Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box: Cut Yourself Some Slack (and Still Raise Great Kids) in the Age of Extreme Parenting

by Ann Dunnewold, Sandi Kahn Shelton (Foreword by)

'Perfectionism is the arch enemy of mothers everywhere. Dr. Dunnewold gives us a wise and user-friendly book that helps us to say 'Enough!' to non-productive guilty, worry, and self-doubt--and 'Yes!' to the simple ways we can learn to take better care of ourselves and our kids.' Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., author of The Dance of Anger and The Mother Dance 'A reality check for parents, loaded with sensible advice and useful mantras, this book shows how jumping off the runaway train of Perfect Parenting is not only better for you, but teaches your child valuable lessons about real people living real lives. We're doing a Perfectly Good Job, and we are not alone!' Christie Mellor , author of The Three-Martini Playdate and The Three-Martini Family Vacation "Finally, a book for mothers that does not blame or judge, but offers insight, guidance, and a healthy dose of compassion." Andrea J. Buchanan , author of Mother Shock Your Exit Strategy from the Pressure Cooker of Perfect Parenting So . . . you missed T-ball tryouts, forgot to buy allergy-free organic snacks for today's playdate, got wait-listed for the top preschool, and now you feel like the worst mother in the world . . . again. Millions of moms are drowning in the pressure cooker of modern momhood and want out of the race. The good Your exit strategy has arrived. If you're feeling overstressed, overtired, or overscheduled, noted psychologist Ann Dunnewold can help you rewrite the rules of motherhood by introducing a new, healthier paradigm--one that replaces the dysfunctional myth of the June Cleaver mom. Dr . Dunnewold will teach Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box finally gives you the green light and the guidance to cut yourself--and your family--some much-needed slack. Imperfect parents rejoice!

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Stacy Juba · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for moms. The author write earnestly and convincingly, reminding mothers that it's okay to be a "perfectly good" mom and that we shouldn't expect ourselves to be perfect. She said that families also shouldn't feel pressured to overschedule and that downtime is important for both parents and kids. The book reminds mothers how to follow their gut, not guilt, and connect with instead of compete with other mothers. There is also a chapter for dads. I read this in three days and found it uplifting and reassuring, packed with good advice.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I SO agree with the message of this book, but reading it drove me crazy. It is super-repetitive and quotes other books so often that I wondered if I should just read those instead. Plus, I think I already kind of have that "good-enough mother" thing down.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a mom of little girls, I find myself falling into the guilt trap. I find that I either kill myself trying to be perfect or am so burnt out that doing anything at all is a struggle. This book was useful finding a balance.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a meta review of several books and websites about giving oneself grace while parenting. I didn’t learn a whole lot, but it offered some nice gentle reminders that you are not the only mom being overwhelmed and that all moms should stop with the perfectionism thing.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I agree that we are living in the age of extreme parenting, though it seems that the pendulum is moving the other way. Personally, I don't think I really fall overly in this group, though it can be difficult not to get caught up in being the perfect mother. Anyhow, a worthwile read, at least to reaffirm you are doing a good job.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sort of reaffirmed what I already thought about being a mother and parent: Do what you feel is best for you and your own family and don't let what everyone else is doing affect your decisions on parenting, extracurricular activities, where you spend your money, family traditions, etc. Don't give in to parent peer pressure!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book - that instead of being perfect parents, we should strive to be "perfectly good" parents. But it was super light and had way too many references to books in this genre. We get it, our generation tries too hard in parenting.

I will pass this along to a friend with a young child who is struggling with perfection.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book...every parent should read this! The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that I felt it got a bit repetitive and long-winded toward the end...I found myself skimming the second half of the book. The main point though is absolutely priceless. You don't have to be a perfect mother to be a great mother.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't finish this book. There was nothing in it that I didn't already know or practice. It did make me feel better about myself and my parenting style to read about all the wicked-crazy parents out there, but other than that it was pretty boring.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should start off by saying I didn't finish the book. I got halfway through. I liked the underlining message of the book, but I'm just not a big fan of self-help type books. I tend to help myself by reading mindless nonsensical things.

[Lauren Denton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't finish the whole book, but read enough to get the picture. Good book for if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the other moms around you who seem to be perfect moms and you're falling behind. It gives you reasons to cut yourself some needed slack.

[Dr. Jen Haden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only regret not knowing about this book earlier. How much time and energy I've wasted trying to be perfect! Thank you, Dr Dunnewold for exposing the ridiculous myth of the perfect mother and encouraging women to be who they are without fear of not being good enough.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

all moms should read this book. I thought I was pretty easy going and didn't let stuff get me down but I learned so much about not judging myself by extreme ideals of what I imagine the perfect mother would be.

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the down to earth mentality of the author and bringing to light an important issue that seems to be universal. The first half of the book was great, but the second half I didn't connect with as much as the first and it began to get a little redundant.

[Sarah Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have kids? Do you feel you like your aren't doing enough / being a great mom / failing miserably at this whole parenting thing? Read this book. Great perspective from a brilliant woman on a challenging job.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overall message of this book, which was basically do what is right for your family, tune out the noise, and chill out. Your kids will be fine.

It was repetitive at times, but a good message.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know, but it was a good reminder that our gut instincts are good and the temptation to be a super-parent is not very healthy for us -- or for our kids.

[Jenava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty okay. I think that her advice is overall good, and really needs to be practiced more by moms.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has given me back some sanity from being a mother. I have a new mantra now from it...."I'm not a PERFECT mom...but a PERFECTLY GOOD mom"....that one phrase was worth reading the book.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, sensible child-raising book.

[Jane]

Okay, I didn't read ever word, just skimmed through. I like her mantras and some of the funny sidebars. I think I was already a "good enough" mom.

[Christina, Join Me on Storygraph!]

I read most of this one, but it started to feel like the same thing over and over, and I really don't have time for that.

Good advice about doing your own thing, though.

[angelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

awesome stuff!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Finally someone understands (and has answers to) the impossible challenges moms face. I can't say enough good things -- I will be giving copies to my new mom friends.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All parents, especially moms, need to read this to get off the extreme parenting treadmill!

[Erin Krueger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on finding perspective, by halfway through felt like I got "it"' and will be returning the book to the library.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was full of stuff I already knew. But I think that's kind of the point -- we all need reminders now and then. Here's to being a "perfectly good mom"!