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The Happiest Mommy You Know: Why Putting Your Kids First is the Last Thing You Should Do
“A guilt-free ticket to refocusing your priorities.” — Parents
ABC News reporter (and mom to three) Genevieve Shaw Brown reveals the deceptively simple golden rule for maternal happiness and how today’s busy moms can live better, healthier lives.
ABC News reporter Genevieve Shaw Brown was hell-bent on raising her kids to like vegetables and eat more than chicken nuggets for dinner. She woke up at five a.m. every morning to prepare perfectly portioned meals of turkey meatballs along with veggies, couscous, mashed cauliflower, and sliced fruit for her small children.
While eating lukewarm mac-n-cheese out of a brown paper box and feeling sluggish and tired most of the time, she realized that she had never considered eating what she made for her kids. After that, Brown put herself on the “Baby Diet”: she ate the healthy food her kids ate, minimized snacking, and created a more regimented meal plan. She felt better, lost those stubborn pounds, and prepared a short segment on her new diet for Good Morning America that went viral.
After that, she began thinking what happens when you treat yourself the way you instinctively treat your children? From sleep training to exercising to making time for friends, Brown shares her own stories, expert advice, and innovative hacks to address the common issues mothers face while teaching women how to care for themselves with the same love and attention they give their children and families every day. The Happiest Mommy You Know is the life-changing and incredibly positive approach to the challenges of modern parenting—and gives parents permission to finally treat themselves better.
ABC News reporter (and mom to three) Genevieve Shaw Brown reveals the deceptively simple golden rule for maternal happiness and how today’s busy moms can live better, healthier lives.
ABC News reporter Genevieve Shaw Brown was hell-bent on raising her kids to like vegetables and eat more than chicken nuggets for dinner. She woke up at five a.m. every morning to prepare perfectly portioned meals of turkey meatballs along with veggies, couscous, mashed cauliflower, and sliced fruit for her small children.
While eating lukewarm mac-n-cheese out of a brown paper box and feeling sluggish and tired most of the time, she realized that she had never considered eating what she made for her kids. After that, Brown put herself on the “Baby Diet”: she ate the healthy food her kids ate, minimized snacking, and created a more regimented meal plan. She felt better, lost those stubborn pounds, and prepared a short segment on her new diet for Good Morning America that went viral.
After that, she began thinking what happens when you treat yourself the way you instinctively treat your children? From sleep training to exercising to making time for friends, Brown shares her own stories, expert advice, and innovative hacks to address the common issues mothers face while teaching women how to care for themselves with the same love and attention they give their children and families every day. The Happiest Mommy You Know is the life-changing and incredibly positive approach to the challenges of modern parenting—and gives parents permission to finally treat themselves better.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published January 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 14, 2017
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The Happiest Mommy You Know by Genevieve Shaw Brown is a book about motherhood and putting yourself before your kids.
I'm going to start by saying that I nearly hated this book. It didn't resonate with me at all. There were a few parts that I agreed with as far as feeding the family healthy foods and getting exercise, but the majority of it was the author talking about taking exotic trips and vacations, having nights out with college friends, clothes shopping, and scheduling. I'm not a schedule freak and if I had to live like that I would be gone from a stress induced death.
Putting my kids first has always made me happy and I'm just not the type of mom that won't breastfeed my babies because I want sleep instead. I've never programmed a baby to sleep for 12 hours and I don't want to. I think the author is missing a key fact-what's good for one person isn't necessarily good for another.
I think this would be a good book for SOME moms. I don't think the book is horrible as it did contain some health advice. I don't want to be negative about the book, but it just didn't work for me. It may be good for others.
Btw, I'm keeping my leggings and yoga pants...
2**
The Happiest Mommy You Know by Genevieve Shaw Brown is a book about motherhood and putting yourself before your kids.
I'm going to start by saying that I nearly hated this book. It didn't resonate with me at all. There were a few parts that I agreed with as far as feeding the family healthy foods and getting exercise, but the majority of it was the author talking about taking exotic trips and vacations, having nights out with college friends, clothes shopping, and scheduling. I'm not a schedule freak and if I had to live like that I would be gone from a stress induced death.
