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In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms

3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 1,077 ratings · 367 reviews

They number in the millions and they are incredibly important to families and to our society, yet they are underappreciated, little respected, and even controversial.

Who are they?

They are the stay-at-home moms.

These are women who know in their hearts that staying home to raise their children is the right choice for the whole family. Some do it from the outset of their marr...more

Hardcover, 224 pages

Published April 7th 2009 by Harper (first published 1997)

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Feb 14, 2012 Kelsey rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a friend recommend this to me and I only got through about half of it. Don't get me wrong-- I have praise for stay-at-home moms too, and certainly I think there is a case for staying home with your children. Dr. Laura is just not making that case. In fact I think she made stay-at-home moms look more small-minded and condescending than I could have imagined was possible, all while insulting every woman on the planet who doesn't spend every waking and would-be sleeping moment coddling and nu...more I had a friend recommend this to me and I only got through about half of it. Don't get me wrong-- I have praise for stay-at-home moms too, and certainly I think there is a case for staying home with your children. Dr. Laura is just not making that case. In fact I think she made stay-at-home moms look more small-minded and condescending than I could have imagined was possible, all while insulting every woman on the planet who doesn't spend every waking and would-be sleeping moment coddling and nurturing their child. Frankly, I was nauseated and straight-up upset by her perspective. She was so close-minded and showed no compassion for the incredible variety of family situations, touting the singular approach of mother at home all day, father at work all day. She continually made extreme, unsupported statements; perhaps the most blaring was one that essentially stated (in more or less words) that unless the mom was a working in a cathouse or drunk on the couch, every child who had a stay at home ALWAYS felt loved, comforted and safe.

????

Okay I'm sorry, but that is completely absurd, and quite frankly it is wrong. I think the thing that bothered me most about her book was that she kept emphasizing mother being home as the paramount parenting quality, when in fact there are plenty of women who stay at home and are not very good mothers at all. She also continually slandered women who stated that they felt like they would be crazy if they were home all day, so they kept part-time jobs or something. She stated, without exception, that those women needed to get over themselves and spend every moment of their entire day with their children. Here's a thought: if a woman feels insane when she is at home all the time, she's probably not going to be the most amazing mother. Give her a break-- if she's going crazy, it would be healthier for all parties, including the children, if she had some outside activities. Whether that's a part-time gig or volunteer work or whatever I frankly don't care, but I do know that everyone in the family is better off when mother is happy. And if mother is unhappy being closeted in her house all day, then there needs to be a different arrangement.

Further, Dr. Laura continually emphasized that every possible sacrifice should be made so that the mother can be at home all the time. If the husband has to take on 4 jobs and never spend a moment with his family, so be it. It's better for the children to have the 24/7 attention of their mother. Again, what the!?! I was, quite frankly, offended by this approach. I have a much higher opinion of my husband and the future father of my children than that. Her assertion was that the most valuable contribution a father can make is to support his wife in staying at home, and provide for the family. Certainly a man who works hard enough to support his family ought to be praised and acknowledged, but I am confident that is not the sole, nor the most important, offering that a father has for his children. Having had a father that worked non-stop for many years of my childhood and then switched careers so he could better support my mother at home and spend more time with the family, I will tell you this: I would take an involved father over a $-making one EVERY single time. Fathers need to be involved in the raising of their children! They have a valuable, wonderful perspective to offer that cannot be compensated in any other way. I'm offended that Dr. Laura thinks so low of men that the only viable offering they have is money. Personally, I am not so conceited to think that my attention and nurturing alone is enough to meet my child's every possible need. I know that their father needs to be a part of that, and rightfully so.

To her credit, it seems that she does make women who are currently staying at home feel validated about the work they are doing (as evidenced by the positive reviews by "SAHMs" on here). I supposed this could be a good read to validate someone who is already at home and hopes to feel better about her decision. Though personally I would still find it hard not to discredit her praise of SAHMs given her obvious and blatant bias. I would certainly never recommend this to anyone who is considering staying at home, or who works and would like to better understand the value of staying at home. Especially if that person were even remotely bright or intelligent. Dr. Laura's laid back writing style and lack of any real evidence besides anecdotal letters from select fans would be enough to turn off anyone with critical thinking skills.

