Real Moms: Exploding the Myths of Motherhood

If you're like me ~~ a mom of toddlers ~~ there are some days when you think you're going insane ~~ this book IS for you. This book is explosive in a positive way ~~ it is uplifting, encouraging and enlightening. I have to admit when I read the first page, I thought yeah, yeah, this book isn't talking about me. WRONG. This book is definitely for me and it's one that I will never loan to another person till my kids are grown up ~~ then I'll give it to their wives to read. I will need this book for years to come ~~ it offers practical advice, spiritual guidance based on the Biblical scriptures ~~ and stories about other moms who went through the same stuff I am now going through. This book offers solutions and advice ~~ but in a gentle loving way. This book tells you a Mom Myth (like you have to be perfectly made-up at all times) and a Mom Reality (yeah right ~~ real moms are known to wear their PJs all day long) ~~ and it helps alleviate the pressure that moms might be feeling. Speaking for myself ~~ I am a mom that has high expectations of myself. I expect my house to be spotless, my children perfectly mannered at all times, and I have great food on the table every day. Well, the reality is: the dog will stick his nose on my perfectly clean windows five minutes after I just washed them; the kids will have a bad day five days in a row; my meals may consist of take-out and the laundry is piling up, the telephone's ringing off the hook and all I want to do is hide. That is my reality. These two authors helped me to realize that it's ok. It's normal. I am normal. I am a Real Mom. They have funny stories in there as well ~~ they help find the humor in sticky situations and they offer a reminder ~~ these kids of yours will never stay young. One of these days they will move out and you'll have your perfectly spotless house again ~~ wishing for the sticky fingerprints on the walls again if it means that they'll say I love you one more time. The authors also offer encouragement through their messages. They are not overly spiritual in this book ~~~ but just right to remind you that you're not alone in the struggle of Motherhood. This is a book I consider a gem ~~ and every time someone tells me they are having a hard time with their kids ~~ this is the book I would give them to read. It can be a life-line in those crazy days. It's one that I know that I'll read over and over again. 5-24-05

Morgan and Kuykendall, directors for the national organization, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), know what moms need: honest, hopeful, helpful advice. In Real Moms, they note popular "mom myths" (such as real moms must always look good or a real mom never gets angry) and the corresponding realities. Each chapter ends with a practical application, questions for reflection and quotes from real moms. Their message is encouraging; their style, unique and down-to-earth. I needed this book!