More Than a Mom: Living a Full And Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs

by Amy Baskin, Heather Fawcett

(2007 Independent Publisher Award, Bronze Medalist in Women's Issues category; 2006 Mom's Choice Awards, Adult Books/Non-Fiction; 2006 Best Books Book Award, Parenting/Family Finalist) MORE THAN A MOM explores how women can lead rich, fulfilling personal lives while parenting a child with special needs. The authors' skillful blend of research, personal experiences, and feedback from over 500 mothers across North America results in a book that is jam-packed with practical strategies, advice, and reassurance for mothers trying to create more manageable and fulfilling lives. MORE THAN A MOM addresses the universal concerns and questions of all mothers, coupled with the added intensity of raising children with disabilities. This how-to guide looks at the challenges mothers face at home, at work, and within themselves, with special attention paid Staying healthy both physically and emotionally; Keeping friendships; Staying organized; Maintaining your marriage; Nurturing interests and goals; Seeking flexible work options; Changing careers or starting a business; Rejoining the workforce; Finding specialized childcare; Advocating for your child. The mothers who were interviewed for the book have diverse backgrounds and family dynamics. Given their differences and the fact that their children have such varied disabilities, it s striking that these mothers face such similar issues. MORE THAN A MOM provides mothers with many voices and solutions that will resonate with their own circumstances. Husbands, extended family, friends, support organizations, and service providers will also want to read this insightful and fact-filled book.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

487 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2006

Reviews

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by another mom who also has a daughter with Aicardi Syndrome. She said it helped her get her life in balance as she tries to be a mom, a nurse, a therapist, and fulfill so many other roles that mothers of special needs children have. She said this book also taught her how to help others to better relate to her life as well.

So now that I'm finished with this book, I have to agree. I LOVED it! My first reaction, was "Wow! These authors totally understand my life!" I loved how great this book was at focusing on the importance of special need moms taking time for themselves and taught ways to get funding for special needs respite care--not an easy thing. This book was also great at helping to explain how to factor in a special needs child in financial planning. This book also is a great resource for how to be a more affective advocate for your child in getting the services and care needed. It was just so great to read a book that is in my "world". I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has a child with special needs!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped to change my life. I was feeling bogged down as a stay at home mom with 3 out of 4 of my children needing extra support for developmental issues. I was feeling like I was losing myself. This book helped give me the courage to go back to college to finish my undergrad degree and I'm now 9 months away from earning my masters degree on my way to becoming a mental health therapist! Because I found my voice again at school I've become a much better mom...I like who I've become by following what I needed to do to take care of myself, and thus am able to take better care of my kiddos!

[Melissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great source of information and comforting as well. It contains information and advice for families/caregivers to children with developmental or physical conditions on wide-ranging subjects/areas such as taking care of yourself, daily life (time crunch, creating a positive future, legal and financial steps to planning ahead), family issues, and overcoming barriers to quality care. There are also lists of references and resources.

[Renee Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for parents who have just found out that their child has special needs, I have read this 9 years too late for some stuff but it does give some good information as to some of what is available out there for you and your child.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference book with lots of resources.

[Melissa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book applies mainly for mothers with autistic children but does attempt to include all special needs children. Good read though.