All that aside, I still think there is a strong case for women to stay at home with their children, particularly when they are infants and young children. But there is a better case for them than the one Dr. Laura makes, and there is a better balance to be found than the ridiculous caricature of family life that Dr. Laura paints here. As one who admires and defends all mothers who make their children the highest priority, I raise my voice in praise of the sacrifice and love they consistently give. And to those that stay at home, I applaud you. Your work is valuable and irreplaceable. I hope someone else writes a more accurate and better-evidenced book defending your actions-- certainly it could be done. (less)

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Jan 14, 2010 Dianna rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought I would like this book more, considering I'm a stay-at-home mom. And her message is great: it's a nice change to hear someone saying that being there for your kids is important, as I believe it is.

But the tone of this book bothered me. The over-casual writing style and a few dumbed-down grammatical choices (like less instead of fewer and a few others) led me to believe that either Dr. Laura or her editor or both feels that stay-at-home moms (or SAHMs, as she calls them) need to be talk...more

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Apr 10, 2009 Melanie Atkinson rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was suggested to me by my mother (a former stay at home mom) on a particularly rough day with my three small sons. Needing an emotional boost of some sort, I waited for my husband to get home from work and then headed straight for Barnes & Noble. We're on a tight budget so the $25.99 price wasn't cheap for us, but it was worth the investment. I needed to read every word in that book.
Dr. Laura begins by promising the book is designed to validate those moms who have chosen to remain...more This book was suggested to me by my mother (a former stay at home mom) on a particularly rough day with my three small sons. Needing an emotional boost of some sort, I waited for my husband to get home from work and then headed straight for Barnes & Noble. We're on a tight budget so the $25.99 price wasn't cheap for us, but it was worth the investment. I needed to read every word in that book.
Dr. Laura begins by promising the book is designed to validate those moms who have chosen to remain home with their children rather than entering the work force. Although her views on the matter (working moms vs. SAHM) are obvious, she focuses more on uplifting the stay-at-home-mom rather than tearing down the working mom. She shares stories, inspiration, happy endings, and even websites all designed to help SAHM's to see the value in what they do every day.
She talks about the role of husbands and what wives can do to gain their support and make the home a happier place. She offers suggestions for getting through those tough times when the role of full time mother and wife may seem daunting and even thankless. She reminds her readers of the incredible blessings of being a SAHM and the joy it can bring to so many lives.
She often lists some of the sacrifices many SAHM's must make such as nicer cars, furniture, expensive haircuts, new clothes, etc. As a SAHM mom, I can attest to these sacrifices. There are moments when it's easy to wish for those things and wonder if getting a job which would take me away from my children would be the answer to my frivolous longing. However, Dr. Laura's book encouragingly reminds SAHM's they are missing nothing of great significance when compared to the all too fleeting and beautiful moments they share with their children every day.
Truly, this is a wonderful book for those who will recognize its message and content for what it is: Validation, support, and the tribute SAHM's so desperately need and crave in a world where their role has become less and less revered and respected.
Thank you, Dr. Laura!
(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Yellow Rose rated it 3 of 5 stars

Staying Home is the Best Work an Intelligent and Dignified Woman should Pursue

I really liked this book, the Premise of the book is beautiful, and I wholeheartedly agree with the fact that women should stay home to raise their children and help their husbands.

The drawback of the book is that the author is concerned with career women who have decided to stay home. Therefore, she deals with all the issues these women might encounter on their switch to becoming a stay at home mother. She talks about...more Staying Home is the Best Work an Intelligent and Dignified Woman should Pursue

I really liked this book, the Premise of the book is beautiful, and I wholeheartedly agree with the fact that women should stay home to raise their children and help their husbands.

