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When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness
“This is a brilliant adaptation of the IFS model of therapy; addressing ‘Mom Parts’ is a groundbreaking way to help mothers improve their mental health. When Good Moms Feel Bad is a must-read.”
—Richard Schwartz, PhD, creator of Internal Family Systems and author of No Bad Parts
Moms have it hard; whether it's ingrained beliefs, the pressures of everything from social expectations to social media, or their own childhood wounds, even the best moms can feel like they are flailing—and failing. Psychotherapists and moms Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri see this every day in their practices. With compassion, humor and paradoxical wisdom, Tomich Sorci and Geshuri address difficult and often suppressed emotions such fear, anger, guilt, disappointment, ambivalence, and the shame and grief that ubiquitously accompany motherhood. In the first book applying Internal Family Systems to motherhood, they share their revelatory adaptation of IFS to validate these feelings, helping moms to accept and work through them. Introducing the concept of “parts” as well as the techniques of unblending (separating from reactions and recognizing them as parts) and befriending (bringing warmth and curiosity to individual parts), Tomich Sorci and Geshuri’s simple and practical program offers a way for any mom anywhere to identify her pain points, make sense of her distress—and begin to find relief.
—Richard Schwartz, PhD, creator of Internal Family Systems and author of No Bad Parts
Moms have it hard; whether it's ingrained beliefs, the pressures of everything from social expectations to social media, or their own childhood wounds, even the best moms can feel like they are flailing—and failing. Psychotherapists and moms Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri see this every day in their practices. With compassion, humor and paradoxical wisdom, Tomich Sorci and Geshuri address difficult and often suppressed emotions such fear, anger, guilt, disappointment, ambivalence, and the shame and grief that ubiquitously accompany motherhood. In the first book applying Internal Family Systems to motherhood, they share their revelatory adaptation of IFS to validate these feelings, helping moms to accept and work through them. Introducing the concept of “parts” as well as the techniques of unblending (separating from reactions and recognizing them as parts) and befriending (bringing warmth and curiosity to individual parts), Tomich Sorci and Geshuri’s simple and practical program offers a way for any mom anywhere to identify her pain points, make sense of her distress—and begin to find relief.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WHEN GOOD MOMS FEEL BAD
BY: JESSICA TOMICH SORCI
I have an extensive background in all modalities of psychology and it's rare that I would rate a book as low as this one, in fact I think this is the first time U have ever been so sure that I felt this to be one that I wouldn't recommend. I am not a Clinician but while I love the concept of this book's intent, I also couldn't relate personally to the negative emotions and I speak from experience of having raised two children into young adults. I think that I have a multitude of reasons why I can applaud the two author's intent because I am fully on board with empowering mothers who have felt or who struggle with these valid emotions, I don't think the average mother with young children who are already overwhelmed are going to find relief in this book.
I could write so many different ideas but I will start with my opinion first is that most women with young children who are looking forward to finding relief are not going to find the modality of Internal Family Systems or IFS, pioneered by Dr. Richard Schwartz is easy to understand in this volume. I am an older reader but I think that unless they have been educated in IFS, or are beyond the average fleeting negative emotions that are a common part of the human experience I think that the execution of this will be confusing. I have nothing but positive opinions about this modality bringing rapid results in terms of IFS being effective, I don't think your average audience will find this user friendly. I am trying to remember back when I had my first child. and most of my acquaintances would meet once a week for lunch with our children that were under a year old wouldn't relate to this unless they had a chronic unexpected diagnosis, and I;m thinking that one of us did but she felt upset and found connection from us, her family etc.
I think unless a young caregiver needed additional support then this could be a resource in conjunction with seeking out a therapist who uses IFS, and that I don't think it's impossible to use this without an IFS practitioner. I just think that I of all people think that I might be the wrong fit as far as I had many adverse experiences which I can imagine should have made me experience motherhood relating to these symptoms, but personally I should say that I either had the opposite experience. I loved being a mother and I never felt anger, guilt, if anything I should say that I think I felt that I chose to have more children even though I almost died giving birth to my eldest child. I didn't get to hold my first child since I was dying in the ICU all day, and then sent by ambulance where I spent another week in one of the best hospitals in the U.S. which my baby couldn't come with me, depriving me to see him. When I saw him when my husband, and best friend drove an hour and a half with our baby I remember as weak as I was when I saw him how I felt an instant overpowering, love that I can't find adequate words to describe.
I have two Graduate degrees that I earned prior which I never used but I have no regrets since I was fortunate to have the choice to be a stay at home Mom. Even though my obstetrician told me not to have anymore children. I wanted another baby when he turned one year old. I had a horrible role model that if not for my father, and two sets of Grandparents who were saints who I made a conscious decision to use as my role models. I had more children and I can't explain it but I never had to raise my voice to my children because I had never felt their behavior warranted it. The only reason I decided to read this book is because after they moved out I had a couple of minor disagreements with my eldest, and one with my youngest. I was fortunate that my children and I had laid back temperaments. My husband was stricter, and he is easy going but we both often wish we could relive their younger years again.
This book would be recommended for therapists or those familiar with IFS, since I thought it could have been written in a way that explained it for a general audience. I think I read biochemistry books that are written in easy to understand for everybody. I feel bad but I read most self help books who I prefer the authors to have if not a PhD, or MD that are written to be engaging, and I think that I have been doing this long enough to tell the difference between much harder and sophisticated concepts and I know that this was the first time I have rated below four stars. I felt disappointed because I am well versed in IFS, and even I found it confusing in certain areas. I think even my primary care doctor who I wanted a second opinion from who I saw yesterday who is younger agreed that only IFS therapists are going to read it. I had to read it since I had to give it an honest and fair opinion, and I am pro mental health for those who need it I consider it a strength for those who seek it. I think personal growth is something we all should invest in. I think this was written with compassion and with the intent to be a source of comfort for those struggling. I wish the authors my very best wishes for success. I think in the synopsis this requires in bold text meant for Clinicians or those who are educated in the modality of Internal Family Systems. I cannot recommend this, but I hope the fact that I wrote a thoughtful review which I spent a lot more time on considering I was disappointed in this and the fact that I read it from start to finish.
Publication Date: February 3. 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Jessica Tomich Sorci, and Grand Central Publishing--Balance for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#WhenGoodMomsFeelBad #JessicaTomichSorci #GrandCentralPublishing #Balance #NetGalley #NetGalley
BY: JESSICA TOMICH SORCI
I have an extensive background in all modalities of psychology and it's rare that I would rate a book as low as this one, in fact I think this is the first time U have ever been so sure that I felt this to be one that I wouldn't recommend. I am not a Clinician but while I love the concept of this book's intent, I also couldn't relate personally to the negative emotions and I speak from experience of having raised two children into young adults. I think that I have a multitude of reasons why I can applaud the two author's intent because I am fully on board with empowering mothers who have felt or who struggle with these valid emotions, I don't think the average mother with young children who are already overwhelmed are going to find relief in this book.
