Confessions of a Slacker Mom

I came across CONFESSIONS OF A SLACKER WIFE in May, after reading a glowing review in USA Today (green with envy, of course). All unattractive fits of author-jealousy aside, I LOVE this book, and I am in full agreement with the basic tenets of the Slacker Wife. My favorites include: 1) Observations of The Visibility Factor in the `natural' division of labor between men and women: He hangs a light fixture, "and it's up there for everyone to see" and comment upon favorably: "That sort of recognition is kind of a nice payoff for the person who hung the light fixture. Or planted the tree. Or built the fence. Or installed the new stereo. It would tend to make that person feel like they were valued and appreciated. That, I can only imagine, must be nice. "But who's there to say how well my husband's clean underwear were folded?" (Or groceries re-supplied. Or everybody's clutter picked up. Or kitchen cleaned. Etc.) 2) The influence of advertising (from someone in the profession, as an advertising copywriter) on raising standards of cleanliness, organization and décor in our homes, and entertaining, among other things, to impossible standards, by which we have all been conned into judging ourselves--and we wonder why we come up lacking, and frazzled, every single time? Martha Stewart and women's magazines, that's why! Muffy writes: "It seems like when it comes to all of these "women's" endeavors such as cooking, entertaining, and decorating, we're now supposed to adhere to performance standards that could only be achieved by outright professionals. So I shouldn't make an example of Martha Stewart, because making perfect pies from scratch, or more accurately, supervising a staff of people who make perfect pies from scratch, actually is her profession. The only thing I never liked about her is that she acts like I should do it too. The same way." 3) And what's really important: How to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids (common sense and DON'T DO EVERYTHING FOR THEM); How to slow down and enjoy life ("free time needs to be a higher priority"); and, last but not least, Ladies: "...maybe now that we've managed to such a great extent to liberate ourselves from men, we need to liberate ourselves from ourselves..." and slack off a bit. Excellent advice-and fun reading. Enjoy!

The author's point is that the age-old dilemma of what to do about cooking and housework when both the man and the woman work is NOT to split the chores more evenly but to question the standards the media bombards us with, like thinking we are supposed to have a spotless home, gourmet meals, designer clothing, the body of a 20 year old, etc.

I love her style, and I love her wit. You can't help grinning as you read her honest and poignant thoughts on modern day marriage. Kudos again!

I didn't think I'd find a book as engaging as Confessions of a Slacker Mom, but Muffy Mead-Ferro has done it again. This time she takes on modern marriage. Confessions of a Slacker Wife reminds women to give themselves a break. Despite what women's magazines would like us to think, a little dirt on the floor is okay, beer and potato chips can be just as good as salmon soufflé for a party, and there's really nothing wrong with women actually looking their age. Part memoir, part commentary, Mead-Ferro's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, yet self-deprecating and laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. She candidly tackles issues ranging from household chores to plastic surgery to "wifely duties" in the bedroom with utter grace. A fantastic book by a great author.

I live in the Suburban Capital of the World and have, at most recent count, 7 hyper-competitive moms on my block. The decision to have a baby honestly hinged on whether or not I could be a parent and not succumb to the frightening way that parents handle parenthood in my area...it's all about coddling the kids and sacrificing their marriages, livelihood and FICO score {{for the children}}. Please! I loved the "slacker mom" ideal and it took me back to my own childhood when children were raised and loved but not spoiled, overindulged and given an unearned sense of entitlement! I sent my copy to my best friend in Virginia who is also a "slacker mom"! She'll LOVE it and be proud to know she's not screwing up her kid by not revolving her life around it!