The drawback of the book is that the author is concerned with career women who have decided to stay home. Therefore, she deals with all the issues these women might encounter on their switch to becoming a stay at home mother. She talks about how to convince your husband. It is so sad that husbands these days need convincing that it is beneficial for a woman to stay home. Back in the days, it was shameful for a man to make his wife work outside the home. The man by law had to support and provide for the woman's well being so she can raise happy healthy children who in turn become useful members of society. She also talks about the transition into staying home such as the feeling of "dependence" and loss of identity that women might feel. She presumes that her readers are all oriented independent career women wannabes just like Dr. Schlessinger.

Therefore, I think this book is great for mothers who are thinking to become stay at home moms and leave their careers in order to raise children and take care of the family, a highly recommended book.

Nevertheless, what Dr. Laura fails to mention is the enormous amount of pressure that young women especially late teens and early twenties experience, to become career women. Surveys tells us that if a woman had a chance over 50% of women would stay home to raise children it is either distrust, lack of money and other social factors where society sees stay at home moms as "useless" mentality that draws a lot of the women to actually go on and have careers although they might not want to. Eventually the career and the "double burden" at home destroys these women and there families. There is no peace the wife is cranky because she must do all the work a husband gets cranky that his wife is nagging him and children suffer. Marriages were a woman and men both work are more likely to dissolve and fail as studies tell us.

Overall, I recommend this book even thought I believe it has its drawbacks because Dr. Laura wrote this amazing little book that actually praises stay at home mothers. In addition, in this modern society were stay at home moms are seen as lazy, parasitic, and depressed. We need more books that tell us of the virtues and the positives of being a stay at home mom.

It is the hand that rocks the Cradle that Rules the world after all. To have a good society we must have stable and positive families that bring joy and happiness to the world and to everyone. This book is just about that it is celebrating stay at home moms, because stay at home moms are strong women who are doing the most important job in the world.

The biggest changes in the world start with happy and successful families.(less)

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May 30, 2012 Natalia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dr. Laura Schlessinger does not mess around...she doesn't shirt around hard issues and says it just how it is, black and white. For the most part I really enjoyed this book. It's not intended (as she stats many times) to be a "research" book, but rather a life experiences book. I found the letters written by women that she shares very helpful and the greatest testimony for stay-at-home moms.

Sometimes Dr. Laura is a little too black and white...it's hard to disgust some of what she suggests, but...more

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May 21, 2012 SusanwithaGoodBook rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a stay-at-home and homeschooling mother I have at times felt the derision from working mothers of my choice to stay home. I’ve heard that I’m wasting my intellect, my college degree, and my time. I’ve heard the age old “My kid just looooooves daycare or preschool or his after school program.” And then there’s the ever popular, “I just couldn’t do that, I’d be SO BORED!” But the most upsetting one for me has always been the strangely popular “I just couldn’t do that, they drive me crazy! I lov...more As a stay-at-home and homeschooling mother I have at times felt the derision from working mothers of my choice to stay home. I’ve heard that I’m wasting my intellect, my college degree, and my time. I’ve heard the age old “My kid just looooooves daycare or preschool or his after school program.” And then there’s the ever popular, “I just couldn’t do that, I’d be SO BORED!” But the most upsetting one for me has always been the strangely popular “I just couldn’t do that, they drive me crazy! I love it when they go to school. I even hate holidays and summer!” I’ve always wondered why these people even had children. Maybe that’s why I truly enjoyed this book.

Doctor Laura’s book is definitely going to upset the working mom, so if you’re one of those, don’t bother to pick it up. She definitely puts down that choice, and gives plenty of good concrete reasons for believing that the love and attention of an unhurried, unstressed mother is best. A fair reading of it shows that Doctor Laura acknowledges that not every family is perfect, but she maintains that a stay at home mother is still better than a working one unless the mother is abusive or neglectful. She uses hyperbole to make her points at times, but she also uses concrete examples and testimonials from real life mothers and children. [My own experience working in a day care center mirrors the comments from the writers in her book. After two days in that place, I knew I’d never put any child of mine in one.]

