Mommy Guilt: Learn to Worry Less, Focus on What Matters Most, and Raise Happier Kids

by Julie Bort, Aviva Pflock, Devra Renner

This book encourages parents to let go of unobtainable (and ill-advised) goals in favor of parenting philosophies that concentrate on the whole family. Parents today try too hard to be superhuman, often sacrificing their own well-being -- and relationships with friends, family, even their spouses -- to meet the ever-increasing demands of their children's lives. Of course, such efforts inevitably fall short, and parents blame themselves. Mommy Guilt presents the results of an original, never-before-published nationwide survey of over 1,300 parents -- 96% of whom reported they felt guilty about some aspect of parenting. The most common This eye-opening book offers straightforward principles for handling these and many other common issues -- as well as for dealing with everyday challenges that frequently add up to feelings of guilt. Through practical, tried-and-true tips, anecdotes, quizzes, and worksheets, Mommy Guilt illustrates how moms can fend off the guilt and focus on what really matters.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Karrine Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy Guilt attacks the topic of the whole 'super mom' age that leaves moms feeling needlessly guilty.

This book should be REQUIRED reading for every parent. Based on a survey of over 1,300 parents. This book hooked me from page one. A newly single, busy mom of three, I picked up an autographed copy of this book at Blogher 2006. I couldn't put it down.

This book is GLORIED in my house. I love the book so much that I struggle with the concept of allowing the dirty fingers of my two best beloved friends to touch it. Even though I know they would love it and even benefit from the vast amount of parenting tips that are presented in such an easy to read AND UNDERSTAND way.

[Rebekah Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven points of Mommy Guilt free philosophy:

1. You must be willing to let some things go
2. Parenting is not a competitive sport
3. Look toward the future and see the big picture. Don't become hung up on the here and now
4. Learn when and how to live in the moment
5. Get used to saying yes more often and being able to defend your no
6. Laugh a lot, especially with your children
7. Make sure you set aside specific time to have fun as a family

[sleeps9hours · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of these authors is on a loop I'm on, so I read it b/c she's always plugging it. It was not that great though I am very sympathetic to the thesis. Hard to get through. Suffers from poor organization, editing, and research.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the relevant parts and skimmed the rest. Some good advice and principles.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-done ladies... especially from a dad's point of view!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers a broad range of topics so some weren't relevant at this stage in my life. I skimmed through those.