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55th out of 104 books
—
11 voters
The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity
The pressure on women today has pushed many American mothers to the breaking point. It feels as if “doing your best” is never enough to please everyone, and the demands mothers place on themselves are both impossible and unrealistic. Now Meg Meeker, M.D., critically acclaimed author of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, puts her twenty-five years’ experience as a practicing...more
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published
March 8th 2011
by Ballantine Books
(first published February 21st 2011)
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When my husband saw me reading this book he asked me if reading this type of book actually made me feel worse. It's a great question because it could be that way with "self-help" books, you start to feel guilty you aren't doing something the book suggests. Meeker brought up great points without giving a ton of homework. Most of the habits she suggests have to do with changing our thinking, like having hope and especially not competing (consciously and subconsciously) with other mothers. I suspec...more
This book is written by a pediatrician, but it's really about how we women can make our own life better. The author has a warm, friendly voice and her writing includes many anecdotes to illustrate the topics of each of the 10 "Habits."
I think there was a lot of good advice in this book, but I admit that some chapters held my attention more than others. Some of the chapters felt like she was talking directly to me, but others sections felt curiously flat. I guess that it's normal for a self-help...more
I think there was a lot of good advice in this book, but I admit that some chapters held my attention more than others. Some of the chapters felt like she was talking directly to me, but others sections felt curiously flat. I guess that it's normal for a self-help...more
I really liked this book. The author does such a good job laying out realistic and helpful principles to help mothers be happier in a non-condescending way. the suggestions she makes aren't the generic "take care of yourself" type suggestions often found in these kinds of books. she's down to earth and easy to relate to. she says it as it is and doesn't try to fluff up how tiring and sometimes discouraging mothering can be but also really emphasizes the positives as well. she speaks from experie...more
At first glance it can be tempting to dismiss this book, as it looks like a 10-step program written by a super-woman who is a pediatrician with four kids and best-selling author of three books. Very much to her credit, Dr. Meeker avoids condescension or a plan for accomplishment. What she is aiming for is less harried, intentional mothering and living, thereby valuing the state of motherhood in itself. She communicates in a kind, nonjudgmental, noncompetitive manner.
All that being said, this boo...more
All that being said, this boo...more
My favorite self-help book for mothers by far. I think her suggestions are much more profound and deep than the typical "wear make-up" and "do something for you" suggestions from other authors. Her 10 habits are more about finding personal satisfaction IN motherhood, not IN SPITE of motherhood. MUCH less superficial and more spiritual, emotional, and mental. I must say, however, that although I agreed with each of her 10 habits and liked what she had to say, it started to feel long-winded by the...more
I think Dr. Meeker has hit the nail on the head approaching her audience right where they are. This generation is very involved with self and she has done a good job focussing on just that angle. I think her number 7(Give and Get Love in Healthy Ways) should be number 1. One thing that is missing is any reflection on the skills or attitudes that young mothers might be able to pick up from their moms. Dr. Meeker's dedication of this book is to her mom but there is no more attention given to that...more
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I do not usually read self-help books, so perhaps I'm just not the intended audience for this sort of book. Also, most of the advice is geared towards working mothers.
I was intrigued when in the introduction I read "the very best we can do at any moment is to realize that, as moms, we are needed now and if we are meant to use other gifts to help others we will be afforded the opportunity when the time comes." The resonated with me as a full-time mother until I realized that the author (has 4 gro...more
I was intrigued when in the introduction I read "the very best we can do at any moment is to realize that, as moms, we are needed now and if we are meant to use other gifts to help others we will be afforded the opportunity when the time comes." The resonated with me as a full-time mother until I realized that the author (has 4 gro...more
A lot of what is in this book is the sort of thing I think women in general and moms already tell themselves, or have learned in other places, but I liked the simplicity of this book and how everything is pulled together in a clear format. My only discomfort with the book is in the "faith" chapter, where she makes a remark about the Muslim faith being so different Christianity - she doesn't elaborate what she means by that, and I suspect she doesn't know much about any faith outside of her exper...more
Maybe the problem is that I'm a dad, not a mom. I found this book to lack structure and organization, and to merely be full of feel-good stories from the author's personal life. 3 hours into it I still had no idea what the 10 habits were. I have never pretended to understand women, but this has made me feel as though perhaps I REALLY don't understand women, unless women are also finding problems with this book. Not that the book is bad, per se, it just didn't deliver for me what I thought it wou...more
I read/skimmed this book (reading the parts that applied to me the most) on a 3 hour flight. Cover to cover. The 10 habits were true - though most obvious. Keeping good friendships, creating time to be by yourself, not expecting too much of yourself, etc. I did dive into a couple of the chapters - my favorite being the one on the constant need for mothers to compare themselves to other mothers and the chapter on simplifying life at home. These two chapters rang true to me as things I can work on...more
Overall, this is a relatively helpful advice book, written in an engaging conversational style. However, I think the author dropped the ball in a few places, specifically in regard to faith (chapter 3) and our reasons, as mothers, for having children (purely selfish motives). She also makes, in my opinion, too many blanket-statements that stem from her own life and experiences. There are many gems in this book, but unfortunately one has to wade through not a few vague explanations that try - but...more
I really enjoyed this book, it was different than a lot of books about motherhood. Gave me lots of new things to think about. I really liked how she points out that our children are "on loan" to us...we are here to help them become who they already are...NOT to force them to become who WE feel pressured they should become. I appreciated this so much, because I think I do try too hard to force certain behaviors or attitudes on my children, when really, they already just have different opinions......more
Meg Meeker tackles the universal mystery of what makes us happy as human beings and specifically as mothers. She uses her years of professional experience, as well as the many friendships she has developed over her years of mothering, to gain a greater understanding of how to obtain happiness.
