Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too: It's Good to Be a Little Selfish--It Actually Makes You a Better Mother

I am just so glad there's a book out there that validates us moms as beings deserving of some down-time! I'm a busy mom and wife and my days are spent in a frenzy of schedules, cooking, fetching,cleaning, child-rearing and all that entails. Frequently, I put my child and husband [in that order] first before taking time for myself. I realised that this wasn't fair to me and when I caught myself sniping at my kid and hubby, I realised I wasn't being fair to them either - and "Mothers Need Time-Outs Too" reaffirms that and more. The book uses wit, humor and anecdotes to portray issues faced by most moms today and how we can all be better persons, moms and wives by placing importance on our own needs. Forget about fears of being perceived as selfish - if we don't take care of ourselves, who is? And ultimately, reading this book affirms that me-time for moms isn't a bad thing - on the contrary, it makes us feel good, and helps us be better moms and wives. Highly recommended - a great gift for the mom friends in your lives!

I loved this book because it offers sound and realistic advice FOR real moms FROM real moms. The personal accounts and stories really hit home to me and reminded me I am not alone in this crazy job called motherhood. The authors touch on areas that we all struggle with and at the end of each chapter I felt I had yet another tool to help me face the next day with. I think we all get so bogged down with kids activities, schedules, and playdates, we forget the simple everyday things! The lists they provide, the reminders, and suggestions were extremely helpful. I'm using it as a reference guide! I don't think you necessarily have to journal or DO every activity the book recommends. I think the book can be used however it can be helpful for you. Adopting a few of the ideas to start was helpful (and realistic) for me. It doesn't overwhelm the reader with unrealistic suggestions or ideas. I highly recommend this book, and a hot bath too.

The Best Book for Crazed Moms! When I picked this book up, I was worried it was going to be preachy-- but I was so wrong. This is the most encouraging and enlightening book for moms that I've ever read. Not only is it not preachy, it makes a point about how we need to lighten up on ourselves and on others too. It's about how to live life to the fullest while also living in the moment. And instead of being abstract, it gives tons and tons of real solutions in the form of ideas that I can try out immediately. I really liked the friendly way the authors present all their research - even when it's dry stuff, they make it interesting by showing us real-life case studies too. I read voraciously about all the experiences these other moms from all over the country were having, and I felt like the book was talking directly to me. It will make you feel powerful and positive, and you'll hug your kids and husband a little harder when you've finished reading it!

I loved this book! I read it just as I was beginning to realize I'd been over-servicing my family for years and not making myself enough of a priority. Reading about the authors' turning points, as well as the anecdotes from so many of the mothers they interviewed, was really validating. I think mothers with children of all ages can relate to and gain insight from the many stories and wisdoms laid out in this book. It certainly empowered me to let go of more at home and adopt more of a they'll-be-okay philosophy when taking that much-needed time out -- whether taking a "therapy walk" with a close friend, working late and serving cereal for dinner, or escaping for a weekend with my husband or girlfriends. By taking time to be a little more "selfish," as the author's recommend, my kids have actually become more respectful, appreciative and well-behaved - and I'm a lot happier. Whether you've got mothering all figured out or not, there is something for everyone -- at any stage of parenting -- in this book.

This book challenges the notion that mothers need to give, give and give some more. From numerous mothers' stories from around the country I learned how prevalent this philosohy is and could see myself in what they shared. Now I have some wonderful and practical ideas, examples and solutions about how to put myself first some of the time and hopefully be a better mom. The book is also a fascinating insight into family life today and will be appreciated by all generations. Besides recommending it to all my friends, I am going to suggest that my mom read it also!