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Good Enough Is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom
The truth about parenting is that you don't have to get everything right and your family doesn't need to be perfect. Colleen Duggan learned those lessons through years of struggling with unrealistic expectations.
In this frank and intimate story, Duggan explores the emotional and spiritual healing that needed to take place in her life in order to be the parent, spouse, and follower of Christ God created her to be. Sharing both funny parenting moments and difficult times of self-scrutiny, Duggan invites us to join her in experiencing God's healing mercy and shows how to allow that healing to rejuvenate our lives and revitalize our families.
As a child, Duggan smoothed over the jagged edges of her difficult home life with good grades and perfect behavior. By the time Duggan was an adult, her drive to constantly be in control was her way of life. It was only when she began raising her family that she realized how damaging this compulsion was for both her and the people around her.
That's when she began her faltering journey toward letting God be in control.
In Good Enough Is Good Enough , Duggan shares her heartaches—learning her child has a genetic disorder that might lead to cancer; realizing that her drive to do and be everything for everyone strained her marriage; and struggling with feelings of worthlessness after leaving her job to become "just" a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. She also shares parenting difficulties we've all faced—trying to keep her kids quiet during Mass; wondering whether she's giving them enough opportunities for growth; and balancing time spent on herself, her kids, and others. With each story, we feel the brokenness she tried to cover by being a "perfect" parent and the eventual realization that she needed to find healing.
Through the saints, the Sacraments, and Catholic traditions and literature, Duggan found the Church a place where God's love and healing grace embraced her. She invites us to the same whether we are dealing with everyday frustrations or life-changing tragedies, it is in the heart of the Catholic Church that we are finally free to let go of our facades in order to embrace our brokenness and find healing.
In this frank and intimate story, Duggan explores the emotional and spiritual healing that needed to take place in her life in order to be the parent, spouse, and follower of Christ God created her to be. Sharing both funny parenting moments and difficult times of self-scrutiny, Duggan invites us to join her in experiencing God's healing mercy and shows how to allow that healing to rejuvenate our lives and revitalize our families.
As a child, Duggan smoothed over the jagged edges of her difficult home life with good grades and perfect behavior. By the time Duggan was an adult, her drive to constantly be in control was her way of life. It was only when she began raising her family that she realized how damaging this compulsion was for both her and the people around her.
That's when she began her faltering journey toward letting God be in control.
In Good Enough Is Good Enough , Duggan shares her heartaches—learning her child has a genetic disorder that might lead to cancer; realizing that her drive to do and be everything for everyone strained her marriage; and struggling with feelings of worthlessness after leaving her job to become "just" a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. She also shares parenting difficulties we've all faced—trying to keep her kids quiet during Mass; wondering whether she's giving them enough opportunities for growth; and balancing time spent on herself, her kids, and others. With each story, we feel the brokenness she tried to cover by being a "perfect" parent and the eventual realization that she needed to find healing.
Through the saints, the Sacraments, and Catholic traditions and literature, Duggan found the Church a place where God's love and healing grace embraced her. She invites us to the same whether we are dealing with everyday frustrations or life-changing tragedies, it is in the heart of the Catholic Church that we are finally free to let go of our facades in order to embrace our brokenness and find healing.
160 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2018
29 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2020
I didn't know she was a soul sister of mine until I read Good Enough Is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom.
It's a book that, quite frankly, every Catholic mom should read. And reread. And share. And discuss.
Full disclosure: I endorsed it. And I also meant to write a personal thank-you note to Colleen.
Because she wrote a book that I read exactly when I needed to read it. It said exactly what I needed to hear.
It was a dose of encouragement and a breath of sensibility. It was a balm, but it was also a challenge.
Which is sort of the story of my life.
Duggan has five chapters, and each of them is a truth in my life:
- I don't know how to master motherhood
- I don't always take care of myself as I should
- I don't know how to keep my kids Catholic
- I don't like watching my children suffer
- I sometimes compare myself with other parents
What Duggan doesn't do is hold these over your head. Nor does she wear them as a badge of honor in the "I'll one-up you with how badly I parent" competition from Hades.
Instead, she opens herself — her heart and her soul — to her readers. She bares herself in a way that, as an author myself, I can appreciate.