I could write so many different ideas but I will start with my opinion first is that most women with young children who are looking forward to finding relief are not going to find the modality of Internal Family Systems or IFS, pioneered by Dr. Richard Schwartz is easy to understand in this volume. I am an older reader but I think that unless they have been educated in IFS, or are beyond the average fleeting negative emotions that are a common part of the human experience I think that the execution of this will be confusing. I have nothing but positive opinions about this modality bringing rapid results in terms of IFS being effective, I don't think your average audience will find this user friendly. I am trying to remember back when I had my first child. and most of my acquaintances would meet once a week for lunch with our children that were under a year old wouldn't relate to this unless they had a chronic unexpected diagnosis, and I;m thinking that one of us did but she felt upset and found connection from us, her family etc.
I think unless a young caregiver needed additional support then this could be a resource in conjunction with seeking out a therapist who uses IFS, and that I don't think it's impossible to use this without an IFS practitioner. I just think that I of all people think that I might be the wrong fit as far as I had many adverse experiences which I can imagine should have made me experience motherhood relating to these symptoms, but personally I should say that I either had the opposite experience. I loved being a mother and I never felt anger, guilt, if anything I should say that I think I felt that I chose to have more children even though I almost died giving birth to my eldest child. I didn't get to hold my first child since I was dying in the ICU all day, and then sent by ambulance where I spent another week in one of the best hospitals in the U.S. which my baby couldn't come with me, depriving me to see him. When I saw him when my husband, and best friend drove an hour and a half with our baby I remember as weak as I was when I saw him how I felt an instant overpowering, love that I can't find adequate words to describe.
I have two Graduate degrees that I earned prior which I never used but I have no regrets since I was fortunate to have the choice to be a stay at home Mom. Even though my obstetrician told me not to have anymore children. I wanted another baby when he turned one year old. I had a horrible role model that if not for my father, and two sets of Grandparents who were saints who I made a conscious decision to use as my role models. I had more children and I can't explain it but I never had to raise my voice to my children because I had never felt their behavior warranted it. The only reason I decided to read this book is because after they moved out I had a couple of minor disagreements with my eldest, and one with my youngest. I was fortunate that my children and I had laid back temperaments. My husband was stricter, and he is easy going but we both often wish we could relive their younger years again.
This book would be recommended for therapists or those familiar with IFS, since I thought it could have been written in a way that explained it for a general audience. I think I read biochemistry books that are written in easy to understand for everybody. I feel bad but I read most self help books who I prefer the authors to have if not a PhD, or MD that are written to be engaging, and I think that I have been doing this long enough to tell the difference between much harder and sophisticated concepts and I know that this was the first time I have rated below four stars. I felt disappointed because I am well versed in IFS, and even I found it confusing in certain areas. I think even my primary care doctor who I wanted a second opinion from who I saw yesterday who is younger agreed that only IFS therapists are going to read it. I had to read it since I had to give it an honest and fair opinion, and I am pro mental health for those who need it I consider it a strength for those who seek it. I think personal growth is something we all should invest in. I think this was written with compassion and with the intent to be a source of comfort for those struggling. I wish the authors my very best wishes for success. I think in the synopsis this requires in bold text meant for Clinicians or those who are educated in the modality of Internal Family Systems. I cannot recommend this, but I hope the fact that I wrote a thoughtful review which I spent a lot more time on considering I was disappointed in this and the fact that I read it from start to finish.
Publication Date: February 3. 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Jessica Tomich Sorci, and Grand Central Publishing--Balance for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#WhenGoodMomsFeelBad #JessicaTomichSorci #GrandCentralPublishing #Balance #NetGalley #NetGalley
January 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ALC of this book!
Whether you’re a new mom struggling through postpartum or a mom to teens wondering if you are meeting their daily needs, this book is for you! Sorci and Geshuri did a great job gently explaining what moms struggle with and how to work through trials throughout your motherhood journey. There are many wonderful days mixed in with the difficult ones and this is an inspiring read on how to not only mother your children, but mother yourself! Don’t forget about how valuable you are. This book provides some great anecdotal advice on how to help you in any situation you may be battling through. Take care of yourself, moms!
Whether you’re a new mom struggling through postpartum or a mom to teens wondering if you are meeting their daily needs, this book is for you! Sorci and Geshuri did a great job gently explaining what moms struggle with and how to work through trials throughout your motherhood journey. There are many wonderful days mixed in with the difficult ones and this is an inspiring read on how to not only mother your children, but mother yourself! Don’t forget about how valuable you are. This book provides some great anecdotal advice on how to help you in any situation you may be battling through. Take care of yourself, moms!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Written by Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT, PMH-C, and Rebecca Geshuri, LMFT, PMH-C, When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide For Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, And Anger Into Compassion, Confidence, And Connectedness does exactly what it sets out to do!
This book meets the reader precisely at the parenting stage they are currently in, knowing they are in fact a flawed and emotionally damaged individual.
It essentially says we are all made up of different parts, each with different emotions, and to better understand them, it's vital to "unblend." Rather than saying "I failed," the idea presented is that a part of you did something your (essentially) best self doesn't agree with, but that it understands why the decision was made in the moment. Not once was an impression of guilt presented within the text, only acceptance and understanding.
Vital to our own well-being, this book reinstates the need to put on our oxygen mask first. But while you are growing, changing, and becoming more adept at dealing with your damaged "inner baby," you are becoming a better parent. Not only is this "unblending" an invaluable tool for parents to better appreciate those different aspects within themselves, acquiring this skill and teaching it helps children comprehend their own (big) emotions.
It's an inspiring concept, one that I had yet to read or hear about from other parenting advice avenues — which makes it even more fascinating!
Christine Lakin brought a calming presence to this audiobook, creating an additional safe space with the tone of her voice.
As I'm of the belief that knowledge is empowering, this book instantly became an invaluable asset along my motherhood journey!
Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Balance for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.
This book meets the reader precisely at the parenting stage they are currently in, knowing they are in fact a flawed and emotionally damaged individual.
It essentially says we are all made up of different parts, each with different emotions, and to better understand them, it's vital to "unblend." Rather than saying "I failed," the idea presented is that a part of you did something your (essentially) best self doesn't agree with, but that it understands why the decision was made in the moment. Not once was an impression of guilt presented within the text, only acceptance and understanding.
Vital to our own well-being, this book reinstates the need to put on our oxygen mask first. But while you are growing, changing, and becoming more adept at dealing with your damaged "inner baby," you are becoming a better parent. Not only is this "unblending" an invaluable tool for parents to better appreciate those different aspects within themselves, acquiring this skill and teaching it helps children comprehend their own (big) emotions.
It's an inspiring concept, one that I had yet to read or hear about from other parenting advice avenues — which makes it even more fascinating!
Christine Lakin brought a calming presence to this audiobook, creating an additional safe space with the tone of her voice.
As I'm of the belief that knowledge is empowering, this book instantly became an invaluable asset along my motherhood journey!
Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Balance for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.
February 4, 2026
If you are a new mother or have been a mother for decades, this is an eye-opening, validating and helpful book on understanding your value as a mother and understanding the need to take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. It normalizes stress and struggles and self-doubts and offers tips and tricks to grow in your confidence and love. I felt a bit more validated, empowered and ready for what’s to come.
The audiobook is narrated by Christine Larkin—her voice was calming, her tone supportive. I’ll be revisiting the audiobook every so often as an easy way to reread and get the reminders I need.
Thank you GCPBalance for the gifted book and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
The audiobook is narrated by Christine Larkin—her voice was calming, her tone supportive. I’ll be revisiting the audiobook every so often as an easy way to reread and get the reminders I need.
