Sunday, 12 October 2008

• A Book That Helps Parenting Become Less Difficult

  by Mama Hippo

  Years ago when hubby and I were engaged, I found a book by Marg Stark called What No One Tells The Bride.  It's a fabulous book that truly looks into preparing to be married rather than just thinking about the wedding day.  I have since bought copies for several friends when they, too, got engaged.
  
  Then this morning D and I were strolling the public library when I found another book by the same author, this one titled What No One Tells the Mom.  The back cover describes it as a book about how to survive the first years of parenting with your sanity intact.  I checked out the copy, and luckily D took an extra long afternoon nap so I was able to read the first few chapters.  Already, I really like this book.
  
  I have not been shy about how difficult motherhood has been for me, something that was a bit of a surprise as I consider myself to be a baby person and have had lots of experience caring for them before.  But nothing prepares you for being a mother yourself -- the energy it takes, the lack of sleep... and not to mention the guilt and fighting off all those expectations that we put on ourselves to be The Perfect Mother. 
  
  That's what this book is about: realizing that while there are many women out there who revel in motherhood and always love their kids, there's many more of us that are tired, overwhelmed, and at times even feel resentful of our babies that we love so dearly, or of the loss of our former selves and previous lifestyle.  It talks about how to adjust your expectations, surround yourself with friends who'll be honest with you, and with whom you can be honest so you can vent in a safe place and get that support that we all need and deserve. 
  
  Have you ever read or heard of this book?  Do you have other books that you'd recommend to help cope with the difficulties of parenting?
  

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