"Colleen!" I thought as I was reading, "You WROTE THAT DOWN FOR THE WORLD TO READ OUT LOUD! It will NEVER GO AWAY."
But that's the appeal, at least for me.
Not that she sucks, because she certainly doesn't. Not because she's less of a mom for it, because she absolutely isn't. Not in a way that even is incriminating, because she really doesn't even do that.
It was more a recognition, for me, that hey! I'm not in this alone.
I mean, I knew that.
You know that, too, I'm sure.
But even so, this motherhood deal is isolating. At the end of the day, it's me and God. At the end of my life, which is very much on my mind right now, it's me and God.
These souls...they're entrusted to me.
And I'm not in this alone.
Duggan doesn't just cheer, though she's a great encourager. She also gives you flat-out great advice and tips throughout the book. She looks at that big impossible task of motherhood and she breaks it down.
You'll laugh.
You'll cry.
Best of all, you'll pray.
(No, really. There's a prayer at the end of every chapter. Worth buying the book to get them!)
Each of us moms has a tank we run off of, and that tank gets empty more often than we care to admit. It's not just me, or books like Colleen's wouldn't exist.
Fill your tank. Give yourself the gift of reading this book. You'll be glad (and so will your kids).
It's a book that, quite frankly, every Catholic mom should read. And reread. And share. And discuss.
Full disclosure: I endorsed it. And I also meant to write a personal thank-you note to Colleen.
Because she wrote a book that I read exactly when I needed to read it. It said exactly what I needed to hear.
It was a dose of encouragement and a breath of sensibility. It was a balm, but it was also a challenge.
Which is sort of the story of my life.
Duggan has five chapters, and each of them is a truth in my life:
- I don't know how to master motherhood
- I don't always take care of myself as I should
- I don't know how to keep my kids Catholic
- I don't like watching my children suffer
- I sometimes compare myself with other parents
What Duggan doesn't do is hold these over your head. Nor does she wear them as a badge of honor in the "I'll one-up you with how badly I parent" competition from Hades.
Instead, she opens herself — her heart and her soul — to her readers. She bares herself in a way that, as an author myself, I can appreciate.
"Colleen!" I thought as I was reading, "You WROTE THAT DOWN FOR THE WORLD TO READ OUT LOUD! It will NEVER GO AWAY."
But that's the appeal, at least for me.
Not that she sucks, because she certainly doesn't. Not because she's less of a mom for it, because she absolutely isn't. Not in a way that even is incriminating, because she really doesn't even do that.
It was more a recognition, for me, that hey! I'm not in this alone.
I mean, I knew that.
You know that, too, I'm sure.
But even so, this motherhood deal is isolating. At the end of the day, it's me and God. At the end of my life, which is very much on my mind right now, it's me and God.
These souls...they're entrusted to me.
And I'm not in this alone.
Duggan doesn't just cheer, though she's a great encourager. She also gives you flat-out great advice and tips throughout the book. She looks at that big impossible task of motherhood and she breaks it down.
You'll laugh.
You'll cry.
Best of all, you'll pray.
(No, really. There's a prayer at the end of every chapter. Worth buying the book to get them!)
Each of us moms has a tank we run off of, and that tank gets empty more often than we care to admit. It's not just me, or books like Colleen's wouldn't exist.
Fill your tank. Give yourself the gift of reading this book. You'll be glad (and so will your kids).
July 15, 2018
This book is the perfect shot in the arm of encouragement for the Catholic mom who wants real life experience, wisdom, and sharing about what motherhood really looks like in our imperfect lives and families. I appreciated Colleen’s honesty in all the challenges her and her family have faced and how her faith has supported her. She writes brilliantly about how our faith isn’t asking us for perfection, but is calling us to a life lived fully in love...even as moms! You’re going to love this book!
April 6, 2018
*Advanced Reader Copy of Good Enough is Good Enough, was received from publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review*
To say I was excited to have this book downloaded on my kindle is a little bit of an understatement. While listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Colleen Duggan was their featured guest and I knew this book would be excellent.
As a Catholic mom of 4, I related to every aspect of this book. I found myself nodding along, laughing (because my children have done a few things Colleen had during Mass), and even crying while getting a glimpse into the lives of the Duggans. The writing style was superb and it felt as though I was listening to a friend over coffee, at my house, while the kids are doing God knows what.