A lot of the book is devoted to explaining to the stay-at-home mom that if you’re still feeling overly stressed or not enjoying it, then you probably aren’t doing it right. Husbands are critical to the family, and Doctor Laura is big on the necessity for a happy, healthy marriage to support the growth and development of the children, even with mom at home. She encourages moms to remember to make their husbands - their marriages - a priority. This is not done to make moms feel less than, but to help them see that if their marriage is strong, they will, in turn, be happier in the long run. She strongly emphasizes not making your children the center of the universe, but rather part of the family unit - a team - working through life’s problems together. She also gives lots of other tips on getting rest, finding support, and - most of all - looking for the little joys in a simple life of spending time in the family.

It really is a beautiful picture of the way a family should work. So many in our world want to put down the family structure, and marriage and children as a priority in favor of the self. Women are encouraged to “find themselves” and find fulfillment in ways other than in a family. It was refreshing for me to read a book that reminds us to find our fulfillment in our families and in serving each other.(less)

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Feb 08, 2012 Rachel Merritt rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books

I thought I would like this book more, considering I chose to be a stay-at-home mom 18 years ago for all these same reasons. However, as I read, I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed at the notion that only the mothers can fill this role. Despite the fact that I made the choice to stay home to raise my children, I have always considered myself to be a proponent for feminism. I feel that a woman can do absolutely any job a man can do, and, likewise, that men can be proficient, nurturing pa...more

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Aug 24, 2011 Kater Cheek rated it 3 of 5 stars

I chose to be a stay-at-home mom, and did so for more than a decade, so it came as a surprise to me that a book dedicated to lauding my decision would piss me off so much. I'm giving it three starts, because I enjoyed reading it. Apparently, I kind of like to be pissed off. It gives me great fodder for book reviews.

I've read other books by Dr. Laura, including the ten things people do to mess up their lives. For those of you who haven't been exposed to her books or her talk show, she's basicall...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

A valuable book, and a breath of fresh air to have a high-profile professional defend with plentiful and solid arguments what you already believe, regardless of how unpopular it is. I wish Dr. Laura could convince everyone on this particular point. That said, I realized while reading this book that it was not going to have any influence on my own feelings of self-worth or my decision to be a stay-at-home mom, since I already feel very secure that I am doing the right thing and have never suffere...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Kristina Rich rated it 2 of 5 stars

Being a stay at home mom I thought this book would relate to me more. the first 1/3 of the book is basically talking about ultra feminists who think they can do it all and have it all while someone else raises their kids, then on to deciding to be a SAHM and then convincing your husband to let you stay home. None of which I really cared for. I must say that my husband and I knew before we had kids that I would stay at home. I do not feel like I need a pat on the back for my decision. Yes, its ha...more

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Apr 19, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting

Let me just get this part out in the open: I am a stay-at-home-mom and I feel that yes, she really does trash working moms in this book. Even though she states right there in the preface, "I come to praise at-home moms, not to bury full-time working moms." I do remember quite a bit of controversy over this book was it was released. This book was a gift from a friend who is a working mom, interestingly enough.

Now, that said, this book came to me at just the right time. Things are difficult right...more

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Apr 02, 2011 Alycia Morales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, mom-books, favorite-reads

I realize this book released in 2009. Although it took me over a year to purchase a copy, I'm thankful I did.

I found Dr. Laura's book a delightful read. The stories from other SAHMs were inspiring and encouraging. We are not alone in this world of successful businesswomen. We have other fellow SAHMs fighting the good fight with us.

