The Sacrificial Mother; Escaping the Trap of Self-Denial

I thought my mother was the only mother who drove herself to near mental illness with her constant sacrificing. Even though my sister is 22 and I am 28, my mother still refuses to do anything just for herself. I have learned a lot about why my mom is so troubled and why my sister and I have such a difficult time coping. I am going to suggest to my mom that she read this book. I believe it will help her a great deal.

This is an excellent, enlightening book. If you are a woman reading it, you will laugh and want to cry at the same time. Carin Rubenstein paints a painfully realistic picture of women that we all know so, so well (think "Mom") but may not have labeled before. The book will open your eyes to both your own actions as well as those of other women you know and have known. It also tells you how to break out of the "sacrifice mode" that society encourages you to be in and to build a more equal relationship with your mate. I am in my 20s and do not *yet* have children; and the information provided in this book has drastically altered the way I plan to approach motherhood. My mom gave me the book as a "must read" *before* I give birth to my first child. However, it is equally important for anyone who still has children at home to read it.

I see my mom do the same things. I go and get her things with the money I make. And I am allways asking her to take a vacation, and sometimes I ask her to take a knap because I know she is tired. I make her breakfast and supper everyday so I know she does eat. She is so caring and loving to me. I wish I could do more but I work alot so I can't. If anyone has any ideas of what I could do to make my mom feel as special as she feels to me. Please email me. Thanx for reading.