Putting my kids first has always made me happy and I'm just not the type of mom that won't breastfeed my babies because I want sleep instead. I've never programmed a baby to sleep for 12 hours and I don't want to. I think the author is missing a key fact-what's good for one person isn't necessarily good for another.
I think this would be a good book for SOME moms. I don't think the book is horrible as it did contain some health advice. I don't want to be negative about the book, but it just didn't work for me. It may be good for others.
Btw, I'm keeping my leggings and yoga pants...
2**
August 2, 2017
This book is ridiculous and should come with a disclaimer that it is only relevant to upper class moms otherwise don't waste your time. I feel really sorry for these moms who can't find happiness despite being able to jet set away to exotic places and hire help for their households. The author only briefly touched on topics I was hoping to gain insight into such as the impact of social media and lack of 'true' friendships which has been proven to cause feelings of loneliness despite being so 'connected' and feelings of inadequacy due to all the comparisons our media saturated world throws in our faces daily. This book included! I don't need to read about you getting up early to make organic vegetable infused meatballs for your picky eaters or how they have closets full of cashmere clothes and $80 jackets they have never worn or how your lack of sleep is because your plasma screen TV in your bedroom is blaring at you all hours of the night. For real? Hard pass.
February 14, 2017
This is another book in the genre of "I'm Type A and I Can't Fail at Anything, Including Being Happy." See also, the infuriating Happiness Project. In both this book and The Happiness Project, the writers are rich women living in Manhattan who decide they need to get happier and healthier. Neither address the fact that they are complete OCD lunatics and that what might solve their unhappiness is a little less scheduling and closet cleaning, and a little more meditation, yoga, and herbal tea. Also, I noticed in both books the author doesn't reveal how much help she gets in the form of cleaning ladies, nannies, day care, etc. In the Happiest Mommy, there is literally no way this woman could accomplish all of the appointments and family maintenance she lists without help, while maintaining a full time job. Still, I found the book a quick and interesting read and admired the author's love for her daughter and son, who has downs syndrome. However, the book did not inspire me to follow any of her advice. I felt like it was 200-page warning siren describing the nightmare my life could become if I allow myself to take on too much. (Should I run a marathon while 8 months pregnant and working full time? GIVE ME A BREAK!) Also, in both Happiest Mommy and Happiness Project, the authors gush endlessly about how wonderful their husbands are. I suspect this is an attempt to make up for the resentful bitchiness that the men have to endure when living with a martyr. In neither book did I discover any ingenuity revolving around finding happiness. I did, however, come away with more gratitude about the time I have in my own life to sit still and take a deep breath.
April 22, 2018
This book was so ridiculous I honestly thought it was satire.
September 4, 2019
I hated it.
The title was cute, and I thought the exaggerated title meant the book would be funny in a charming way.
Nope.
First of all, this woman pushes sleep training HARD. She was openly hostile about breastfeeding and cosleeping in favor of getting your 12 week old baby to sleep 12 hours straight at night. That is not biologically normal. Even hard core sleep trainers say that they wait until AT LEAST 6 months of age before sleep training, because your baby is literally trying to eat enough to double their birthweight during that time. She was SO PUSHY about the sleep training, so F that.
Secondly, this woman is handing out advice from an incredible place of privilege. She discusses living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She and her husband both work high-powered jobs. She brings up vacations without kids, blowouts, manicures, $80 cashmere baby pants (never worn), cooking organic homemade meals for her kids, giant flat-screen TV in the bedroom...and on and on... She also had incredible local support from family and longtime friends. That is wonderful! Good for her! But that is not the reality for a lot of mothers, and it’s unfair to assume that it is.
Thirdly, you can pry my black, high waisted, control-top leggings from my cold, dead hands. I rock those. If your fashion advice rests on the assumption that every mom has access to (and can afford) a tailor and a dry cleaner, then you are the Mayor of Fairyland.