My favorite part of the book was the final chapter, entitled "Great Advice." The tips given here are practical, realistic, useful and to the point. They will help any...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Mary rated it 1 of 5 stars

To be honest, I couldn't finish it. When you choose a path in life, you often search out those who validate and support your choice to buoy you on days when your path is challenging. However, after the first two or three chapters, I felt that the author was so negative towards those whose choice was not mine, that it bordered on superiority. I do not believe that all women who do not stay home with their children do so because of selfishness. She didn't seem to even acknowledge that so many do s...more

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Apr 16, 2010 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first 3 chapters praise, but the true beauty of it is the feedback and suggestions it gives you in order to be better at staying home. It gave me a great perspective and a good kick in the pants that was much needed. I was inspired greatly by it and that's why I gave it 5 stars.
Favorites: "One of the greatest blessings in life is to learn to be content with and fulfilled by the small simple things in life. After all, these make up the majority of the human experience"
"It's often better to...more

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Feb 13, 2010 Steph rated it 4 of 5 stars

I will first say that I've read a lot of "Mom" books, and quite honestly I'm usually interested in the title, the chapter headings, and a few nice quotes - but I usually get bored with the majority of it. Oh ,and one warning - I thought the first three chapters were pretty "typical." Just basically sainting motherhood, which is nice to hear for a minute, but 3 chapters for me was a bit long. BUT after that I loved it. I think the reason this book is different is because she talks about the benef...more

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Feb 12, 2010 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't say enough about this book! My sister actually was the one that reserved this book at the library, I just happened picked it up for her. Out of curiosity I started to read it and I couldn’t put it down. It gave me great advice on how to be a better mom and gave me a well needed pat on the back for all my efforts! All SAHM's should read this!

Quotes that made me fall in love with this book…
SAHMs are not SAHMs because they’re lucky, stupid, lazy, weak, scared, useless, spoiled, frightened,...more

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Feb 07, 2010 Lisa G rated it 3 of 5 stars

My faith gives this book a mixed review. I appreciate the praise and kind words Dr. Laura gives SAHMs, but I think the tone of the book is what I struggled with. I believe every woman has her own thoughts on the subject of working vs. staying at home. I think if you are fortunate enough to be called mom ... you will be working full time every day for the rest of your life. Joy is what you find in those every day moments with your children whether you are at home or working. My refrigerator is sp...more

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Jan 18, 2010 Jill added it

this woman.
i purposefully read this to learn "the other side" of woman's thinking about motherhood opposed to the true blue feminists. dr. laura is responsible for the stifling mentality that blatantly suggests that a woman's sole purpose is to be in the home. she pegs the working mother against the stay-at-home mother in a way that prohibits any evolution of motherhood and solidarity of mothers(working or not). she insists that being at home with the children and caring for the husband brings...more

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Jan 10, 2010 Krissy Obermark rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: parenting, women

So I was very skeptical. Very. The book was a gift from a friend who wanted to be able to discuss the book, so I dutifully read it. Dr. Laura is so extreme and although in her intro she promises that she came "to praise stay-at-home-moms, not to bury career moms," that is precisely what she does. She doesn't even mention stay-at-home dads. She assumes that absolutely any family can survive on one income (a man's) with enough tenacity and good budgeting. And although my family has made it work, I...more

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Jan 02, 2010 Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

My feelings on this book are mixed. I was browsing at Barnes and Noble and came across it, and thought it might be a good inspirational book for me to read, since I am a SAHM. It did have some good information and uplifting stories from other SAHMs, but there were a few things I didn't like about it.

First of all, I feel the author is very critical of WOHMs. I didn't expect that when I got the book, and it irked me. I felt like a lot of the stories she shared from moms were from the holier than t...more My feelings on this book are mixed. I was browsing at Barnes and Noble and came across it, and thought it might be a good inspirational book for me to read, since I am a SAHM. It did have some good information and uplifting stories from other SAHMs, but there were a few things I didn't like about it.

First of all, I feel the author is very critical of WOHMs. I didn't expect that when I got the book, and it irked me. I felt like a lot of the stories she shared from moms were from the holier than thou SAHMs, who I can't stand. I could sense the disdain for WOHMs and it seemed more like a book that is trying to convince working moms why they should stay home.

Secondly, I think she paints an idealistic picture of what a SAHM is and should be. While I agree with a lot of what she says, I think she has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to WOHMs, and I am not sure why. She says in the book that people who are often critical of another mother's choice to stay home are often defensive about their choice to work. BUT, she is basically doing the same thing by some of the comments she makes about daycare kids being "warehoused."

