The Good Enough Mother: Reimagining Motherhood and Work

by Hilary Barnett

Moms everywhere are caught up in the struggle between mothering, earning an income, and following their dreams.

Culture and media paint mothers as “women at war” who argue over even the smallest approach to parenting. It can all seem so overwhelming, and sometimes hopeless.

But Hilary Barnett sees so much more to the story.

Rather than taking sides, Hilary embraces the tension of motherhood and work, explores how her faith informs both, and proposes a new way forward. A way that allows women to love their children and their work fiercely, and not have to sacrifice their sanity for a healthy and joy-filled life.

Hilary delivers a message from God’s heart to the heart of any mother reading the book—you are loved, you are called, and your work matters.

159 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Good Enough Mother! In a world of endless books asking for parenting perfection, the very title suggests Hilary’s posture of living empathetically toward a more sustainable and ultimately better mode of parenting. Through the lenses of Hilary’s own story, you begin to pick up that this is not a business project for Hilary, but a passion to help women free themselves from extremely damaging patriarchal and religious baggage that often comes (unquestioned) with a “positive” pregnancy test result. Thoughtful, practical, and engaging, The Good Enough Mother has left me with a lot to think about and I suspect will be an important building block to how I think of motherhood forever. My favorite part was the very last chapter where Hilary offers exercises to help you start the journey to “good enough” and reads like a life coaching session without the need to hire a coach. It’s worth the cost of the book for that chapter alone!

[Annette Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelations

This is an important book that reimagines motherhood and validates all styles as long as we honor our children as well as ourselves.

[Katelyn Dubina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mother needs to read this book! Barnett truly hits the nail on the head… every single chapter I was like “YES!!! Why doesn’t anyone else say this???”

Thankful for this book and her willingness to put it out there. It has helped my perspective shift in many ways as a working mom.

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the big sister I always wanted but didn’t have poured me a delicious pot of tea, sat me down on a cozy couch, and patiently, lovingly filled me up with her best wisdom and practical advice.

[Shannon Marie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly vulnerable and authentic look at the way motherhood actually is. I especially connected with chapter 3 and the false narrative that we must be everything to everyone and that our current culture does not make room for working women in spite of the process made over the last decades. With a majority of mothers working, we have to make room for a different existence. Also of note, this does have a slight Christian leaning but I don't identify as Christian and found it very approachable and inclusive. Great work!