Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom

by Molly Grantham

During maternity leave with her second child, television news anchor Molly Grantham started writing weekly Facebook posts about her endless attempts to "keep it all together." Shining an honest -- and often funny -- light on her own parental struggles was an unexpected transition for this journalist used to reporting on gangs, crime, and serious social issues. But the real surprise came in how many people related to her raw takes on parenthood.

From her admission that changing diapers and constant feedings aren't all they're cracked up to be, to missing her career and "me" time, to discovering the pure joy of watching her children grow, Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom is a month-by-month progression of one woman's journey through the early years of parenting, and the strength and solidarity she discovers by sharing her story with the community.

325 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2017

Reviews

[Corinne Walser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not laughed with an author and simultaneously laughed at myself in such a long time! Molly’s writing is absolutely slapstick humor and your only regret should be not following her while she raises her children and works in a career smack in the middle of the public eye! ❤️

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Going to try to actually write something about the books in 2023)

If you're a mom who regularly loses her mind and appreciates the reassurance that you're not the only one losing your mind in this parenting game...you'll appreciate this book. If you follow Molly on social media, this will be more of a refresher of everything that happens after that second child makes an appearance. Again, reassurance that you're not insane and if you feel like you're an awful parent, you're probably doing something right 😄

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mom, young and old, should read Molly Grantham's "Small Victories." Ms. Grantham has shared her high-powered life as a news anchor in the Charlotte, NC, TV market as she navigates loving and raising two small children, a four-year-old and a newborn. She's done this through a series of Facebook posts, telling about her ups and downs dealing with the demands of both areas of her life.

Molly says the things about raising a child that many of us have thought: She loves her kids but wonders when she'll ever have just two minutes to herself. Is she doing the right thing? How should she choose what to let go - what's really important in the grand scheme of things?

Having a 40-year-old son, reading Molly's book reminded me of so many times in my son's young life when I felt I needed time to stand still for a while so I could get everything done - as an infant, the simple things of getting him ready for daycare, grabbing my work things, locking the front door, and having him projectile vomit on me. Molly knows. Molly's been there.

You'll laugh, you'll understand more, and you'll empathize a lot. I'll pick up several copies of this book as gifts for my young friends who are pregnant or who have just had a baby. Molly will tell them they're doing a great job, to prioritize and love those babies, and go easy on themselves. Needless to say, with five stars, I loved this little gem!

[Lisa Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly finally removed some of the guilt I have carried around for years because of how I felt about working while raising children...I was relieved to get back to the office and leave the chaos...while still loving my children. So many feelings and thoughts held inside for so many years jumped off the page at me through Molly's words. I could relate to her struggles. I could relate to her chaos. I found a connection to her through her stories. All of that adds up to a really good book! Molly and her children are just adorable and if you are a parent or have been a parent trying to figure out how to parent, I highly recommend adding Small Victories to your book list.

[Genny Fast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Moly Grantham, her honesty and genuine personality, and all she does for the community. After reading this book I appreciate her even more! Her honesty about motherhood is spot on. She made me feel normal!

[Jessica Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear friend of mine gave me a signed copy of this book and I finally got around to reading it. So glad I did! I thought this book was heart warming, genuine and so sweet. I am now inspired to capture my “small victories” while raising my own three kids. Thank you for putting this out there Molly!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super-fun!

[Laura Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be required reading for every mom-to-be.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read, reminds me of when kiddos were younger :)

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fitting that I finished this book sitting on the beach watching my kids play! Thanks for the laughs and tears, Molly! From another Charlotte Mom :)