Breaking the Good Mom Myth

The full title of this wonderful parenting book is "Breaking the Good Mom Myth: Every Mom's Modern Guide to Getting Past Perfection, Regaining Sanity, and Raising Great Kids" ... but it was much too long to put in the title spot here. :) The author, Alyson Schafer, is a psychotherapist and also has a TV show on Rogers).

Synopsis:
This is a brilliant and hilariously revealing exploration of today''s misguided mother-hood. Discover the Truth behind the myths that keep moms flying at a crazy, competitive pace, spending countless dollars they often don't have, and losing endless hours trying to become "experts" on everything from ear infections to the safe heating points of hard plastics. Apparently neurotic has become our new "normal"?

Within each new mother an ideal has been cultivated that (like the perfect house and husband) is doomed to fall short. This book challenges our unchallenged thinking with warmth, humour, and real wisdom.

My thoughts: I loved this book and highly recommend it. I love her sense of humour and I totally agree with her analysis of modern mothering -- "Competitive Mothering" specifically. It's ridiculous that some mothers feel like not a good mom if, instead of baking cupcakes from scratch, they .... use a mix!! Say it ain't so!! I love how she says it's OK to be a good mom (who is happy, effective and is self-fulfilled), but we have to let go of the idea of being a perfect mom because the stress we put on ourselves doesn't help our families or ourselves at all. I have recommended this book to friends and have bought it for new moms too.

My Rating: 4.5/5