Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children

...for writing this book. There is so much wisdom condensed into its pages. I've highlighted and Post-It tagged so much of this book because there is so much of it I want to remember, so much of it by which I want to live. I've been able to apply some of the techniques in my day-to-day life with my 23 month old daughter and it has been very helpful. I highly recommend this book to any mother or father, or really anyone who wants to better deal with negative emotions, moodiness and stress and be more kind.

One of many great things about this book is that it seems to have been designed to be read in little snippets. I find that I am reading 5-10 pages, then cogitating on them for a few days, and then continuing to read. The author is very honest and refreshing. She tells of her near blissful joy at seeing her young childrens' smiling faces when she picks them up at childcare at the end of the day. Then tells how, at times, her mindset is replaced a few hours later by thoughts of the "I just can't take this mind-numbing drudgery and redundancy of entertaining preschool children for another minute!" variety. If we are honest, we've all harbored those thoughts at one time or another. On every page, you get the sense that the author is a very real person who can relate to both the best and the stressed in us all.

IF YOU'RE A MOM, BUY THIS BOOK! I am sceptical of anyone trying to preach an idea to me, and I do not claim to be Buddhist. I just LOVE this book. I checked it out from a local library, but am now purchasing it so I can always have it around. It not only approaches ways to be a calmer mom, but a calmer being in your daily encounter with the world. It has changed how I approach issues, big or small; it's also inspired me to demonstrate the same zen-buddhist coping tools for my children; and it has helped me to stay in the present moment. This book taught me that Buddhism is a spirituality more than a religion. It's all about being responsible for your own feelings and your own perception of the world. My 6-year old is already practicing the Buddhist principle of impermanence - I overheard him telling my 2-year old that his feeling scared about starting preschool would pass, and soon he'd be having fun and forget that he was ever scared. WOW!

I bought this book based on a recommendation from a parenting series shown here in Australia. I had been looking to find a more spiritual path as a way of assisting my recovery from post natal depression. And this book goes a long way in helping readers to find a calmer approach approach to mothering. The writing style is clear and gentle. The author (herself a mother of two young children) writes with empathy for her readers and the daily turmoils and joys that accompany parenting. She both encourages and offers many ways for mothers to nurture themselves. There is much emphasis in 'living in the moment', that is, to spend time regarding our children, partners, friends, deepening that connection between you and them and the benefits one reaps from that. The book includes a brief overview of Buddhism, and what Bhuddhist teachings have to offer us mothers. Other chapters explore strategies on coping with some of the, often distressing, emotions of mothering including anger, and the worry we tend to experience about our kids. I also found the chapter on 'Living with Partners' very helpful, offering new ways of looking at, and improving, the connection with my partner. The author doesn't 'shove' her views down her readers throats. She does not (nor does Bhuddism itself) encourage readers to relinquish their religion. Instead she offers another tool for the spritual 'tool kit'. Nor does she claim to be the perfect Buddhist student. She stumbles just like the rest of us, but using Bhuddhist teachings can look inward for a clearer way of seeing the situation. I found doing this helpful, but something that needs much practice and am keen to do so. There is a chapter offering guidance on meditation and just what it has to offer a mother. Included as well are contributions by a number of Buddhist mothers who speak of the contribution that Buddhism makes to their everyday lives as parents. I found reading it uplifting. I find myself more aprreciative of the time I have with my son. I am able to see that some of the more stressful emotions, as well as the joys of parenting, can offer me (with practice)a good lesson in spiritual growth. I know that some religious/spiritual titles can be heavy going for the uninitiated, but this title is perfect for a Bhuddhism beginner like myself. It's a good way to carry Buddhist practice into everyday life as a mother, partner and from there as a member of the wider community.

When I was suffering from postpartum depression, and my mind was filled with crazy thoughts of guilt, worry, and hopelessness, this was a real life saver. This book helped me see everything from a completely different (and more healthy) perspective. I would recommend this book to every new mom, no matter what faith she is. I'm so glad I read this book when my son was only a few months old, I'm sure I'll be able to deal with him in a more calm and patient way for the rest of his life. My favorite lesson from this book: treat every person and every situation with gentleness, patience, and persistence. But remember, treat YOURSELF with gentleness and patience too. Being a new mom is hard enough without beating ourselves up about it.