Thank you GCPBalance for the gifted book and Hachette Audio for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an okay read, and I can see how When Good Moms Feel Bad could be helpful for many mothers—especially new moms or those who find themselves at a crossroads in their parenting journey.
The book focuses heavily on childhood trauma and how unresolved experiences can shape the way we parent, offering tools for self-reflection and healing. While that approach will likely resonate deeply with some readers, I personally had a hard time fully connecting with it. I was born in Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain, and I don’t identify with the trauma-centered narrative. I feel confident in myself and my parenting, so the themes didn’t feel particularly applicable to my own experience.
That said, I do think this book could be valuable for moms who are struggling, questioning themselves, or looking for guidance as they navigate emotional challenges tied to their past. While it didn’t change my perspective or way of thinking, it may offer comfort and clarity to those who truly need it.
A solid read for the right audience—just not quite the right fit for me.
The book focuses heavily on childhood trauma and how unresolved experiences can shape the way we parent, offering tools for self-reflection and healing. While that approach will likely resonate deeply with some readers, I personally had a hard time fully connecting with it. I was born in Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain, and I don’t identify with the trauma-centered narrative. I feel confident in myself and my parenting, so the themes didn’t feel particularly applicable to my own experience.
That said, I do think this book could be valuable for moms who are struggling, questioning themselves, or looking for guidance as they navigate emotional challenges tied to their past. While it didn’t change my perspective or way of thinking, it may offer comfort and clarity to those who truly need it.
A solid read for the right audience—just not quite the right fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am resolutely NOT a fan of self-help books. I just don't seem to be wired to take comfort or find confidence in reading them. But our youngest has been struggling with anxiety and depression and it has really led me to question myself and my parenting lately, so I've been looking for something (anything) that might help.
I stumbled on this book and something led me to request it and oh my goodness, but it resonated with me in a way no non-fiction book has before. Literally. I don't know anything about the therapy style they discussed. I don't know anything about its validity or scientific background or acceptability in the larger mental health community. What I do know is that the simple, straightforward presentation of ideas gave me things to think about (and cry over) in a way that I connected with on an emotional, visceral level, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
I'm not using it as therapy or a therapeutic replacement. But I do believe that the concept of viewing the self as a whole comprised of parts, each of whom (like each emotion) is present for a reason and with a job to do, none of which are inherently good or bad but simply there to meet a need at a given time, is an intriguing one with interesting possibilities for greater self-understanding and acceptance. As a person who needed a new way to consider her own responses, both internally and externally, I found it thought-provoking and reasonable and I really enjoyed learning about the ideas the authors presented.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary, obligation-free, audio review copy.
I stumbled on this book and something led me to request it and oh my goodness, but it resonated with me in a way no non-fiction book has before. Literally. I don't know anything about the therapy style they discussed. I don't know anything about its validity or scientific background or acceptability in the larger mental health community. What I do know is that the simple, straightforward presentation of ideas gave me things to think about (and cry over) in a way that I connected with on an emotional, visceral level, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
I'm not using it as therapy or a therapeutic replacement. But I do believe that the concept of viewing the self as a whole comprised of parts, each of whom (like each emotion) is present for a reason and with a job to do, none of which are inherently good or bad but simply there to meet a need at a given time, is an intriguing one with interesting possibilities for greater self-understanding and acceptance. As a person who needed a new way to consider her own responses, both internally and externally, I found it thought-provoking and reasonable and I really enjoyed learning about the ideas the authors presented.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary, obligation-free, audio review copy.
January 25, 2026
Starting your self-care journey as a mom? This book is the perfect place to begin. The authors do an amazing job identifying common triggers and helping pinpoint the root of many challenges. They thoughtfully cover a wide range of topics and issues that mothers face in today’s world. If you want to raise your emotional intelligence when it comes to parenting, this book is a great choice.
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with this ARC!
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with this ARC!
January 16, 2026
An important book for everyone—not just moms going through a hard season. It beautifully illustrates that no two motherhood journeys are the same, offering compassion and understanding for the wide range of emotions mothers experience. The book gently reminds readers that every feeling is valid, whether joyful, overwhelming, or somewhere in between, and encourages a more honest and empathetic conversation around motherhood.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Good Moms Feel Bad, by Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri, is a compassionate and hopeful book that names the coexisting realities of motherhood as exquisitely beautiful and shockingly hard, and invites us mommas to learn to care for ourselves and our own inner worlds just as we try to love our external children.
The authors have adapted principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to meet the unique developmental needs of matrescence—the ongoing journey of becoming mothers, in which our own tender wanting and fears and sadness (which the authors refer to as our “Inner Baby”) come alive in new ways right alongside our external children.
The authors liken the IFS concept of “Self” in IFS to an “Inner Mom” of sorts—that central part of us that is caring, compassionate, connected, courageous, calm, curious, and creative, and that has clarity and choice. The authors also adapt the IFS concept of protective “parts” to “mom parts”—parts that work so hard to keep moms and their children safe (and do!), but that are actually also inner children who are themselves in need of mothering.
Throughout the book, the authors suggest that just as we mother our own (external) vulnerable children, we as mommas can also learn to mother ourselves and our own inner world. From this framework, it is learning to mother ourselves that actually frees up more space to love our children from a place of calm, compassion, and connection—instead of disconnection and reactivity—even when the external world remains challenging.
This book has a TON of information, and is roughly organized as follows: (1) The state of intensive mothering (particularly in the west); moms are under an incredible amount of pressure and it feels hard to mother because it is. (2) The concepts of: parts and their protective function; the inner mom; and the good mom bad mom loop (polarization) moms often find themselves in and criticize themselves for. (3) Hope for healing: unblending; truths; grief and shame as the inescapable vulnerabilities of being human; remedies of Inner Mom qualities; & practical applications (which was one of my favorite sections of the book).
I am so grateful to the authors for creating this deeply caring book, and hope it helps so many moms feel seen, validated, and cared for. I read the digital arc for this review, but look forward to getting to hold a physical copy someday when this book is published, as I imagine that it will be helpful to be able to flip through to different sections depending on what feels most relevant at a given moment. I also look forward to being able to flip through to the journals prompts included throughout—these provide so many valuable trailheads for deeper reflection. I think these will be helpful in my own personal life as a momma as well as in my professional life as a therapist.
I will say that while someone doesn’t need to be familiar with IFS in order to read this book, I wonder if some of the information may feel difficult to fully understand if the idea of “parts” is brand new. I am reading this book as a momma but also a therapist who is trained in IFS, which I am guessing allowed me to more easily track with the ideas in this book. As IFS is a very experiential and relational model, I also imagine that much of what is talked about in this book will make sense to moms on a deeper level if they are able to go to therapy themselves to explore these ideas more fully. I REALLY hope that so many therapists read this book, so that the mommas who are willing & able to go to therapy find compassionate and supportive spaces that welcome them and all of their “mom parts”. I also really hope that someday there is a workbook to accompany this book, as I think this could be invaluable and slightly less information heavy for the mommas in the trenches of motherhood that might not have time to read an entire book.
I know this is a book I’ll keep coming back to and will continue to be impacted by each time in new ways, and I hope the same is true for so many other moms and therapists. I’m so grateful to Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri for this beautiful, caring expansion of IFS for moms, and to NetGalley and to Balance for this digital arc.