I wish the book had focused more on the positives of being a SAHM rather than criticizing the lifestyle of working mothers. It's like the author doesn't realize that some women have to work and have no choice. Not all circumstances are the same.

I was hoping the book would give me inspiration, but I feel like it was largely another glimpse into the mommy wars. Being a SAHM is hard. I am sure working and then coming home and doing the family stuff is hard too. I think it's hard in different ways. Every single day I am thankful for the life I have, even though there are days I want to run screaming for the hills. I just wish women wouldn't be SO critical of each other, and I feel there was too much criticism in the book. I choose to SAH for many reasons. I feel it's best for our family and I know my kids have benefited from it in a multitude of ways, but it's not my right to decide how other people decide to run their family. (less)

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Jul 17, 2009 Mommalovesbaby rated it 2 of 5 stars

First, I would like to address what I thought was good about this book. Stay-at-home moms do not have many champions in our society. It is refreshing to read a book dedicated to cheerleading for stay-at-home moms.

I liked all of the letters that Dr. Laura shares in the book that are from her readers/listeners.

Unlike some fellow reviewers, I don't think that this book is mocking or degrading working moms. Afterall, the author IS a working mom herself. She has authored 15 books, had a television s...more First, I would like to address what I thought was good about this book. Stay-at-home moms do not have many champions in our society. It is refreshing to read a book dedicated to cheerleading for stay-at-home moms.

I liked all of the letters that Dr. Laura shares in the book that are from her readers/listeners.

Unlike some fellow reviewers, I don't think that this book is mocking or degrading working moms. Afterall, the author IS a working mom herself. She has authored 15 books, had a television show, and a radio show. All this while raising her son. When asked by some what she did for a living, I doubt that she has ever replied that she is a "stay-at-home mom"!

What I disliked about this book is Dr. Laura's pious tone. Many mothers don't have a spouse to help care for the children and must work. Others simply need 2 incomes to make it. I for one could never afford to pay someone to come and stay with me for 2 weeks postpartum. I definitely can't afford a personal trainer to tone me and a pilates instructor to stretch me out! Sometimes mothers are forced to work, not that they want to work.

I also don't think that Dr. Laura is really the person who should be writing this book. Afterall, she really isn't nor has she been a stay-at-home mom. A stay-at-home mom is someone that STAYS AT HOME and isn't the primary breadwinner! A stay-at-home mom isn't someone who is home most of the day and works at night. Additionally, I don't like being preached at by a divorcee who shacked up with her current hubby for 9 years before bothering to marry him. Her current hubby, according to what I have read, was still married to his first wife (mother to 3 of his children) when Dr. Laura became involved with him.

Speaking of hubbies, I didn't like Dr. Laura's division of labor between a stay-at-home mom and her working husband. My hubby does help out around the house, even washing dishes once in a while. He certainly doesn't just plop down after "a hard day at work" (like I've been laying on the couch eating bon bons all day!) while I wait on him hand and foot!

Apparently, the wifey-poo should be a godess of calm who stays thin, prepares meals, and wants to jump in the sack at any given moment. The husband should be "pumped up" and told that he is "the man"! While I do believe that husband and wife should bolster each other's self esteem, she repeats this litany of shameless pumping up the man over and over. My husband knows that he is a man and has confidence and faith in himself. While he appreciates compliments from me, he doesn't need them to bolster a flagging self-esteem.

Stay-at-home moms do work. They are the backbone of the family. I do agree with her there. I just don't understand why someone who has been the main support of her family is even writing this book to begin with. Perhaps it is to continue to support her and her husband in the lifestyles to which they have become accustomed.(less)

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Jul 07, 2009 Jeannie rated it 4 of 5 stars

The title obviously makes SAHMs feel GREAT and justified in their roles, so I highly recommend this book to any current stay-at-home-moms and those thinking about being a SAHM. It gave me clarity as to why it was so tough for me the first year I was at home with my kids and I really liked how the book hit all levels of who the SAHM benefits--not just the wife, husband, or kids, but neighbors, other families and ultimately our communities. It reminds me how the family REALLY is the basic unit of...more

