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Cover of Hands Free Mama

Hands Free Mama

A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!

  • Marriage, Family & Relationships
  • Christian Living
  • Publisher: Zondervan
  • Published: 2014

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Publisher's Description

Discover the power, joy, and love of living a present, authentic, and intentional life despite a world full of distractions. If technology is the new addiction, then multitasking is the new marching order. We check our email while cooking dinner, send a text while bathing the kids, and spend more time looking into electronic screens than into the eyes of our loved ones. With our never-ending to-do lists and jam-packed schedules, it's no wonder we're distracted. But this isn't the way it has to be. Special education teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and mother Rachel Macy Stafford says enough is enough. Tired of losing track of what matters most in life, Rachel began practicing simple strategies that enabled her to momentarily let go of largely meaningless distractions and engage in meaningful soul-to-soul connections. Finding balance doesn't mean giving up all technology forever. And it doesn't mean forgoing our jobs and responsibilities. What it does mean is seizing the little moments that life offers us to engage in real and meaningful interaction. In these pages, Rachel guides you through how to: Acknowledge the cost of your distraction Make purposeful connection with your family Give your kids the gift of your undivided attention Silence your inner critic Let go of the guilt from past mistakes And move forward with compassion and gratefulness So join Rachel and go hands-free. Discover what happens when you choose to open your heart--and your hands--to the possibilities of each God-given moment.


Endorsements (12)

“Rachel Macy Stafford’s post “The Day I Stopped Saying Hurry Up” was a true phenomenon on the Huffington Post, igniting countless conversations online and off about freeing ourselves from the vicious cycle of keeping up with our overstuffed agendas. Hands Free Mama has the power to keep that conversation going and remind us that we must not let our lives pass us by.”

Arianna Huffington

“With deeply personal stories and inspiring tips, this book offers a much-needed reminder to let go of daily distractions and grasp what matters most in life. Stafford’s anecdotes resonate with me, as it is also my hope to cherish the present moment with family and loved ones.”

Randi Zuckerberg

“The truth is, I was afraid to read this book, because I don’t want to put down my phone. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the things that Rachel had to teach me. I’m so glad I didn’t let my resistance to change keep me from reading this visionary book. Rachel is a rare mix of wisdom and gentleness. She doesn’t preach — she just gently reminds us of what we used to know about joy but forgot, and that’s what makes Rachel such a relevant, brilliant, important voice. She gently calls us back to what we used to know. It’s impossible to read this book without experiencing tidal waves of gratitude and peace. Rachel’s book is a gift.”

Glennon Doyle Melton

“Distraction is killing us — our relationships with ourselves and with others. I love this book for slowing me down and helping me see again what is most important.”

Patti Digh

“In our quest to be perfect, organized, readily available, and committed to juggling a million different things at once, Hands Free Mama offers stories, anecdotes, tips, and thoughtful advice about dealing with daily distractions and learning how to recognize what is truly important in life. Rachel’s writing and passion on the subject are unmatched. I relate in some way to every story. Highly recommended!”

Amy McCready

“Whether you’re a stressed parent who can’t seem to make time for all the “must-dos” and still focus on what matters, or you simply want to learn to live more presently in our high-tech culture, Hands Free Mama can help. Rachel’s journey and wisdom will help you learn to appreciate the “Sunset Moments” of your life.”

Meagan Francis

“Rachel’s gentle words of encouragement and practical ideas come to me again and again as I go about my day and make me a better parent and person. I so appreciate her intentional approach to parenting and focusing on what’s most important.”

Ali Edwards

“I was moved to tears by this beautiful book. Hands Free Mama is true inspiration for parents to slow down and behold the miracle of childhood before it slips away.”

Harley A. Rotbart

“I don’t think it is possible to read this book without changing your relationship to media and to your family. Rachel offers wisdom, guidance, love, and support to move to a Hands Free life. From the first chapter I felt both inspired and empowered to disconnect from my devices and reconnect with my family. This is a must read for every parent!”

Darci Walker

“plugged in.” Look up. Be present. Don’t miss it. Rachel Stafford shows you how.”

Elizabeth Foss

“This isn’t a book, it’s a movement; a wakeup call with instructions on how not to miss a childhood. A priceless gift.”

Samantha Ettus

“If you are struggling with putting that new shiny iPhone away, this book is for you! I hope that you will join the Hands Free Mama revolution and challenge yourself and your family to do the same. It’ll change your life.”

Pam Moore

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