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2026!
The authors have adapted principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to meet the unique developmental needs of matrescence—the ongoing journey of becoming mothers, in which our own tender wanting and fears and sadness (which the authors refer to as our “Inner Baby”) come alive in new ways right alongside our external children.
The authors liken the IFS concept of “Self” in IFS to an “Inner Mom” of sorts—that central part of us that is caring, compassionate, connected, courageous, calm, curious, and creative, and that has clarity and choice. The authors also adapt the IFS concept of protective “parts” to “mom parts”—parts that work so hard to keep moms and their children safe (and do!), but that are actually also inner children who are themselves in need of mothering.
Throughout the book, the authors suggest that just as we mother our own (external) vulnerable children, we as mommas can also learn to mother ourselves and our own inner world. From this framework, it is learning to mother ourselves that actually frees up more space to love our children from a place of calm, compassion, and connection—instead of disconnection and reactivity—even when the external world remains challenging.
This book has a TON of information, and is roughly organized as follows: (1) The state of intensive mothering (particularly in the west); moms are under an incredible amount of pressure and it feels hard to mother because it is. (2) The concepts of: parts and their protective function; the inner mom; and the good mom bad mom loop (polarization) moms often find themselves in and criticize themselves for. (3) Hope for healing: unblending; truths; grief and shame as the inescapable vulnerabilities of being human; remedies of Inner Mom qualities; & practical applications (which was one of my favorite sections of the book).
I am so grateful to the authors for creating this deeply caring book, and hope it helps so many moms feel seen, validated, and cared for. I read the digital arc for this review, but look forward to getting to hold a physical copy someday when this book is published, as I imagine that it will be helpful to be able to flip through to different sections depending on what feels most relevant at a given moment. I also look forward to being able to flip through to the journals prompts included throughout—these provide so many valuable trailheads for deeper reflection. I think these will be helpful in my own personal life as a momma as well as in my professional life as a therapist.
I will say that while someone doesn’t need to be familiar with IFS in order to read this book, I wonder if some of the information may feel difficult to fully understand if the idea of “parts” is brand new. I am reading this book as a momma but also a therapist who is trained in IFS, which I am guessing allowed me to more easily track with the ideas in this book. As IFS is a very experiential and relational model, I also imagine that much of what is talked about in this book will make sense to moms on a deeper level if they are able to go to therapy themselves to explore these ideas more fully. I REALLY hope that so many therapists read this book, so that the mommas who are willing & able to go to therapy find compassionate and supportive spaces that welcome them and all of their “mom parts”. I also really hope that someday there is a workbook to accompany this book, as I think this could be invaluable and slightly less information heavy for the mommas in the trenches of motherhood that might not have time to read an entire book.
I know this is a book I’ll keep coming back to and will continue to be impacted by each time in new ways, and I hope the same is true for so many other moms and therapists. I’m so grateful to Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri for this beautiful, caring expansion of IFS for moms, and to NetGalley and to Balance for this digital arc.
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2026!
February 1, 2026
Before diving in, I want to briefly introduce the therapeutic framework the authors draw from, not because you need to know it ahead of time, but because it helps illuminate how they approach motherhood with such care. Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a therapy approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that helps people understand and care for the different “parts” of themselves, especially those shaped by past experiences. Rather than viewing distressing thoughts or behaviors as problems to eliminate, IFS understands them as protective strategies that once served an important purpose. The goal of IFS is to build more compassion, balance, and connection within oneself so these parts no longer have to work so hard. By becoming more aware of and curious about our self protective parts, people can gain deeper insight into patterns in their relationships with others and with themselves.
When Good Moms Feel Bad takes this model and thoughtfully personalizes it for motherhood. Sorci and Geshuri explore the enormous emotional weight that so many good mothers carry every day and translate IFS concepts into what they call “mom parts.” These parts reflect the constant internal push-pull many mothers feel as they try to be patient, present, competent, loving, and calm while also managing guilt, anxiety, anger, and self doubt. The book gently invites mothers to develop greater self compassion and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of why they operate the way they do.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this book is how it encourages moms to connect with their own inner baby or younger parts, learning to care for and parent these parts alongside parenting their own children. This dual focus feels both emotionally attuned and deeply respectful of how layered and vulnerable motherhood can be.
As a licensed mental health therapist and clinical supervisor with some foundational knowledge of IFS going into this book, I was genuinely impressed by how accessible and grounded the material felt. The authors break down IFS concepts in a way that feels approachable without being oversimplified. Even with my professional background and my daily use of systemic thinking in clinical work, I found myself learning new things about myself, both as a mother to a toddler and as a person. There were moments that felt quietly illuminating rather than instructive, which I appreciated.
I can easily imagine many mothers finishing this book with curiosity about diving deeper into IFS work, whether through therapy, further reading, or personal reflection. I plan to recommend this book to many of my clients who are mothers and who struggle with balance, self criticism, or feeling like they are never quite getting it right.
The subtitle of this book is: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness. These three C’s are qualities that many moms desperately need and deserve. This book can help them get there.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the audio ARC of When Good Moms Feel Bad, provided through NetGalley. This early copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
When Good Moms Feel Bad takes this model and thoughtfully personalizes it for motherhood. Sorci and Geshuri explore the enormous emotional weight that so many good mothers carry every day and translate IFS concepts into what they call “mom parts.” These parts reflect the constant internal push-pull many mothers feel as they try to be patient, present, competent, loving, and calm while also managing guilt, anxiety, anger, and self doubt. The book gently invites mothers to develop greater self compassion and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of why they operate the way they do.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this book is how it encourages moms to connect with their own inner baby or younger parts, learning to care for and parent these parts alongside parenting their own children. This dual focus feels both emotionally attuned and deeply respectful of how layered and vulnerable motherhood can be.
As a licensed mental health therapist and clinical supervisor with some foundational knowledge of IFS going into this book, I was genuinely impressed by how accessible and grounded the material felt. The authors break down IFS concepts in a way that feels approachable without being oversimplified. Even with my professional background and my daily use of systemic thinking in clinical work, I found myself learning new things about myself, both as a mother to a toddler and as a person. There were moments that felt quietly illuminating rather than instructive, which I appreciated.
I can easily imagine many mothers finishing this book with curiosity about diving deeper into IFS work, whether through therapy, further reading, or personal reflection. I plan to recommend this book to many of my clients who are mothers and who struggle with balance, self criticism, or feeling like they are never quite getting it right.
The subtitle of this book is: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness. These three C’s are qualities that many moms desperately need and deserve. This book can help them get there.
Thank you to Hachette Audio for the audio ARC of When Good Moms Feel Bad, provided through NetGalley. This early copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You had me at the title. I felt seen and understood, and I didn’t even need to read the book.
Just kidding. I read the book, and I thought it was great. This book should be mandatory reading for every new parent.
I started this book on an average day in the life of a mother of two young children, doing my best to do it all. I paused the book, because life got busy (as always) and picked it up again on a particularly challenging day, when I truly considered returning my four year old to the baby store from whence he came. But seriously – it was one of those days where I knew I was doing my best, and my best was being kind of an asshole, and I looked up at the sky and wondered if there was anyone out there who could be a soft, understanding, nonjudgmental landing spot for me in this moment. .
