A Good Mom's Guide to Making Bad Choices: Redefining Motherhood With Unapologetic Honesty and Humor

by Jamilah Mapp, Erica Dickerson

The creators of the beloved podcast Good Moms Bad Choices challenge outdated notions of what being a “good” mother truly means—inviting moms of all kinds to embark on a healing journey that unlearns old scripts about motherhood and shows that you can be a little bad, and still do a lot of good for your kids and yourself.

They are everywhere on social media. Images of perfect, pleasant women with perfect, pretty children in perfect, tidy homes—the epitome of “good” moms. But this model of motherhood is an illusion that far too many women either measure themselves against or simply cannot relate to in the first place. Enter Jamilah Mapp and Erica if you are sex-positive, cannabis-friendly, and love sharing NSFW stories with your fellow mom friends, you’re not doing anything wrong and you are definitely not a bad mother. And Jamilah and Erica are your tribe.

These two best friends, single mothers, and creators of the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast are here to remind every woman that you can be a good mom despite not fitting the “perfect mom” standard. In this much-needed book, part memoir, part guide, and part manifesto, they bring the refreshing honesty and down-to-earth humor of their podcast to the stories of their own journeys as mothers, offering women insight and tools they can use to recognize their own past traumas, find a way to healing, and break free from unrealistic expectations of what it means to be a good parent.

Jamilah and Erica take us through their own journeys as single mothers raising children, being in (and falling out of) relationships, making mom friends, and, ultimately, finding themselves as they learned to redefine motherhood on their own terms. Uncensored, unapologetic, empathetic, and no-holds-barred, A Good Mom’s Guide to Making Bad Choices takes an unconventional and much-needed approach to motherhood that recognizes that moms are vibrant, sexual, creative beings with needs and desires that deserve to be acknowledged and respected. It’s a breath of fresh air for all moms today.

Genres: Audiobook

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Traci Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the message in this book. Moms are also people with wants and rights and boundaries. A touch redundant at times but overall a fun ride. These women have lived lives and aren’t afraid to share.

[Cedrice Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you it was a journey... it was transformative 🌟

This book isn't just for the mothers (trust me because I'm not one lol) It's for ANYONE seeking to understand the complex, beautiful, and messy journey of making choices in this guilt ridden life. It's raw, real, human and incredibly empowering as they share their own experiences and those of other women/moms. They shed light on the guilt, doubt, and ultimately, the empowerment that comes from embracing one's true self showing us all a path to authenticity. It's beyond time to start embracing imperfection, overcoming societal pressures, and finding your true self.

This book is a reminder that making mistakes is part of the human experience and can lead to growth and self-discovery, while simultaneously giving us all permission to make the best choices for ourselves and our families regardless of the judgement or what anyone else may think.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a mom- but I am a huge proponent of doing what YOU want. So while this advice doesn’t apply to me as a parent- it does matter to me as a woman. Milah and Erica dive into how they became mothers and re-examined what it meant to be single moms. As their friendship blossomed their podcast was born. This book is full of wisdom, mantras, and manifestations about being true to yourself and the benefits that was on your children, friends, coworkers, etc.

[Gabrielle Meister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because the author's lives were very interesting. To say this is a book about parenting would be deceptive. Its mainly about mother's maintaining themselves while becoming a mother. It has the spirit of don't lose yourself just because you have children now. It also speaks a lot about the struggle of being a single mom, which while I don't relate to, is very real and I know this is something that there is a need to hear about. All in all I loved it!

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

I had not heard of these two until this book but they’ve gained a new podcast listener! The cover grabbed my attention and is the perfect reflection of the journey you’ll take. This is a fun relatable read, I felt I was sitting around with friends in conversation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #GoodMomsGuide

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and listening to the authors read it via the audiobook. Their voices and perspectives are refreshing and I felt welcomed into a community that doesn’t even know me enough to judge me yet. That’s refreshing. The book didn’t focus on bad choices and then redemption arcs as I anticipated. It focuses on doing whatever it is that makes you fulfilled and able to show up to your child authentically.

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This book was .. so refreshing.
I don't usually love parenting books, because i feel like most have a condescending edge to them. But this one was fantastic.
They recognize that not all parents are perfect, and i read so many pages that made me feel heard and understood.
<3

[Ashley Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so proud of these ladies for continuing to elevate their brand. I’ve been listening to the podcast for years so it was so refreshing to discover how they were even more vulnerable in writing this book. Lots of laughs, introspective moments, and affirmations made this one of my favorite reads this years. Highly recommended for women everywhere, not just moms!

[Destinee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m obsessed with erica and jamilah! i’ve listened to every podcast episode and was so excited when they announced that they wrote a book! i’m not a mother myself yet but i love their point of view of life and everything in between. they aren’t afraid to speak their minds and i admire them both so much for that!! highly recommend this book!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this will resonate most with women under 40. This was more a fun memoir than how to for me as I am already confident in my choices and going against the norm - i do not have a problem advocating for myself and especially not for doing what's right for my child. but it was absolutely a learning curve and if this book had been available 8 years ago my journey may not have been so hard.

[DANI · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. I’m not a huge non fiction fan but I have been struggling in mom guilt lately and the stories and tips in this book were much needed. I listen to the podcast but I’m so happy I read the book.

[Phyllicia Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveeeee everything about this book!!! The push to say F these kids (but still take care of them )and not forget to take care of you. . The reminder to be you unapologetically

[Lilah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read a lot of single mothers go through not only having to be a single mother, but also having to live up to a picture perfect image because they are already viewed as a liability. Thus not allowing them to truly find themselves