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Jun 04, 2009 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: child-development

Well, I certainly wouldn't have picked this book for myself, but since Ken got it for me for Mother's Day it was an interesting read. The thing I don't like about Dr. Laura is her tone. She can come off as so condescending and arrogant that it can be hard to really get her message. At once point I started feeling like a lot of what she was trying to say (which is great, by the way if you can get past her tone) is similar to what Thich Nhat Hanh says in "Anger." Basically, if you want to get good...more

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Apr 24, 2009 Apzmarshl rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all moms

Recommended to Apzmarshl by: superman

Dr. Laura's newest book is here just in time to give a boost to all full time mommies. This book is not full of statistics and science, just enough emotion to bring realization that there is nothing and no one that can top mommy love.
Obviously I enjoyed the book because it is upon the foundation of the mother relationship that I have built much of my recent life. Dr. Laura's anecdotal ways illustrates the important role mommy plays in the life of her WHOLE family. I felt like I was getting a big...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Raven rated it 1 of 5 stars

I picked up this book because I thought it might give me some insight and validation for my current roles, for which my younger self had not prepared. I attempted to approach this with an open mind, because I thought perhaps I did not care for the radio personality but could not remember any reason why. Also, I am not opposed to finding nuggets of wisdom burried somewhere unexpected or even unpleasant. This book did not deliver.

My ability to embrace my current role(s) is my corrected understand...more

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May 03, 2010 Jennifer Griffith rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed breezing through this. Dr. Laura is so right-on with what I believe (most of the time), and it's great to have my station in life validated. She had a lot of good advice, too, like not trying to jam too many to-do list items into my SAHM day or else I would lose the joy of my calling, and she insists that we make time for ourselves, including the occasional nap. Who doesn't love the prophet who tells us what we want to hear? Ha ha.

I loved the letters she included from her liste...more

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Aug 12, 2009 Kelley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Two stars means "it was okay" and that's about all I can say for this book. I didn't hate it. I am a stay at home mom, for Pete's sake! I just thought it would be better titled, "In criticism of working moms." She just attacks them over and over, pretty harshly. I believe in staying at home, but I don't know if she goes about the argument the right way(aka rage-filled ranting). I also think she paints too pretty a picture of staying at home. She talks about how you're there to see all the "first...more

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May 06, 2009 kyersten rated it 4 of 5 stars

I bought this book to give to my sister for Mother's Day,
Happy Mother's Day Lydia!!
Of course I had to read it first before mailing it off. I am a fan of Dr. Laura, I try to listen to her when I can. I appreciate her way of telling it like it is and not worring about whether it's PC or not. I didn't have kids so I could warehouse them off to someone else to raise, and I don't need a paycheck to make me feel like I contribute or am of importance. I am doing the most important work of all, raising...more

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Feb 23, 2010 Donna rated it 2 of 5 stars

My mom bought me this book because she thought that it would be interesting for me since two years ago I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. I had no expectations for the book. I never followed Dr. Laura Schlessinger before or knew anything about her. I have to say that I have mixed feelings about the book. I did not dislike the book, however I did not like the author's tone---a little too defensive and sarcastic---even though she claims she is not being just that. My philosophy in life is, what i...more

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Aug 07, 2009 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book. It reinforced the reasons that I chose to become a stay-at-home mom and gave great advice on how to deal with different issues that women face while being one. Specifically, she talks about women who feel like they to give their credentials so people don't think that they're "just" a mom. This was so me until a few months ago. It was a hard transitions going from an MBA graduate and career woman to a stay-at-home mom. I've never regretted the decision but I have felt looke...more

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“Venting every feeling isn't mature. Learning to deal with uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings is an important aspect of maturity.” — 8 people liked it

“Learning to endure, transform by perspective or action, and be grateful is the fast lane to a good life. That's right. Having great luck and fortune is not the conduit to a loving and enjoyable life; gratitude is.” — 5 people liked it

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