Good Enough

by Dilvin Yasa

Dear Dilvin, you suck at this. Sincerely, Dilvin.In the frightening world of tiger mums, little emperors and helicopter parenting, can any mother ever be good enough? Dilvin Yasa thinks probably not. In fact, she's pretty sure mothers have been sold a dodgy lot of unrealistic standards, with a good dollop of guilt thrown in.Dilvin draws extensively and often hilariously on her own experiences as a new mother, but also consults the experts. Each chapter, be it on competitive parenting, post-natal depression or returning to work, contains relevant advice from a professional in the field.Refreshingly candid, Dilvin sheds light on the unexpected challenges of parenting, and never shies from a tough Is it okay to take time out from your family? (yes); Should you give your child a 'unique' name? (dubious); and, Is it okay to tell your child that cat heaven is on the moon? (maybe not).Good Enough shares a journey that is both universal and deeply personal. With warmth, wit and wicked humour, Dilvin Yasa details the embarrassing failings, unexpected triumphs and dizzying and delightful in-betweens of modern-day motherhood.

Genres: Parenting

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Emma Monfries · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read this book in bits and pieces over the last few months, although I bought it when my daughter was born almost three years ago. It is a nice book for its genre, but it's not really what I wanted it to be. With the ubiquitous Mummy Blogging of today, I felt like it's just more of the same. I prefer more research and tackling the meatier issues involved in parenting, but I applaud any dialogue which discourages women's guilt and insecurity and overthinking. It's structured in sections and uses lots of headings and questions and small approachable chunks and I think this well suits mothers in the early days of feeding and sleep cycles because it feels doable to read in small bits as time becomes available. It's a good, simple guide for first time mothers to navigate the minefields of self doubt and the many opinions of others. As I mentioned, it doesn't do 'big' stuff, but the author doesn't pretend to be offering that, so I'd recommend it as a gentle guide to what a first time mum can expect, plus it offers lots of lovely self care tips. An especially nice distinction that print parenting advice offers is that there is no horrible Comments section to detract from the positivity the author tries to offer, so this is a much better option for a worried mum.

[Pandora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bloody awful, full of classist stereotypes and absolutely no useful information. (This 'good enough' mother worries that her friend might judge her for buying Bonds baby clothes. Bonds baby clothes are far too expensive for me to buy!)
If you're rich, employed and enjoy lookingg down on people in lower-income brackets you may enjoy this. If you think parenting is about nuturing and loving, rather than brands and private schools, you might get something out of this. Yuck.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really glad I don't know this author in real life. Funny to read but she is also scary, some extreme reactions which is good to read but terrifying. Good to have a mix of experts at end of each chapter but this is extreme parenting.

[Kylie Traill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny and packed with actual decent advice, if that's what you are after!