In honor of Mother’s Day, I decided to take a look at “Mama Rock’s Rules-Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children.” The book is written by comedian Chris Rock’s mother Rose Rock. The book is an easy read and offers some down to earth advice on child rearing.

Rose Rock not only raised the very funny and successful Chris Rock, there is also her son Andre, who is the owner of a trucking company, Tony, a comedian and actor, Brian, a minister, Kenny, an entrepreneur, Andrea, a student at Winthrop University, and Jordan, a student in high school and comic. She was also a mother to a couple of non-biological children, Mary Allison and Elizabeth Ann. Mary Allison is a doctor and professor while Elizabeth is a social worker.

Rose Rock gives parents ten strategies for keeping your children disciplined, safe, and respectful. The book includes such chapters as “I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend”, “No Child Really Wants to Be Left Alone”, and “Spirituality is Not Just for Sunday’s”.

Mama Rock’s successful children are a product of her love and discipline. A great first chapter, “I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend” discusses how it is not as important to be your child’s friend as it is to be the authority figure in the home. Mama Rock tells us right in the beginning of the book “I know my kids don’t have to like me.” She lets the reader know that to be a parent you don’t have to necessarily be right all of the time, but you have to do right all the time.

She reminds parents that a line has to be drawn in order to gain the respect of their children. She discusses that the parent talks differently to their children then they do their friends and a child should talk to a parent differently than they talk to their friends. She says that a child should know that there are certain things that are not permitted to say to parents.

Rose Rock also advises parents to establish authority from the beginning. Rose suggests three simple rules to becoming a strong parent: 1. I am the parent. I make the rules 2. You are the child. You follow the rules. 3. Any problems, refer to rule number 1

Mama Rose also discussed how children need structure and boundaries. Children need to know that someone care enough about them to give them structure. This helps them feel secure and protected. This way they don’t feel left alone. They would like to know someone cares enough about them to feed them at night, check their homework and make sure their clothes are clean.

Mama Rose also mentions how house safety rules are important. She discusses establishing house rules and plans if there is an emergency. She also advises parents to let their children know that strangers aren’t the only ones who could harm them.

“Mama Rock’s Rules” is engaging because it is written with simplicity and “old school” common sense. This is definitely a great read for all parents.