The title was cute, and I thought the exaggerated title meant the book would be funny in a charming way.
Nope.
First of all, this woman pushes sleep training HARD. She was openly hostile about breastfeeding and cosleeping in favor of getting your 12 week old baby to sleep 12 hours straight at night. That is not biologically normal. Even hard core sleep trainers say that they wait until AT LEAST 6 months of age before sleep training, because your baby is literally trying to eat enough to double their birthweight during that time. She was SO PUSHY about the sleep training, so F that.
Secondly, this woman is handing out advice from an incredible place of privilege. She discusses living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She and her husband both work high-powered jobs. She brings up vacations without kids, blowouts, manicures, $80 cashmere baby pants (never worn), cooking organic homemade meals for her kids, giant flat-screen TV in the bedroom...and on and on... She also had incredible local support from family and longtime friends. That is wonderful! Good for her! But that is not the reality for a lot of mothers, and it’s unfair to assume that it is.
Thirdly, you can pry my black, high waisted, control-top leggings from my cold, dead hands. I rock those. If your fashion advice rests on the assumption that every mom has access to (and can afford) a tailor and a dry cleaner, then you are the Mayor of Fairyland.
February 10, 2017
I couldn't get into this one. I was hoping for some practical advice on self-care as a mom, and found that 90% of the book was just anecdotes detailing the author's various fancy dinners, shopping excursions, vacations to exotic places, and the like. There were a few tips sprinkled in here and there. I went away feeling like the book could have easily been condensed into an article and not an entire book, rather than drawn out with (mostly) irrelevant stories. Disappointing overall.
March 20, 2017
Excellent read. The subtitle about not putting your kids first is at first a bit off-setting. But the real crux of the book is about self-care. We do so much to make sure our kids are taken care of and she's not advocating to stop. But why do we make sure our kids are eating the healthiest foods at regular intervals but we skip breakfast or lunch? Why are our kids dressed to the nines, while we are (sometimes) wearing clothes we've had for 10 years? Kids have play dates, activities, and other time commitments but we often struggle to make time to go the doctors, the gym or see our friends. Although there weren't a lot of "tips", it made me think about my time and what I'm choosing to do with it. My children will always be my priority but that doesn't mean I should ignore my own well being.
April 15, 2018
uck...your privilege is showing. I'm all about taking care of your own needs as well as your kids', but I found this author to be deluded. If you can't be happy with tons of money, grandparent support, and a great husband it's no one's fault but your own.
February 23, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review*
When I first received this book in the mail I thought to myself, "Pff, here's another book that is going to tell me not to feel the mommy guilt I feel on a daily basis when I prioritize myself". That's exactly what this book is. However, it made me feel like I am not alone in this mothering thing where I struggle to balance exercise, healthy eating, working, and my mental and physical health. Here is someone who has as successful career and struggling to do it all.
I can't tell if I liked this book because it was relatable, or if it's because I want to be Genevieve. Her life is everything I have ever dreamed of: A successful writer who loves her job with great family support. It did make me a little ragey when I read about how parents should take as many childless vacations as they can because my husband is in the military, leaving us thousands of miles away from our parents, and can't just drop them off for date nights let alone vacations. But, I suppose this is the consequence of having children before the peak of your career. I finished my Bachelor's degree while nursing a newborn and bouncing an almost 2-year-old on my lap. Genevieve found out she was pregnant after landing her dream job at ABC. Different journeys, but the advice is still the same- Do what you want because it models good practices for your children. Do you want to go to the gym? GO! Because you're teaching your children that exercise is important!
I will say, most of the advice in the book is common sense. I don't know why Brown was not eating what her children eat. It's less work overall and something I figured out as soon as my first started to eat solids. It clicked when I was blending a variety of organic steamed vegetables, "why am I giving her organic and not doing the same? I should eat the same thing. Whoa, less food prep too". But there are some great pieces of advice too. The only thing that truly bothered me is some of the typos and editing issues (page 50 "weoman"). I expect more from a writer who I am assuming worked with a really good editor - that's two eyes that should have caught simple typos.
