At-Home Motherhood: Making It Work for You

Sometimes I enjoy reading "inspirational" essays or books dealing with motherhood and the choice to stay at home -- because they can re-affirm my own decision to stay home with my kids. Other times what I really need is solid, practical advice on how to make it really work: the nuts and bolts of the finances, budgeting, keeping the marriage high priority, dealing with the kids, and keeping loneliness and boredom at bay. This book is a sure fire hit for when I need THAT kind of advice. I really like how the author organized the book: part one deals with relationships -- being at home in todays society, mixing marriage with sahm-hood, friendships, and so on. Part two deals with "business matters", such as housework, budgeting, shopping smart, and so on. Part three is my favorite -- how to handle "The Home-Alone Syndrome" (current sahm's probably know exactly what that is without needing a definition!), finding your passion, "mind over mush", assertiveness, and taking care of your physical health. Excellent final section entitled "What Next" on determining if and/or when to transition back into the workforce, with immensely helpful exercises and worksheets included. Overall my first pick for practical helpfulness in dealing with every aspect of sahm-hood. Highly recommend this for all sahms, whether just starting out or even if you have a few years under your belt.

Tolliver's advice, unlike most other women's self help authors, is practical and doable. This book is a must read for any new at home mother. I've found that her suggestions can really help to ease the transition from work to home.