The habits explored are:
1- Understand Your Value as a Mother
2- Maintain Key Friendships
3- Value and Practice Faith
4- Say No to Competition
5- Create a Healthier Relationship with Money ...
To read my ful...more
The habits explored are:
1- Understand Your Value as a Mother
2- Maintain Key Friendships
3- Value and Practice Faith
4- Say No to Competition
5- Create a Healthier Relationship with Money ...
To read my ful...more
I think this book has a lot to offer. As both a physician and mother, Meeker shares her experiences, insights, and thoughts about motherhood, the relationships we have with our children, and how we feel about ourselves. I really enjoy how Meeker emphasizes BALANCE, defining what really is important, and then letting go of things which do not really enhance our lives and families. The author is uses humor and relatable stories, particularly her many years of treating patients and families, to giv...more
Mar 13, 2012
Beth E
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-family,
non-fiction
I really enjoyed this book. The author covers 10 different thoughts on how to maintain, or in some cases, regain, your sanity as a mother. These are things that often get left behind in the the frantic life of caring for a newborn child - like girl friends - and really underlines how important they are for our personal as well as relational health. The author then outlines at the end of each chapter several ideas for how to put this into action so it becomes a valued and protected part of our li...more
This book looked a little simplistic to me at first. The 10 habits were so common sence! But when the author starts to dig in, she really started making some good points and illustrating things in a very nice way. I liked the personnal stories that she uses to bring her habits home. I felt like I was reading a talk from a Time Out for Women conference (shout out to my sisters!), it had that kind of feel. Very encouraging and she keeps reminding you that YOU are enough for your children, you don'...more
I was a little surprised about how much I enjoyed this book. I felt like there were several things that I want to work into my life (female friendships, simplifying life, getting clear about my purpose in life, spirituality). I like Meeker's take on many of these things. Though, there were a couple of times I felt her a little too... something for me, though I'm not exactly sure what. Not exactly preachy Christian, but something.
I think this is a book I could come back to for helpful reminders w...more
I think this is a book I could come back to for helpful reminders w...more
This was the second parenting book of Meg Meeker's that I listened to on MP3 while doing errands in the car or out for a walk or even getting house work done. I enjoyed her take on motherhood. It was all very good advice - some of it easier to but into practice than actually do not because I don't think it was good advice but just because so much of being a mother is not easy! Lots of good anecdotal stories to help make her points. Most of her 10 habits will make you a better mother and person i...more
Changed my life! Improved my marriage. Most influential book I've read in a long time. I'm not religious only one chapter really focuses on faith and she leaves room for other interpretations. This book is helping me to love my family and to have happiness for myself every day. I listen to the audio book over and over on my commute whenever i get stressed and it really helps me get grounded and focus on what is important to me. Loved it! Highly recommend it, especially for over achiever working...more
This is an excerpt of my review, the whole of which can be found at http://thisfelicitouslife.wordpress.com.
At first glance, this book seems a lot like the advice you might get in parenting magazines or the What To Expect books. Most of the books and articles I’ve read like this are long on general platitudes and short on practical advice.