It's a quick read - it took me about 2 days. If you want to motivate yourself to finally make that doctor's appointment about that terrible rash all over your body, this will do the trick!
When I first received this book in the mail I thought to myself, "Pff, here's another book that is going to tell me not to feel the mommy guilt I feel on a daily basis when I prioritize myself". That's exactly what this book is. However, it made me feel like I am not alone in this mothering thing where I struggle to balance exercise, healthy eating, working, and my mental and physical health. Here is someone who has as successful career and struggling to do it all.
I can't tell if I liked this book because it was relatable, or if it's because I want to be Genevieve. Her life is everything I have ever dreamed of: A successful writer who loves her job with great family support. It did make me a little ragey when I read about how parents should take as many childless vacations as they can because my husband is in the military, leaving us thousands of miles away from our parents, and can't just drop them off for date nights let alone vacations. But, I suppose this is the consequence of having children before the peak of your career. I finished my Bachelor's degree while nursing a newborn and bouncing an almost 2-year-old on my lap. Genevieve found out she was pregnant after landing her dream job at ABC. Different journeys, but the advice is still the same- Do what you want because it models good practices for your children. Do you want to go to the gym? GO! Because you're teaching your children that exercise is important!
I will say, most of the advice in the book is common sense. I don't know why Brown was not eating what her children eat. It's less work overall and something I figured out as soon as my first started to eat solids. It clicked when I was blending a variety of organic steamed vegetables, "why am I giving her organic and not doing the same? I should eat the same thing. Whoa, less food prep too". But there are some great pieces of advice too. The only thing that truly bothered me is some of the typos and editing issues (page 50 "weoman"). I expect more from a writer who I am assuming worked with a really good editor - that's two eyes that should have caught simple typos.
It's a quick read - it took me about 2 days. If you want to motivate yourself to finally make that doctor's appointment about that terrible rash all over your body, this will do the trick!
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June 3, 2018Couldn't make it through the first chapter of this one. I agree with the sentiment, but the delivery was boring and too chatty. Also, I do kind of disagree with the idea of taking care of yourself so you'll be a better mom - not that you shouldn't take care of yourself, nor that we shouldn't all strive to be better parents! But moms should take care of ourselves because we are human beings and we deserve to be happy and healthy. Period. Yes, our children will benefit from a happy mom, but it shouldn't have to be our end goal.
February 9, 2017
The author, Genevieve Shaw Brown is a working mom with a great job, husband and kids and struggles to get it all done. This is something that most of us can relate to in our daily lives as well.
The book focuses on key areas of life such as eating, exercising, physical and mental health and how we, as parents, don't do for ourselves what we do for our kids.
Now, there are good aspects of the book and helpful tips about letting go. However if you are someone (like me, guilty), who hasn't been doing the best job of being the perfect mom to your kids either, then you can come away from the book feeling like you are failing yourself, your significant other, AND your kids.
That doesn't mean that you should not read it and enjoy it, I did. But I also know that everyone has a different situation and will have a different take on the ideas.
The book focuses on key areas of life such as eating, exercising, physical and mental health and how we, as parents, don't do for ourselves what we do for our kids.
Now, there are good aspects of the book and helpful tips about letting go. However if you are someone (like me, guilty), who hasn't been doing the best job of being the perfect mom to your kids either, then you can come away from the book feeling like you are failing yourself, your significant other, AND your kids.
That doesn't mean that you should not read it and enjoy it, I did. But I also know that everyone has a different situation and will have a different take on the ideas.
February 14, 2017
Fast-reading memoir/self-help book about remembering ourselves in the midst of parenthood.
July 4, 2017
Super quick read and I picked this one up partially for that reason, but it also met the challenge of reading a book with the keyword, "know." This is an example of how one woman was able to make herself happier and this, her family happier, by putting herself first. My priority for raising children is not the same as hers and I want them to be happy, but that is not my sole and primary goal of my parenting decisions. (In case you are wondering, I value raising kind people more important as I feel it is very important to be community-minded).)
