Yea!!! I’m going back to school… and really looking forward to it!
Thank you for your encouragement to moms like me : )
I’m IN! Can’t wait!
Yes. (I’m pronouncing it “mama-versity” is that ok?)
I am truly on board for this. I feel that motherhood is disorganized whenever it needn’t be. I think out of all the “professions,” being a mother has some of the most important consequences! I’m so appreciate of you starting this up. Please lead us through to motivation and action, Kat!
i’ve been waiting for the revolution to begin…and won’t miss it. i’m ready.
Accountability is something I really really NEED at this point in my life. And I love the idea of working every day to become a better Mom and child of God – and not let one day slip through the cracks! Count me in! Thank you.
Kat this is simply brilliant! I’m on board and needing this!
This sounds great! I’m in.
Such a terrific idea!! I have often wished for some kind of ‘school for moms’…..accountability and help in this mothering adventure! Yupeee! I’m looking forward to it!
)
Bring it on! Great idea, Kat.
“I need help. I need a plan. I thought maybe you might too.”
- I am the mom who is sitting in the front of the class waving my hand
like crazy making the oo,oo,oo pick me sound…IM SO IN!!
I am intrigued!!
I’m in!
TOTALLY interested!
Also? SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!
Yes! Count me in!!
I’m definitely interested.
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! So timely, Kat. God is awesome.
I’m totally in! I’ve started making some little changes but I would love to learn how to be a better mom to my kids!
Yes – me too! This is exactly what I need. I’ve felt like I’ve just been floating aimlessly as a mom for awhile. I know the things I want to be able to do as a mom and what I want to give my daughter, but I have NO IDEA how to do it. Every morning I wake up wishing for someone to teach me because on my own, I feel like I’m just floundering.
This sounds awesome! Thanks!
Sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to start!
I have been eagerly anticipating what you had in mind when you first mentioned a revolution! You did not disappoint…I am in!
Interested, too!
Woot woot! Totally in!
It always made me laugh that I had to spend 4 years at university to become a beauty exec, but could become a mother without any training at all! Can’t wait to sign up!
What a great idea ! I’m in!
Kat, thanks for all you do! I am very excited about the Mom-iversity!
I took action this week! Actually, I’m on my second week of maximizing my mornings and I am doing the couch to 5K workout. I started the second week of the couch to 5K program this week. I worked out this morning!
Yes please!! I am very interested!!
Thank you so much!
I love your blog
Niki
Wow! I’m new to the site and very excited about what I’ve seen so far. “Mom-iversity” sounds great! I would love to hear from “professors” about homeschooling, and staying positive when I just feel stressed out and want to yell. We are working on breaking some back habits, and re-training is stressful for me and the kids. But ever onward and ever upward, right? God is answering prayer after prayer.
This is a GREAT idea.
Having said that, I do wish there was also a parallel Dad-iversity or for that matter, a Parent-iversity that both parents sign up to. I just feel that for any good lasting change to be effected in the family, daddy has to be in on it as well, if not leading and modeling it, otherwise it’s 3 steps forwards 2 (or more) steps back. The strife that comes from divergent parenting styles can be pretty painful (ask me how i know).
I’m glad you’ll be running quarterly cos I’ve a lot happenning right now n may not be able to join you this round. I wld definitely like to feed off the energy of the group to make some much needed changes in my home.
Just found your blog, and I’m already feeling inspired. I really need mom-iversity now as I’ve been feeling a bit burned out run down. I need motivation to better myself and be more active and this seems perfect! I’m in!!
Looking forward to it!!! Briallant idea!
I need this too! So excited and passing the word on to my mama friends. Thank you Kat!
I have been so “inspired” by you and made terrific strides already, so I am ready for the revolution and need to “attend” Mom-iversity! I work at a University, so this name is sooo cute to me.
Love the idea! Count me in!
Um, how am I just now seeing your blog?!?! I am in! And nervous…but I am in!
I’m interested!
I am definitely interested! I am a mom of 6, ranging from 14-30 … and I’m still learning!! Would love the wisdom, counsel, advice, and encouragement.
I’m TERRIBLY busy – working mom with too much going on, but I’d love to participate anyway – I’m also from South Africa, so you may want to exclude me from any give-aways (bit far).
JENN
Didn’t see this til today, but I’ve definitely got discontent and hope for something better, so I”m in!
I don’t know how I missed this but I’m in!
I’m in! I also just found your blog a few weeks ago. I have three children, all at different stages of their lives. Sometimes that can get a little overwhelming. Thanks for the inspiration! God always knows what you need and when you need it.
What a great idea!
I am definitely interested!
May I join, too, pretty please, with a cherry on top? Thank you!!! I have 4 children, ages 9 years down to 2 years old, plus my grandmother, plus my DH,,,
This sounds exactly like something I need. I have been so discontent with where I am at with mothering. Most people, though they mean well, just tell me that I am doing great and that I put too much pressure on myself. But I definitely need something like this, to encourage me, to keep me accountable, and to help me to continually strive to be a better mom for my children and wife for my husband. Am I too late for mom-iversity?
I would love to be a part of this group becoming better moms, count me in for the Mom-iversity.
I would love to join!
Love learning how to poor more great stuff into my kids & learning how to be a better mom. I’m in!
This sounds like just what the doctor ordered!!
I’ve just discovered your blog & am loving it! This sounds great, count me in!
This sounds like a great thing! I’m currently learning how to incorporate other children into our family’s day without sacrificing our home culture.
I am new to your blog and I found this today! I hope Im not too late to start classes.
Can i still join? looks exiting
This sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to get started!!
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