This book is that soft landing spot (and, as the book presents – I am also my own soft landing spot).
Life – even the best one – is hard. Motherhood is hard. And we do ourselves a disservice when we force ourselves to ignore the hard moments that arise even in the midst of beautiful things, such as parenthood. And not just the hard-hard moments, like loss with a capital L, but also the plain old hard moments, like the changes that accompany motherhood, including no longer being able to go out for a drink with your partner on a random Tuesday at 8 PM without arranging childcare. Or not being able to poop alone. Or not being able to have five minutes of quiet time at 6:30 AM on a Friday morning, even though only psychopaths are ready for extensive conversations about what animal this half-eaten pancake looks like. (And god forbid you say the pancake looks like a stegosaurus, when the pancake, in fact, looks nothing like a dinosaur, even though art is subjective).
I digress. None of those incidents have ever happened to me.
I like the books balance between presenting statements that are true, that we can reference and not question, but also the recognition that true acceptance takes time, And even those who have gone to therapy, and generally accept these trueisms, may need clear, confident reminders of things such as that “your shame is a mistaken belief” and “underneath your beliefs and your behavior, you are innocent. You always were.”
Truly, one of the biggest challenges of parenting is healing your own inner child’s wounds. Which is, of course, much easier said than done, especially if those wounds stem from inadequate or even simply imperfect parents, who did not provide us with great role models. Fortunately, this book provides ample guidance for how to do so in the form of advice, journaling exercises, thought experiments, and a call for self-compassion.
So many bad behaviors are because we feel bad feelings but have no safe place to share our vulnerabilities. This book is such a place. And, fortunately, also a place where you can receive advice – good advice – for moving forward. Including, most importantly, that we have all that we need to heal ourselves.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Audiobook Review: When Good Moms Feel Bad by Jessica Tomich Sorci & Rebecca Geshuri
Narrated by Christine Lakin
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this one with my ears—I truly appreciated this listen.
This was one of those audiobooks that I didn’t know I needed until I listened to it. When Good Moms Feel Bad was eye-opening, validating, and quietly powerful. It introduced me to the idea of “mom parts” and helped me better understand why I parent the way I do—where those reactions come from and how deeply they’re tied to our own childhood experiences.
Listening to this book made me realize something big about myself: I am very much a “I didn’t have this growing up, so I’ll make sure my son does” kind of parent. I show up for everything. PTA Board. GT Parent Board. Cub Scout leader. Basketball coach. Swim lessons. Piano lessons. Field trips. Class parties. Field days. If there’s a way to be present, I try to be there—all while working to grow personally and professionally.
And through this book, I had the realization that… it might be too much.
Not in a bad way. I love being involved. I love this season of life, and I know it’s temporary. But I’m also exhausted—and this book helped me see that both things can be true at the same time. It gave me permission to acknowledge that without guilt.
The authors’ use of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, adapted specifically for motherhood, felt approachable and compassionate rather than clinical. The concepts of unblending, befriending our parts, and recognizing our inner child made so much sense, especially when paired with the journaling exercises. I honestly think I need to relisten and do the journaling work to fully process everything.
The narration by Christine Lakin was warm, clear, and comforting—perfect for a book that deals with vulnerable emotions like guilt, anger, shame, and grief.
Overall, this was an interesting, meaningful, and affirming listen. It helped me learn more about myself, the kind of parent I am, and why I do what I do. I’m still working on myself—and this book feels like one I’ll come back to again.
Narrated by Christine Lakin
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this one with my ears—I truly appreciated this listen.
This was one of those audiobooks that I didn’t know I needed until I listened to it. When Good Moms Feel Bad was eye-opening, validating, and quietly powerful. It introduced me to the idea of “mom parts” and helped me better understand why I parent the way I do—where those reactions come from and how deeply they’re tied to our own childhood experiences.
Listening to this book made me realize something big about myself: I am very much a “I didn’t have this growing up, so I’ll make sure my son does” kind of parent. I show up for everything. PTA Board. GT Parent Board. Cub Scout leader. Basketball coach. Swim lessons. Piano lessons. Field trips. Class parties. Field days. If there’s a way to be present, I try to be there—all while working to grow personally and professionally.
And through this book, I had the realization that… it might be too much.
Not in a bad way. I love being involved. I love this season of life, and I know it’s temporary. But I’m also exhausted—and this book helped me see that both things can be true at the same time. It gave me permission to acknowledge that without guilt.
The authors’ use of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, adapted specifically for motherhood, felt approachable and compassionate rather than clinical. The concepts of unblending, befriending our parts, and recognizing our inner child made so much sense, especially when paired with the journaling exercises. I honestly think I need to relisten and do the journaling work to fully process everything.
The narration by Christine Lakin was warm, clear, and comforting—perfect for a book that deals with vulnerable emotions like guilt, anger, shame, and grief.
Overall, this was an interesting, meaningful, and affirming listen. It helped me learn more about myself, the kind of parent I am, and why I do what I do. I’m still working on myself—and this book feels like one I’ll come back to again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Good Moms Feel Bad is the kind of book that feels like a deep exhale for mothers everywhere. I truly believe this should be required reading for all moms—and even for those who are just beginning to think about becoming a mom. It speaks directly to the quiet, persistent guilt that seems to crop up at different points in every mother’s journey and gently, but firmly, takes it apart.
What I loved most about this book is how validating and freeing it feels. It names “mom guilt” for what it is, explains why it shows up, and—most importantly—offers tools to release it. No matter what stage of motherhood you’re in, the book shares insights that help you recognize that you are not failing; you’re human. The guilt we carry isn’t a sign that we’re bad moms, but often the result of unrealistic expectations, comparison, and self-imposed shame.
The author’s approach is especially powerful. It’s direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague. Through real-life examples, the book makes you feel seen and understood, and it doesn’t stop at awareness—it offers practical ways to change the internal dialogue that fuels self-shame. Instead of telling moms to “just stop feeling guilty,” it shows how to actually do the work of reframing thoughts and extending ourselves the same grace we so easily give others.
This book doesn’t sugarcoat motherhood, but it also doesn’t let shame have the final word. It reminds moms that they are good—even on the days they feel like they’re not—and that guilt doesn’t have to be the constant companion of caring deeply. When Good Moms Feel Bad is empowering, grounding, and deeply reassuring, and it deserves a place on every mom’s bookshelf (and in every mom’s heart).
What I loved most about this book is how validating and freeing it feels. It names “mom guilt” for what it is, explains why it shows up, and—most importantly—offers tools to release it. No matter what stage of motherhood you’re in, the book shares insights that help you recognize that you are not failing; you’re human. The guilt we carry isn’t a sign that we’re bad moms, but often the result of unrealistic expectations, comparison, and self-imposed shame.
The author’s approach is especially powerful. It’s direct without being harsh, compassionate without being vague. Through real-life examples, the book makes you feel seen and understood, and it doesn’t stop at awareness—it offers practical ways to change the internal dialogue that fuels self-shame. Instead of telling moms to “just stop feeling guilty,” it shows how to actually do the work of reframing thoughts and extending ourselves the same grace we so easily give others.
