Meltdown

by Lauren Novak

Why motherhood makes us angry and what to do about it.

Why are so many women overcome with rage when they become mothers - at their partners, their children, even themselves? Is it hormonal, a loss of control, lack of sleep? And why aren't we talking about it?

Lauren Novak takes readers on a candid journey through her own instances of mum rage and explores the raw and often unspoken emotions that many other mothers go through.

In delving into the physical, psychological and societal pressures that contribute to these intense feelings, she reveals just how common maternal anger is.

Yet Lauren also offers hope - and reassurance. With a blend of humour, understanding and insight, she breaks the silence around this taboo topic and provides practical advice and effective strategies for those of us struggling with such overwhelming emotions.

This book will resonate with so many mums and is a vital resource for anyone grappling with the complexities of motherhood and the powerful feelings it can incite.

Genres: Parenting

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Aidan Prewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for dads - offers a rare insight into what mums are going through!

[Julz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an excellent deep dive into subjective experience of parenthood and the great evidence (eg costs of parenthood and motherhood penalty). It talks about the anger we can feel as parents - the possible causes, barriers to disclose and repercussions. I especially appreciated her study into cultural barriers to report in the Australian context and the GP perspectives. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to become a parent and definitely if you are one!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meltdown is such an approachable and relatable book! When the author describes an episode of mum rage I really felt it in my body. It was wonderful to read a book where I feel so seen.

Meltdown is also extremely practical. Using some of the suggestions in the book I was able to identify some mum-rage triggers that I had not previously understood were contributing to my anger. For example, I know that overstimulation is one of my main triggers, but I had not yet realised that taking my kids to swimming lessons is one of those perfect storms of all the things that make me angry. It is always too loud, too hot, my kids don’t always pay attention to the teacher, it is at a time when I am often hungry and then at the end you have to get a wiggly wet kid changed and into new clothes. No wonder I was always so cranky after swimming.

The book also helped me to develop some techniques to try to help with these predictable triggers, like making me think about wearing noise cancelling headphones and taking a snack for myself as well as my children.

I think that Meltdown raises many important issues that more parents should talk openly about. Not only do I think that every mother should read this book, but perhaps more importantly I think that every dad should be strongly encouraged to read this book. I think it could really help dads (or people who are not the primary childcarers) empathise with their partners who may be struggling in silence… until they Meltdown!

[Alita Brydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend you read this book if you are a mother, a supporter of a mother or simply want to improve the wellbeing of the community. Anger is not an emotion that is considered to be "feminine". But we all feel it from time to time and if you are a mum, you might have some anger bubbling in you too. So many mums are not adequately supported and much of this book looked at that. What made this book interesting to me is that I learned a lot about motherhood and how important my role is as an Auntie and friend. The book was structured to educate but constantly hit the sweet spot in terms of chapter length, keeping you entertained and engaged. Very accessible and warm. If you are headed to a baby shower or have a birthday of a Mum friend coming up, it would make a nice gift that has meaning and would show you genuinely care about the person you are giving it to.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was such an eye opener for me and put a name to Mum Rage that I'd never before considered. It bravely examines the reason it exists, and importantly removes the shame.

It's so so important to talk about it - because until we own it, we won't be able to employ coping strategies. This book does this and more.

I loved the mix of real-life experiences (both the author and those she interviews) along with professional research.

I will be recommending this book to all new parents.

[Lorena Otes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel seen, validated and heard. A must read for every parent or carer who has had a 'moment' of anger or rage and felt guilty about it. Or felt like it was just them. Thank you Lauren allowing us into your own world and for adding humour as well as depth to a subject matter that shouldn't feel taboo.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This topic needs so much more awareness. The more it’s talked about and the more support new parents get, the better things will become over time.

Grab a copy, then share it with a friend after you’re done. I’ll be dropping a copy into a local book library.

Thank you to Lauren for your bravery in writing and sharing your story and the information researched for this book.