I like her golden rule of being a happy mom, which is essentially to do unto yourself what you would do unto your kids, such as getting enough sleep, exercise and eating right. I also liked the advice from her life coach that she passed on, which is that we make our own choices. That resonates with me and had for a while Neckar I have been around other parents in sports that complain and create drama because they are so busy and these activities are taking up all of their spare time so they don't have time for other activities or downtime. My spouse and I both just remind ourselves those were choices and how lucky to have been able to make those choices, especially that they have had the good fortune of having the health, finances and opportunity to be a pet of that, which is clearly so important to them. (I also realize that often others just don't get those opportunities and sometimes it can be due to others in control not affording them those opportunities.)
I could relate to parts of the book, but not the anxiety parts. The author lost me there.
I also felt the quality of the audio that I listened to was not an acceptable quality. It was a hoopla access I used for this and the reading just sounded tinny and was not pleasant. I don't know if hat affected my mood by the end of the book, or if it was the author's discussion of her breakdown, but I was ready for the book to conclude by then.
I do recommend this book for parents of elementary age or younger, and I liked that she included research, but didn't overwhelm the story content with it. I just don't know that it changed my parenting as I feel like I am further along in my journey as a mother and I would be unlikely to read another of her books, if it is a continuation of this, but parenting as it changes through the years as they go through school and its influences.
I do disagree about finding being with kids on vacation relaxing--again, different stage--so I appreciate that my kids can do activities withiutnme and plan some of them theirselves while I get a chance to relax in the way I choose while on vacation. Kids move out soon enough and it only gets more difficult to coordinate the trips as they get older and their educational demands are increased. Alone time and a couple is nice and necessary too, but I am glad to have time off with the kids and explore new places, activities and cultures.
I like her golden rule of being a happy mom, which is essentially to do unto yourself what you would do unto your kids, such as getting enough sleep, exercise and eating right. I also liked the advice from her life coach that she passed on, which is that we make our own choices. That resonates with me and had for a while Neckar I have been around other parents in sports that complain and create drama because they are so busy and these activities are taking up all of their spare time so they don't have time for other activities or downtime. My spouse and I both just remind ourselves those were choices and how lucky to have been able to make those choices, especially that they have had the good fortune of having the health, finances and opportunity to be a pet of that, which is clearly so important to them. (I also realize that often others just don't get those opportunities and sometimes it can be due to others in control not affording them those opportunities.)
I could relate to parts of the book, but not the anxiety parts. The author lost me there.
I also felt the quality of the audio that I listened to was not an acceptable quality. It was a hoopla access I used for this and the reading just sounded tinny and was not pleasant. I don't know if hat affected my mood by the end of the book, or if it was the author's discussion of her breakdown, but I was ready for the book to conclude by then.
I do recommend this book for parents of elementary age or younger, and I liked that she included research, but didn't overwhelm the story content with it. I just don't know that it changed my parenting as I feel like I am further along in my journey as a mother and I would be unlikely to read another of her books, if it is a continuation of this, but parenting as it changes through the years as they go through school and its influences.
I do disagree about finding being with kids on vacation relaxing--again, different stage--so I appreciate that my kids can do activities withiutnme and plan some of them theirselves while I get a chance to relax in the way I choose while on vacation. Kids move out soon enough and it only gets more difficult to coordinate the trips as they get older and their educational demands are increased. Alone time and a couple is nice and necessary too, but I am glad to have time off with the kids and explore new places, activities and cultures.
February 19, 2025
I saw, “The Happiest Mommy You Know,” on the bookshelf at our public library while my own toddlers were playing in the children’s area. The bold, red title grabbed my attention and sparked curiosity. But I quickly realized that the author of the book, Genevieve Shaw Brown, and myself, are far from alike.
