The Tao of Poop: Keeping Your Sanity (and Your Soul) While Raising a Baby

by Vivian E. Glyck

There's a lot of romance about becoming a parent, but at some point the storybook scenarios of serene life with baby are interrupted by the darker side of the motherhood the little "bundle of joy" cries inconsolably, wakes up four times a night, won't take a bottle—the fantasy of motherhood quickly collides with reality. Vivian Glyck shows us that in fact it's the difficult parts of parenting that are the most valuable. The many challenges call on us to grow and develop as people. "Parenting," Glyck writes, "is the ultimate spiritual practice."

The Tao of Poop presents ten valuable life lessons that arise amid all the challenges of parenting. Based on the author's own experience and drawing on the sentiments of many mothers she's spoken to and corresponded with, each chapter explores a common parenting predicament and a lesson that can be drawn from it, as well as helpful tips and strategies she calls "sanity savers."

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rashida Serrant-Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me feel better about myself as a mom in general. #ThatisAll

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I would recommend to any and every parent. It most certainly changed my outlook on babies and has helped me to accept Parenthood and stop being fussy and being pissed off when my child screams at the top of her lungs for hours. Sighs. I'm learning to keep my sanity now. Thanks Vivian for the insight and for letting me know that what I experience is normal and that's Ok.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word describes this book-beautiful. As a mother I am constantly criticizing myself for not doing a good enough job. I spend hours wondering if I am giving my daughter enough stimulation. Glyck put the wonderful journey of motherhood into perspective. I now view my little "jiggle of belly" as a beautiful pouch in which my babies grew. I am relieved to find that other mothers do not find wiping spit up and changing diapers intellectually stimulating, but I also am relieved to know that it is okay not to multi-task my day away trying to find fulfillment. It is okay to just be. This morning, I left the dishes in the sink and curled up on the floor with my little girl. We watched Sesame Street together. While she remained fixated on that lovable furry red monster, I gazed at her gorgeous long eyelashes and stroked her silky soft skin. It was heaven. Thank you Vivian for changing my perspective on motherhood!

[Mom&ob · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really excited to receive this book, having read that it would provide tips on how to be more contemplative during particularly challenging parenting moments. Also, I figured it had been vetted as I ordered it from snow lion. Once I started reading-& I forced myself to read the entire book-it seems more appropriate for moms who would love a book such as "Eat, Pray, Love." That is, a mom looking for pseudo-spirituality in hopes that her yoga friends and play group moms' clique will find her to have depth. This book seems too frivolous for snow lion/shambala.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

although overall i felt like i didn't really identify with the author (she sounds like a super control freak) the first chapter had me laughing out loud and i liked some of the anecdotes. the chapter about being "zen" with your baby stuck with me, as in striving to live in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. an extremely quick read.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with another reviewer, author is a total control freak, but with that said I can laugh and identify with many of her rantings! The humor hits all too close to home and I love the reminder to have fun, let go, and live in the moment with your child (children) it all goes so fast! Quick, easy read.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one yesterday as I was sort of having a down day.. somedays as moms things are just tough. This book was a quick read and did help to make me feel better. Gave me a few laughs which I really needed. Helped me realize that as mothers we all face difficulties even though they might be different.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tao of Poop was such a fun read. I giggled at the funnie stories contained in this book because I could see so much of myself in it. I would recommend it to any mom who feels she is way over head in "poop." This book gives some useful tips on how to keep your sanity.

[Julie Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be helpful to a new, first time mom but not a whole lot of insightful or surprising observations for someone who already has two kids. It was a little reaffirming in some parts, and a very quick read, but not earth shattering.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tell it like it really is book. Feeling disillusioned by the fairy tale verision where you bring your bundle of joy home and that's where the story ends - we all live happily ever after? This book isn't like that. Refreshing for harried 1st time parents.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good chapter and some fru-fru chapters.

[Deedums · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Every woman should read this before and after having a baby.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great realistic book about motherhood! No need to be SuperMom! Reminds you to keep your expectations of yourself and your children in perspective; reminds you to let your children be who they are.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like healthy poop, fluffy but substantive enough.