This book doesn’t sugarcoat motherhood, but it also doesn’t let shame have the final word. It reminds moms that they are good—even on the days they feel like they’re not—and that guilt doesn’t have to be the constant companion of caring deeply. When Good Moms Feel Bad is empowering, grounding, and deeply reassuring, and it deserves a place on every mom’s bookshelf (and in every mom’s heart).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Good Moms Feel Bad by Jessica Tomich Sorci and Rebecca Geshuri is a revolutionary breath of fresh air for any mother drowning in the "hidden" emotions of parenthood. While many books focus on the child, this guide focuses entirely on the mother’s internal world, using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model to provide a path toward peace.
Here is why this book deserves 5 stars:
Groundbreaking IFS Approach: This is the first book to apply IFS to motherhood. Instead of fighting your "bad" feelings, it teaches you to befriend your "Mom Parts"—the internal voices of perfectionism, rage, and guilt—to understand what they are trying to tell you.
Radical Validation: The authors, both psychotherapists and moms, address the "unspeakable" feelings like ambivalence about being a mom and the grief of losing your pre-kid identity.
Empowerment Over Shame: It moves beyond the typical "self-care is a bubble bath" advice. It offers somatic exercises and strategies to help you build self-trust and regulate your nervous system when parenting gets overwhelming.
A "Warm Hug" for the Soul: The writing is compassionate and wise, shifting the definition of a "good mom" from one of perfection to one of wholeness.
This is a must-read for any mother who feels like she is "failing" despite doing her absolute best. It doesn't just offer tips; it offers a transformative journey from anxiety to confidence. I'm the mama of an only child and have struggled with being a mom (and he's only 5). This book really helped me put things in perspective and process.
Here is why this book deserves 5 stars:
Groundbreaking IFS Approach: This is the first book to apply IFS to motherhood. Instead of fighting your "bad" feelings, it teaches you to befriend your "Mom Parts"—the internal voices of perfectionism, rage, and guilt—to understand what they are trying to tell you.
Radical Validation: The authors, both psychotherapists and moms, address the "unspeakable" feelings like ambivalence about being a mom and the grief of losing your pre-kid identity.
Empowerment Over Shame: It moves beyond the typical "self-care is a bubble bath" advice. It offers somatic exercises and strategies to help you build self-trust and regulate your nervous system when parenting gets overwhelming.
A "Warm Hug" for the Soul: The writing is compassionate and wise, shifting the definition of a "good mom" from one of perfection to one of wholeness.
This is a must-read for any mother who feels like she is "failing" despite doing her absolute best. It doesn't just offer tips; it offers a transformative journey from anxiety to confidence. I'm the mama of an only child and have struggled with being a mom (and he's only 5). This book really helped me put things in perspective and process.
February 3, 2026
As a mom I was intrigued by the title of this book and was eager to have an empowering guide to help transform all these emotions into compassion, confidence and connectedness. I was able to acquire a copy of both the audio (narrator Christine Lakin does a fabulous job!) and the electronic version of this book, which is such a WIN!
A positive with the electronic copy of the book is that it has many tables, graphics and eye appealing graphics to help draw out the main points in the text. I am sure that I will be able to refer back as needed to these items. Chapter 5 of the book covers all of the "Mom Parts" this chapter was very informative and helpful with identifying all of the emotions we may be feeling, and then the fears, hopes and how our inner mom can help with it.
However, the overall tone of the book though is one that is very angry. At times I was getting a feeling that being a mom is such a burden, children are an annoyance and we (as a mom) should hate it all. The author portrays motherhood as it's not our fault at all the negative emotions that go through our minds. The author uses colorful language, dropping many f-bombs, which again, just leads to a tense and angry tone to the book.
I was hoping for a book that helped me get over the mom-guilt, but instead I feel like this book stirred up negative emotions and then normalized them, versus trying to get us to do better.
Thank you NetGalley, the authors, and the publishers for the electronic and audio copies of this ARC!
A positive with the electronic copy of the book is that it has many tables, graphics and eye appealing graphics to help draw out the main points in the text. I am sure that I will be able to refer back as needed to these items. Chapter 5 of the book covers all of the "Mom Parts" this chapter was very informative and helpful with identifying all of the emotions we may be feeling, and then the fears, hopes and how our inner mom can help with it.
However, the overall tone of the book though is one that is very angry. At times I was getting a feeling that being a mom is such a burden, children are an annoyance and we (as a mom) should hate it all. The author portrays motherhood as it's not our fault at all the negative emotions that go through our minds. The author uses colorful language, dropping many f-bombs, which again, just leads to a tense and angry tone to the book.
I was hoping for a book that helped me get over the mom-guilt, but instead I feel like this book stirred up negative emotions and then normalized them, versus trying to get us to do better.
Thank you NetGalley, the authors, and the publishers for the electronic and audio copies of this ARC!
February 11, 2026
This book felt like a much needed therapy session, comforting in parts and validating in many ways, but not something that completely changed my perspective. It talks about motherhood without pretending there is one right way to do it, and that in itself was reassuring.
What stood out to me was how clearly it addresses the constant comparison between mothers. That quiet competition and the pressure of being judged between only two options, either exactly like me or completely wrong, felt very real. The book repeatedly reminds you that existing in this grey area is normal, and that was probably its strongest point.
I also appreciated the way it distinguishes between catering to our inner child and raising our actual child. Not projecting our own unmet wishes onto them and allowing them to grow into their own person felt like an important reminder. The line “You are not your child, your child is not you” stayed with me. The concepts of connection mode and protector mode were interesting too, especially the idea that you cannot be emotionally open and guarded at the same time.
That said, I did wish the book offered more actionable steps. A good portion of it focuses on making you feel okay about what you are going through, while a smaller part tells you what to actually do with that awareness. Overall, it was comforting and grounding, but not deeply transformative for me.
What stood out to me was how clearly it addresses the constant comparison between mothers. That quiet competition and the pressure of being judged between only two options, either exactly like me or completely wrong, felt very real. The book repeatedly reminds you that existing in this grey area is normal, and that was probably its strongest point.
I also appreciated the way it distinguishes between catering to our inner child and raising our actual child. Not projecting our own unmet wishes onto them and allowing them to grow into their own person felt like an important reminder. The line “You are not your child, your child is not you” stayed with me. The concepts of connection mode and protector mode were interesting too, especially the idea that you cannot be emotionally open and guarded at the same time.
That said, I did wish the book offered more actionable steps. A good portion of it focuses on making you feel okay about what you are going through, while a smaller part tells you what to actually do with that awareness. Overall, it was comforting and grounding, but not deeply transformative for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Good Moms Feel Bad made me feel deeply seen as a mother. From the very beginning, the tone is compassionate, calming, and validating, offering space for the emotions many moms carry but rarely feel safe expressing — guilt, anger, fear, grief, and ambivalence. This book doesn’t just normalize those feelings; it helps you understand and work through them in meaningful ways.
The reflection questions are excellent and genuinely useful, encouraging thoughtful self-exploration rather than surface-level reassurance. I especially loved the perspective of learning to be your own “mom” to your inner child — remembering that in addition to caring for your children, you also deserve care, compassion, and attention, and that only you can truly give that to yourself. That framing felt both grounding and empowering.
The authors’ use of Internal Family Systems concepts is accessible and practical, offering tools that feel supportive rather than overwhelming. The overall tone is gentle, reassuring, and deeply respectful of how hard motherhood can be, without ever feeling judgmental or prescriptive.
