Customer Reviews

Motherhood without Guilt: Being the Best Mother You Can Be and Feeling Great About It

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The first thoughts that came to mind when I saw Motherhood Without Guilt on the bookstore shelf, were that there is no way that this book could convince me that parenthood/motherhood is possible without guilt. As a mother of a 16 year-old daughter, 11 year old son, and a clinical social worker for 20 years, knew better! I continued to peruse the book and skeptically bought it and took it home. After finishing the book (within the next two days), I had a new perspective on what the author was trying to convey to mothers. Ms. Rosenberg writes a practical book which answers many questions that many women think of, but are afraid to talk about or admit to themselves, partners, or even other mothers. Ms. Rosenberg also addresses the issue of self-care and the importance of self-nurturing- which many readers would view as "selfish". The author is able to give examples of ways mothers can start to take care of themselves better with the understanding that their health and happiness is a critical element in good parenting. I would highly recommend this book, and have already recommended it to many of my clients and friends who are mothers. Although I am still convinced of the impossibility of motherhood without guilt, I believe this book will educate women about how to balance their own personal lives/needs with the many demands of motherhood. Readers will definitely come away from this book with new information, and practical advice.

I have recommended Debra's first book, The New Mom's Companion, to so many people, and I now have another wonderful resource for friends, clients, and collegues. As a Parent Coach and teacher I am always looking for material to share with mothers who are feeling guilty and overwhelmed. This book provides invaluable insight about a number of situations, and it leaves the reader feeling "normal" and hopeful. The first chapter outlines the "principles of good parenting" which serves as a wonderful guide to parents who are searching for the best way to direct their well-intentioned energy.

I just love this book. No matter how much we love our kids and try to do the best we can, don't moms always end up feeling guilty somehow? It's such a shame, because that guilt really gets in the way of enjoying the best job on earth. This writer must be psychic, because the questions she presents are the ones that go through every mom's head all the time. Her answers are thoughtful, thorough, and well written. The question & answer format makes for easy reading and quick "bites" for busy moms on the go.

I have been feeling guilty so much about working but this book helped me realize that i still am living and have a life as well as my 2 year olds life.

I purchased this book with great expectations. I'm the mother of four children and you know what that means! I've had fun raising them, with all the trials and tribulations. But if I wasn't perfect, I felt guilty. I related to Motherhood Without Guilt in many instances. It was helpful to me knowing there were other mothers around who felt guilty unnecessarily, too. I shed some tears and had a chuckle reading this terrific book. Read this book and I think it will be very helpful to you.

As a psychiatrist and a mother I highly recommend Debra Gilbert Rosenberg's book Motherhood without Guilt (as well as her earlier book The New Mom's Companion) to friends and patients. In my clinical experience, most, if not all, mothers want to be the best mothers they can possibly be. This wish sets them up to be disappointed in themselves, as all mothers are bound to make mistakes. Mothers need empathic support from others to accept that they are human and, despite the inevitable mistakes, are most often good mothers. Sometimes mothers make mistakes which they recognize are not in the best interests of their children. When mothers feel guilty about these mistakes, hopefully it can lead to positive changes in communication and behaviors. However, when mothers feel guilty about situations in which they feel they should have but realistically have no control over, they experience unproductive and needlessly destructive feelings of self-blame. Most often, when mothers follow their instincts they are likely doing right by their children.
In my opinion, both of Rosenberg's books are must reads for all mothers. They are highly accessible and right on target in helping mothers parent more effectively, confidently, and joyfully.