Motherhood without Guilt (Paperback)

~ Rosenberg (Author) "A couple of days after a major snow fall, the sidewalks in my neighborhood had been cleared, the snow shoveled into little mountain ranges alongside..." (more)
Key Phrases: many moms

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Moms feel guilty about everything...

They think they're not doing enough for themselves, for their children and for their spouses. They question their decisions about working vs. staying at home. They agonize over keeping up with housework, struggle in their relationship with their husband, wrestle with negative feelings about their children from time to time and worry that they don't measure up to their own or others' expectations.

In short, feeling guilty is pervasive among mothers; it just seems to come with the territory. Motherhood without Guilt uses a question-and-answer format to address all the issues that cause a mother to feel bad about her mothering, and shows how to: € Reconcile working vs. staying at home € Be emotionally available to your kids in just the right way € Take good care of yourself, too € Create partnership in parenting with your husband € Nurture friendships and get support from others

About the Author

Debra Gilbert Rosenberg is a licensed clinical social worker and the mother of three children. Since earning her master's degree from the University of Chicago, she has been a psychotherapist working with individuals and families. In addition, she develops and presents workshops and lectures on parenting issues and teaches sociology courses on the college level. For the past 13 years she has been running a discussion/support group for new mothers. She is the author of The New Mom's Companion. Rosenberg lives in Oak Park, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402202288
• ISBN-13: 978-1402202285
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #124,067 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motherhod Without Guilt: That would be nice!, November 8, 2004

By	Kathy (San Diego) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars another wonderful resource, September 14, 2005

By	C. Adams (Elmhurst, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must read for all mothers, April 30, 2005

By	Louise C. Tomkins - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.