I will absolutely be recommending this book to other moms and plan to return to it whenever I need reminders and reassurance. When Good Moms Feel Bad is a comforting, insightful, and genuinely helpful read for anyone navigating the emotional complexities of motherhood.
The reflection questions are excellent and genuinely useful, encouraging thoughtful self-exploration rather than surface-level reassurance. I especially loved the perspective of learning to be your own “mom” to your inner child — remembering that in addition to caring for your children, you also deserve care, compassion, and attention, and that only you can truly give that to yourself. That framing felt both grounding and empowering.
The authors’ use of Internal Family Systems concepts is accessible and practical, offering tools that feel supportive rather than overwhelming. The overall tone is gentle, reassuring, and deeply respectful of how hard motherhood can be, without ever feeling judgmental or prescriptive.
I will absolutely be recommending this book to other moms and plan to return to it whenever I need reminders and reassurance. When Good Moms Feel Bad is a comforting, insightful, and genuinely helpful read for anyone navigating the emotional complexities of motherhood.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Hachette Audio | Balance and NetGalley for this ALC, out Feb 3rd.
Self-help books can be very hit or miss for me… and this one was absolutely a hit.
As a mom, I’m constantly fascinated (and a little annoyed, if I’m honest) by how much guilt we seem to carry. Somehow mothers feel responsible for everything — the house, the kids, the emotions, the invisible mental load — while dads just… exist and get labelled “amazing.” The math isn’t mathing 😅
This book gently digs into that exact weight so many of us carry.
It takes a non-judgmental, compassionate approach and introduces IFS (Internal Family Systems), helping you understand the different “parts” of yourself — the anxious one, the perfectionist one, the exhausted one — instead of fighting them. And honestly? That shift alone feels like exhaling after holding your breath for years.
There’s no shaming.
No “just try harder” energy.
No toxic positivity.
It feels more like a warm hug and a quiet voice saying, you’re doing your best… and that’s enough.
It’s practical too -not just theory - with tools you can actually use in day-to-day mum life when guilt, overwhelm, or old wounds show up.
If you’re a mom who constantly feels like you’re failing (even when you’re clearly not), this one might hit you right in the heart.
Highly recommend.
Self-help books can be very hit or miss for me… and this one was absolutely a hit.
As a mom, I’m constantly fascinated (and a little annoyed, if I’m honest) by how much guilt we seem to carry. Somehow mothers feel responsible for everything — the house, the kids, the emotions, the invisible mental load — while dads just… exist and get labelled “amazing.” The math isn’t mathing 😅
This book gently digs into that exact weight so many of us carry.
It takes a non-judgmental, compassionate approach and introduces IFS (Internal Family Systems), helping you understand the different “parts” of yourself — the anxious one, the perfectionist one, the exhausted one — instead of fighting them. And honestly? That shift alone feels like exhaling after holding your breath for years.
There’s no shaming.
No “just try harder” energy.
No toxic positivity.
It feels more like a warm hug and a quiet voice saying, you’re doing your best… and that’s enough.
It’s practical too -not just theory - with tools you can actually use in day-to-day mum life when guilt, overwhelm, or old wounds show up.
If you’re a mom who constantly feels like you’re failing (even when you’re clearly not), this one might hit you right in the heart.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let me start off by saying as a modern mom who’s already in therapy working through her own trauma using other models of therapy, it was so interesting to read and learn about the IFS model in such a helpful, relatable, and easy to understand way.
I’ve seen a few other reviews from therapists worried it would be too “word jargon” and as someone with zero schooling besides an abnormal psych class fifteen years ago, I can wash that worry away - I did listen to this on audio and do feel I missed out on the interactive worksheets because of this so I feel kindle and/or a paperback copy to take notes and accompany the audio would’ve in best interest. Tho the narrator was super easy to understand and follow so zero complaints there.
Any mom who is feeling that classic mom guilt tbh could benefit form at least something from this book and I’ve already recommended it to my entire book moms group and now here as well. I wouldn’t call this book profound, but it’s a great tool to add to the docket!
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve seen a few other reviews from therapists worried it would be too “word jargon” and as someone with zero schooling besides an abnormal psych class fifteen years ago, I can wash that worry away - I did listen to this on audio and do feel I missed out on the interactive worksheets because of this so I feel kindle and/or a paperback copy to take notes and accompany the audio would’ve in best interest. Tho the narrator was super easy to understand and follow so zero complaints there.
Any mom who is feeling that classic mom guilt tbh could benefit form at least something from this book and I’ve already recommended it to my entire book moms group and now here as well. I wouldn’t call this book profound, but it’s a great tool to add to the docket!
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2026
This is a book about motherhood and all the glorious and also nasty emotions and behaviors it engenders in us. This book is endlessly affirming for any mom out there who thinks “this sucks” and then beats themselves up for days for thinking that; or moms who just want to escape for some me time and feel (or are told) that they’re selfish for wanting that. This book is based on Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the authors clearly know their stuff. It’s a little on the information-heavy side - I felt like I needed to keep a notebook to keep track of all the parts (good mom parts, bad mom parts, inner baby parts, inner mom parts, etc) and all of the concepts surrounding them. Remembering how muddy MY new mom brain was, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to read this when I actually needed it. BUT if you’re a therapist who works with a lot of moms, this book could be an excellent framework to guide your work, especially if you’re into IFS. Personally, I think we can NEVER have too many resources to help moms cope, so this is a worthy and important addition.
February 5, 2026
I was initially drawn to this audiobook by its title and cover, which felt promising and relevant to my current season of life. As a mom of two young children, I often wrestle with mom guilt and the feeling of constantly falling short, so I was hoping for something validating and grounding.
However, the book focused heavily on breaking motherhood into different “parts of a mom,” which felt abstract and difficult for me to relate to. While there were some anecdotes, I found myself wishing for more concrete, everyday examples and a more conversational, colloquial tone. As an audiobook, I frequently found my attention drifting, and I kept wanting to skip ahead in hopes of finding practical takeaways or mantras I could apply to daily life — which never really came.
Because of this, I didn’t end up finishing the audiobook. Readers who enjoy a more conceptual or reflective exploration of motherhood may appreciate it, but for me, it didn’t offer the relatability or actionable insight I was looking for.
However, the book focused heavily on breaking motherhood into different “parts of a mom,” which felt abstract and difficult for me to relate to. While there were some anecdotes, I found myself wishing for more concrete, everyday examples and a more conversational, colloquial tone. As an audiobook, I frequently found my attention drifting, and I kept wanting to skip ahead in hopes of finding practical takeaways or mantras I could apply to daily life — which never really came.
Because of this, I didn’t end up finishing the audiobook. Readers who enjoy a more conceptual or reflective exploration of motherhood may appreciate it, but for me, it didn’t offer the relatability or actionable insight I was looking for.
February 4, 2026
Thank you to the authors and Net Gallery for giving me an ALC to listen too!
I am a mom of a 3 year old boy. I had a REALLY difficult time in the newborn and infant stages. I was really anxious, snappy and full of guilt for negative emotions about motherhood. So this book really aligned with me.
The concept of mom parts is an accessible approach to compartmentalizing and analyzing your feelings.
What are my feelings and why do I have them?
