Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too: Its Good to be a Little Selfish--It Actually Makes You a Better Mother (Paperback)

~ (Author), Anne Nolen (Author), Katrin Schumann (Author)
Key Phrases: Mother of Three, New York, Mother of Four (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Whether you’re the mother of toddlers or teens, work inside the home or out— if you’re exhausted from trying to be perfect, this book can help you. Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too uses hundreds of real-life stories and mom-tested tips to demonstrate how taking time-outs will transform your life. Practical and inspiring, this book will launch you on a voyage of discovery that takes you back to yourself, and it will help you become the best mother you can be by becoming the best woman you can be.

Written by moms, for moms, this book will help you create a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life for you and your family. The authors draw on their own extensive experience and that of hundreds of women around the world, and bring to light a variety of helpful resources--from cutting-edge studies to Eastern philosophies--to create this innovative, inspiring, and easy-to-use guide.

With this book, you'll learn how to

• Live a more deliberate, more purposeful, more satisfying life
• Say goodbye to the constant guilt of not measuring up by embracing your personal mothering style
• Enjoy your children more and feel close to your husband again

The authors reveal their own unvarnished turning points, share stories they've gathered from the trenches, and present eye-opening research to show how a little selfishness can bring a whole new sense of purpose and energy to stressed-out modern mothers.

“Take some ‘me’ time. It’s good for you and your family. Want proof? Check out Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too by Susan Callahan, Anne Nolen, and Katrin Schumann, which gives voice to hundreds of moms who’ve done it.”
--Woman’s Day

From the Back Cover

"Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too is breaking new ground for mothers everywhere. It stands the motherhood-as-sacrifice model on its head. The result is healthier moms and healthier families. Bravo!”
--Christiane Northrup, bestselling author of Mother-Daughter Wisdom, The Wisdom of Menopause, and Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom

"What a powerful book! Each and every day in my practice, I see mothers worn out from neglecting themselves. This book offers them thoughtful and exciting new ideas on how to thrive during this stage of life, not just survive.”
--Dr. Richard Dupee, contributing doctor to "Today"

“For today's mothers, who are often swimming in--and sometimes drowning in--a vast sea of demands and responsibilities, this book is a life raft.”
--Abby Seixas, author of Finding the Deep River Within: A Woman's Guide to Recovering Balance and Meaning in Everyday Life

"The authors give us both a fresh look at society's unrealistic expectations for mothers and new tools to fix the problems those expectations can cause.”
--Kate Kellogg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management, MIT

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (March 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071508074
• ISBN-13: 978-0071508070
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #192,051 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be on every mom's bedside table, March 30, 2008

By	Kristina S. Perry - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This would make a great book club book, July 6, 2008

By	The Magician's Student (Dedham, MA) - See all my reviews

This would make a great book club book. It brings up so many important topics for mothers of all ages to discuss. I am looking forward to talking to my daughter-in-law about it. She is a new mom and I bought the book for her for Mother's Day. After briefly looking over the chapter titles I bought one for myself also.
I was glad I did. The book has many tips on helping women set practical and achievable goals for reclaiming our lives. We all need to be reminded to be "self aware", and "self accepting", to stay in the "here and now" and to take time for "self care".
I found the "tips from the trenches" sections very helpful. Especially the ones about the value of downtime and about simplifying our lives to regain control over them.
My favorite tip was - when pressed for time to really journal, at least write down a single word that represents your day. Even that tiny step can help us remember to take time outs for ourselves.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Advice for Real Life Moms, April 11, 2008

By	A. Ackerman "ackercaz" (Boston) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.