Dr. Meeker’s book offers more than platitudes and laundry detergent recipes. She suggests some new attitudes and ways to prioritize that don’t add to my to-do...more
At first glance, this book seems a lot like the advice you might get in parenting magazines or the What To Expect books. Most of the books and articles I’ve read like this are long on general platitudes and short on practical advice.
Dr. Meeker’s book offers more than platitudes and laundry detergent recipes. She suggests some new attitudes and ways to prioritize that don’t add to my to-do...more
Meeker, a physician, doesn’t have the authority to write about theology; rather than strengthening her arguments, it weakens them. On the other hand her 10 Habits make common sense, regardless of which religion the reader belongs to. I've summarized each chapter below:
1. Know Your Value: the work you do has immeasurable value, weather you or your children realize it now.
2. Make Time to Maintain Friendships: although they take maintenance, inner-circle friends can last a lifetime. Your friends wi...more
1. Know Your Value: the work you do has immeasurable value, weather you or your children realize it now.
2. Make Time to Maintain Friendships: although they take maintenance, inner-circle friends can last a lifetime. Your friends wi...more
I really wish this book was more engaging than it is. I've had it in the house for over a month and have had a hard time staying with it. It has echoes of The Happiness Project but is duller. I don't feel like I'm the target audience for this book, but, as a mother, I suppose I am? It's just piles of blather and non-sequitur anecdotes, accompanied by a lot of first-person extrapolation.
Chapter 1: Understand your value as a mother-- You are important, and you should have a realistic view of yours...more
Chapter 1: Understand your value as a mother-- You are important, and you should have a realistic view of yours...more
The biggest book yet from Dr. Meg Meeker, the author of the hit Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, focuses on the author's years of expertise with mothers and what she's learned about creating new, healthy emotional habits that will vastly improve women's lives.
Listen to The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers on your smartphone, notebook or desktop computer.
Listen to The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers on your smartphone, notebook or desktop computer.
Best thing I've read on mothering. This book doesn't advocate one style of parenting. It doesn't feed on parental fear. It doesn't tell you that you can be a perfect mother. It does not encourage you to judge your success as a mother on the academic or athletic success of your children. It does not tell you how to discipline your children, or that if you don't do it her way your kids will will be losers and it will be all your fault. It also isn't a super sugary lovey dovey motherhood is always...more
I started out really liking this because it had good anecdotes and actual suggestions on how to implement her 10 habits at the end of each chapter. I also appreciated that this had less of the hit you over the head Christianity that her other book "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" had.
In the end, I have already begun practicing a lot of her habits, so the last half of the book was less useful for me as I didn't identify with it as much. For a woman struggling, her advice would be useful and wi...more
In the end, I have already begun practicing a lot of her habits, so the last half of the book was less useful for me as I didn't identify with it as much. For a woman struggling, her advice would be useful and wi...more
Meg Meeker is a favorite parenting author of mine. She is a pediatrician who offers very practical advice on guiding your children to adulthood. The habits discussed in the book are no surprise (time for solitude, don't compete with other mothers, simplify, have hope), but each chapter offers tips on how to achieve these goals at home. I think she would be a fantastic speaker if she's ever in your neighborhood.
This was good...I didn't like it as much as I could have and maybe should have. She did have some pretty good points and ideas, although there was a lot of information packed in. As I was reading it I felt motivated and excited yet I have a hard time remembering anything that stands out now. Her ideas weren't brand new, but I liked the style of giving habits with points under each. I didn't relate in all the ways, I felt her experiences came from a very different situation than mine, an older wo...more
So many great ideas to help mothers be happy. Too many times through out the book, I would catch myself thinking that she is describing me! While some items seem like such simple things to do, I plan on trying to implement a few of these into my life.
I think too often we get so busy with life and our families suffer. I will simplify my life and truly figure out what my priorities are!
I think too often we get so busy with life and our families suffer. I will simplify my life and truly figure out what my priorities are!
I love Meeker's approach to Mothering. She reminds us to relax and that it's okay to lean on others for support, to make a conscious decision to be kind to yourself and to make being hopeful a way of life. I needed this, and I think any Mom would feel the same way after reading. The structure of the book is organized and easy to follow.
I like her straight-forward advice for moms. This book reminds us that being a mom is not about the superficial--it is a deep, meaningful job to parent and in order to be successful, we need to be less about what's on the surface and "keeping up with other moms" and more about connecting with God, ourselves, our spouses and our kids.
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“Friends who love us know that motherhood is about transitioning--and adjusting, constantly, to those changes. We must become masters of change because that is what life demands of us.”
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