The author is an ABC lifestyle reporter who resides in Manhattan and explicitly shares her type A, hustler lifestyle. She talks about her children’s busy schedules that at least at some point in time, were full of “Baby Beethoven,” among numerous other classes, chiropractors, doctors, her best dressed baby boy, the expensive children’s clothes that her kids wear and that her Mom generously and sweetly launders, her workout classes that most could not afford, nor similar to her words, can find a minute for and her village that most only dream of. Oh, and her love for travel and vacations.
Honestly, there were A LOT of eye rolls while reading this book and even a bit of envy. But, I made a goal to FINISH more books this year and this one was pretty easy to do, as I took most of the information like a grain of salt.
Although a bit, dare I say, annoying and definitely not relevant to my own financial state, I did find glimpses of admiration for the author. It takes bravery for anyone to share their intimate story, regardless of where they live or who they are. And all in all, some points were relevant and relatable like wanting the best for our kids, the importance of eating nourishing food, getting a good nights rest and hopefully appreciating the ones that we do have in our lives, though nowhere as hands on and supportive as the ones she dotes in the book.
May we all find peace somewhere along the middle.
The author is an ABC lifestyle reporter who resides in Manhattan and explicitly shares her type A, hustler lifestyle. She talks about her children’s busy schedules that at least at some point in time, were full of “Baby Beethoven,” among numerous other classes, chiropractors, doctors, her best dressed baby boy, the expensive children’s clothes that her kids wear and that her Mom generously and sweetly launders, her workout classes that most could not afford, nor similar to her words, can find a minute for and her village that most only dream of. Oh, and her love for travel and vacations.
Honestly, there were A LOT of eye rolls while reading this book and even a bit of envy. But, I made a goal to FINISH more books this year and this one was pretty easy to do, as I took most of the information like a grain of salt.
Although a bit, dare I say, annoying and definitely not relevant to my own financial state, I did find glimpses of admiration for the author. It takes bravery for anyone to share their intimate story, regardless of where they live or who they are. And all in all, some points were relevant and relatable like wanting the best for our kids, the importance of eating nourishing food, getting a good nights rest and hopefully appreciating the ones that we do have in our lives, though nowhere as hands on and supportive as the ones she dotes in the book.
May we all find peace somewhere along the middle.
September 5, 2017
A lot of this everyone knows to do:
1. eat better/healthier websites: Weelicious and Picky palate
2. provide playdates for kids and more importantly one self. Girlfriend time is important.
3. Sleep is important : 12 hours sleep by 12 weeks old by Suzy Giodano and Lisa Abidin
4. Dress well - feel good about yourself too
5. Treat your hubby better
6. See the doctor regularly - can't take care of kids if you don't care for yourself
Parenting is a spiritual journey. Your children polish your soul and show you your rough edges. They teach you to embrace your humanness.
7. Exercise
8. Give thanks to the extended family that supports you
9. Take a honeymoon frequently
10. Get a life coach: live in the present. Put aside the phone.
11. Golden rule - treat yourself as you would treat your kids - core principal.
Also if you over due, it's your choice. Dial it back, the world will continue to revolve. choose to be happy .
1. eat better/healthier websites: Weelicious and Picky palate
2. provide playdates for kids and more importantly one self. Girlfriend time is important.
3. Sleep is important : 12 hours sleep by 12 weeks old by Suzy Giodano and Lisa Abidin
4. Dress well - feel good about yourself too
5. Treat your hubby better
6. See the doctor regularly - can't take care of kids if you don't care for yourself
Parenting is a spiritual journey. Your children polish your soul and show you your rough edges. They teach you to embrace your humanness.
7. Exercise
8. Give thanks to the extended family that supports you
9. Take a honeymoon frequently
10. Get a life coach: live in the present. Put aside the phone.
11. Golden rule - treat yourself as you would treat your kids - core principal.
Also if you over due, it's your choice. Dial it back, the world will continue to revolve. choose to be happy .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
I'm glad I read this book. Strewn between the advice and research were many personal stories of the author. Some I found interesting and some annoyed me. I'm not saying that this mom has it easy, but it's clear that some of the things she advises are only achievable if you if you have some disposable income and an extremely supportive and local mother. I had already been doing certain things to care for myself, but have since instituted a few more things. I found some of the quotes from her life coach indispensable and have already reminded myself of a few of them. I recommend this especially to moms of small children. You can always skip over her accounts of her fancy job and vacations!