This book brings in anecdotes from mom’s experiences to help you relate, and place your feelings within the mom parts model.
The last chapter contains exercises that I will be using in the future when my “protector” parts come out.
Overall I found the book helpful for someone who is just starting their healing journey. If you are already further along the path. It is repetitive.
Thank you again to Jessica Tomich Sorci, Rebecca Geshuri, and Net Gallery for this ALC.
I am a mom of a 3 year old boy. I had a REALLY difficult time in the newborn and infant stages. I was really anxious, snappy and full of guilt for negative emotions about motherhood. So this book really aligned with me.
The concept of mom parts is an accessible approach to compartmentalizing and analyzing your feelings.
What are my feelings and why do I have them?
This book brings in anecdotes from mom’s experiences to help you relate, and place your feelings within the mom parts model.
The last chapter contains exercises that I will be using in the future when my “protector” parts come out.
Overall I found the book helpful for someone who is just starting their healing journey. If you are already further along the path. It is repetitive.
Thank you again to Jessica Tomich Sorci, Rebecca Geshuri, and Net Gallery for this ALC.
February 10, 2026
When Good Moms Feel Bad is a thoughtful, validating look at the emotional complexity of motherhood. Rather than idealizing the role, it examines feelings like guilt, resentment, anger, and identity loss—and treats them as normal responses, not personal failures.
The book methodically breaks down common pressures mothers face, especially the unrealistic standards tied to being a “good mom.” I appreciated how it reinforces the idea that loving your children and struggling with motherhood can coexist. The tone is compassionate but grounded in psychological insight, which makes the reassurance feel credible rather than cliché.
This wasn’t quite a five-star read for me because some themes felt repetitive, and I wanted more concrete, actionable strategies alongside the validation. Still, it’s an affirming, well-structured resource that gives language to emotions many mothers quietly carry.
Thank you Netgalley to for ALC
The book methodically breaks down common pressures mothers face, especially the unrealistic standards tied to being a “good mom.” I appreciated how it reinforces the idea that loving your children and struggling with motherhood can coexist. The tone is compassionate but grounded in psychological insight, which makes the reassurance feel credible rather than cliché.
This wasn’t quite a five-star read for me because some themes felt repetitive, and I wanted more concrete, actionable strategies alongside the validation. Still, it’s an affirming, well-structured resource that gives language to emotions many mothers quietly carry.
Thank you Netgalley to for ALC
January 31, 2026
This book was full of really interesting perspectives about how to help moms manage their emotions. I am pretty familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy but this book spoke of IFS therapy, internal family systems. The premise is that inside we are made up of a lot of parts - (ex rage, guilt, blamer, etc.) and we need to learn how to listen to and communicate with these parts to heal and help ourselves. These parts are always trying to help us but when they take over the other parts they can cause harm.
I thought this was really interesting and some of it really resonated with me. I book marked and highlighted a lot, especially the journal exercises to refer back to. I definitely think as moms we have a ton of “all or nothing” thinking so when a particular part takes over we see ourselves as just a bad/angry/sad mom.
There was definitely a lot to unpack in this book and I think to probably reap the most benefit that a mom would need to have a practitioner versed in this model helping her navigate and practice.
A few small things I disliked were some left-leaning political assumptions/jabs and there was heavy use of the f-word. I didn’t mind it at first because sometimes it feels necessary, but then it became overused.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for reaching out and offering me an advanced digital copy. “When Good Moms Feel Bad” will be published on February 3, 2026.
I thought this was really interesting and some of it really resonated with me. I book marked and highlighted a lot, especially the journal exercises to refer back to. I definitely think as moms we have a ton of “all or nothing” thinking so when a particular part takes over we see ourselves as just a bad/angry/sad mom.
There was definitely a lot to unpack in this book and I think to probably reap the most benefit that a mom would need to have a practitioner versed in this model helping her navigate and practice.
A few small things I disliked were some left-leaning political assumptions/jabs and there was heavy use of the f-word. I didn’t mind it at first because sometimes it feels necessary, but then it became overused.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for reaching out and offering me an advanced digital copy. “When Good Moms Feel Bad” will be published on February 3, 2026.
October 20, 2025
3 stars
I had a difficult time grasping and remembering the terminology of this approach. There was so much lingo that reading was often confusing and I felt like I was trying to decode the text. Passages often wandered from topic without much clear direction.
I appreciated the prompts this book provides in reflection. There were nuggets of wisdom that resonated with me and things I will chew over.
I don't think this is a book I would buy myself but one I would certainly loan this from the library and flip through it, if that makes sense.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a difficult time grasping and remembering the terminology of this approach. There was so much lingo that reading was often confusing and I felt like I was trying to decode the text. Passages often wandered from topic without much clear direction.
I appreciated the prompts this book provides in reflection. There were nuggets of wisdom that resonated with me and things I will chew over.
I don't think this is a book I would buy myself but one I would certainly loan this from the library and flip through it, if that makes sense.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was drawn to this book because I’ve definitely felt some mom guilt at different times over the years! I was not familiar with the IFS model prior to listening to this book. I found it very interesting and how it could be related to motherhood. The way things are broken down into parts and how it helped me better understand some of my triggers. I think moms are under a lot of pressure these days, especially with social media and unrealistic expectations. I found this book very validating.
Overall, this is an interesting look at mom guilt and how using the IFS model with help mothers work through those feelings. I think this book could definitely help a lot of moms!
Overall, this is an interesting look at mom guilt and how using the IFS model with help mothers work through those feelings. I think this book could definitely help a lot of moms!
February 13, 2026
This is a beautifully written and deeply compassionate guide for mothers navigating the emotional side of parenting that so often goes unspoken. Rebecca and Jessica do a wonderful job normalizing feelings like anxiety, guilt, and frustration while offering practical ways to move toward confidence and connectedness. What I appreciate most is that the tone never feels preachy. It feels human, relatable, and grounded in real experience. A meaningful resource for moms at any stage who want both validation and tools for growth.
November 24, 2025
The introduction of this book was easily the best part. I felt so heard—so validated. Finally someone understands the dialectical parts of motherhood where you both love it and struggle at the same time. It started to get too wordy with too much IFS lingo. I’m familiar either way IFS and like the idea of it, but it seemed a bit too in depth and lost me part of the way through.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC opportunity.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC opportunity.
February 12, 2026
I felt so seen. The concept of inner parts is just on point and gave me vocabulary for my emotions. Through reading this book, I feel validated on emotions that I cant help to hold in this difficult journey of motherhood, without feeling patronizing, nor judged.
Still, I feel that the book and material would benefit from actionable items for the reader to take this information into their lives.
Having Christine Lakin narrate this wonderful book to my ear was so soothing and just what my mom heart needed.
I received this book from the publisher and netgalley for review.
Still, I feel that the book and material would benefit from actionable items for the reader to take this information into their lives.
Having Christine Lakin narrate this wonderful book to my ear was so soothing and just what my mom heart needed.
I received this book from the publisher and netgalley for review.
February 15, 2026
This book does a wonderful job of justifying your emotional pain and struggles one may experience throughout motherhood and giving ways to try to assist navigating it. With that being said, I did struggle to finish this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Jessica Tomich Sorci; Rebecca Geshuri, and Hachette Audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Jessica Tomich Sorci; Rebecca Geshuri, and Hachette Audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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