June 27, 2022
3.75/5
This was a nice, light read. The primary concept that I gleaned from this book is to focus on your own wellbeing and happiness, in order to be a better and happier mother. The premise should be common sense, but often moms forget to consider ourselves and dive into being the best-mom-I-can-be; thus this book serves as a reminder of things we should all know. I didn't find anything life changing in this book but don't recall having any major complaints either. I'd recommend this book specific audience and not to general readers (or even all parents).
This was a nice, light read. The primary concept that I gleaned from this book is to focus on your own wellbeing and happiness, in order to be a better and happier mother. The premise should be common sense, but often moms forget to consider ourselves and dive into being the best-mom-I-can-be; thus this book serves as a reminder of things we should all know. I didn't find anything life changing in this book but don't recall having any major complaints either. I'd recommend this book specific audience and not to general readers (or even all parents).
May 30, 2017
I needed to hear these words, thank you so much Genny for writing them!
As I read this book I realized how much I put myself on hold, but I don't need to! I can take care of my daughter and myself if I sit down and prioritize. I am feeling inspired to sign up for a marathon and take a trip alone with my hubby!
This book was eye opening, I fee like Genny was giving me permission to think about myself and I am grateful.
As I read this book I realized how much I put myself on hold, but I don't need to! I can take care of my daughter and myself if I sit down and prioritize. I am feeling inspired to sign up for a marathon and take a trip alone with my hubby!
This book was eye opening, I fee like Genny was giving me permission to think about myself and I am grateful.
March 26, 2025
Eh, this was okay. A bit too autobiographical for me and hard to connect with...her life is just not relatable to mine at all. But the very core message of the book in the first chapter was mind-blowing for me: when I spend so much time making nutritious meals for my kids, I should NOT be skipping meals/grabbing a handful of shredded cheese when I'm starving while they're eating good stuff. It is just as important for moms to nourish ourselves, in all areas of life, not just food!
October 15, 2020
3* A fun book, but not great enough to be amazing. This mom was actually rising before dawn to cook her children gourmet organic meals, then off to work and fast food every day for lunch. Not my kind of problem. But this one is: "Why is my child on their 3rd playdate of the week, and I haven't seen my best friend face-to-face in 5 months?"
June 28, 2020
Normal mothers need not read this, it's only for Manhattanite, career moms who judge other mothers in baby music class and were in a sorority. I will admit that I didn't finish this book, so it might get better, but somehow I doubt it.
June 4, 2022
It's like she was speaking about my life! I relate to so much in this book. A nice reminder that all us mommas are not alone, and we're all struggling, but at the end of the day, there's ways to make it the best it can be.
January 17, 2024
The advice in this book is out of touch, but the author is pretty inspirational with how she’s able to juggle her career, family, vacation, fitness, etc. Definitely not a go-to resource for parenting advice.
May 23, 2018
Struggled to finish this book. It read like a long, uninteresting blog post without any new insights to offer. Few bright spots. Glad I'm done!
January 13, 2020
Some good points in here, but, again, I didn’t find it super relatable.
September 21, 2020
Its ok. I was mostly interested because I like Genny's work on ABC News. Its pretty good information for not only parents but anyone who works with kids.
November 3, 2020
I understood the message but the examples were hard to relate to for the average mom who can’t fly to a different city for the weekend.
November 20, 2020
I didn’t make it past page 40...
January 19, 2021
Slow to get into but I liked the aspects of self care this book had to offer. I found her constant references to New York unrelatable as I myself live in the suburbs.
February 7, 2022
Although the author’s lifestyle won’t be relatable to most moms I know, this was a quick read that contained some good reminders.
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