I plan on spreading the word on this book, it affirms that we Catholic moms aren’t alone. We have struggles, imperfect moments, but all these are gifts from God to draw us closer to Him. Colleen also draws our attention to the Saints, that have undergone our same tribulations and overcame by the grace of God. She even shares conversations with her priest friend and counselors that kept the flow of the book working. After each chapter, there is a prayer and discussion questions that can allow the reader to delve deeper into their faith. Good Enough is Good Enough, is a truly captivating read and look forward to reading more of Colleen Duggan.
To say I was excited to have this book downloaded on my kindle is a little bit of an understatement. While listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Colleen Duggan was their featured guest and I knew this book would be excellent.
As a Catholic mom of 4, I related to every aspect of this book. I found myself nodding along, laughing (because my children have done a few things Colleen had during Mass), and even crying while getting a glimpse into the lives of the Duggans. The writing style was superb and it felt as though I was listening to a friend over coffee, at my house, while the kids are doing God knows what.
I plan on spreading the word on this book, it affirms that we Catholic moms aren’t alone. We have struggles, imperfect moments, but all these are gifts from God to draw us closer to Him. Colleen also draws our attention to the Saints, that have undergone our same tribulations and overcame by the grace of God. She even shares conversations with her priest friend and counselors that kept the flow of the book working. After each chapter, there is a prayer and discussion questions that can allow the reader to delve deeper into their faith. Good Enough is Good Enough, is a truly captivating read and look forward to reading more of Colleen Duggan.
June 11, 2020
This book was fine, but not quite what I was looking for. To be clear, it is exactly as advertised, Colleen Duggan is a mother of 6 who walks through 5 confessions/fears of being a Catholic Mom. So it's not really an advice book, but a memoir of sorts. The 5 confessions are :
1) I don't know how to master motherhood
2) I don't always take care of myself as I should
3) I don't know how to keep my kids Catholic
4) I don't like watching my children suffer
5)I sometimes compare myself with other parents.
Like most books, there were nuggets here and there. Everyone has different challenges. You aren't alone. It's hard. Everyone is making it up. etc. etc.
The idea is...you aren't going to be a Pinterest parent. It won't come easy. Your kids won't be what you expect. Being an older parent and not a perfectionist.....I think i have fewer of those expectations than others.
An easy book to read, with some spiritual references and reminders.
1) I don't know how to master motherhood
2) I don't always take care of myself as I should
3) I don't know how to keep my kids Catholic
4) I don't like watching my children suffer
5)I sometimes compare myself with other parents.
Like most books, there were nuggets here and there. Everyone has different challenges. You aren't alone. It's hard. Everyone is making it up. etc. etc.
The idea is...you aren't going to be a Pinterest parent. It won't come easy. Your kids won't be what you expect. Being an older parent and not a perfectionist.....I think i have fewer of those expectations than others.
An easy book to read, with some spiritual references and reminders.
April 24, 2018
Good Enough Is Good Enough is refreshingly honest, personal, and yet, universal too. Colleen Duggan shares the challenges she brought from her family of origin and the lessons she's learned by fire while parenting.
In terms of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, I expected to hear a warning about comparing ourselves unfavorably based on the snippets of others' lives to which we are privy. The author also called on moms to stop offering unsolicited advice and holding others to a parenting litmus that is a one-size fits all approach. In other words, raising issues like cloth or disposable diapers to the level of doctrine just isn't helpful.
There is plenty of wisdom here to turn to again and again. This book would make a great gift for any Catholic mom, especially new moms. Also a great Mother's Day gift.
In terms of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, I expected to hear a warning about comparing ourselves unfavorably based on the snippets of others' lives to which we are privy. The author also called on moms to stop offering unsolicited advice and holding others to a parenting litmus that is a one-size fits all approach. In other words, raising issues like cloth or disposable diapers to the level of doctrine just isn't helpful.
There is plenty of wisdom here to turn to again and again. This book would make a great gift for any Catholic mom, especially new moms. Also a great Mother's Day gift.
September 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Would have been nice to have something like this to read when my children were still at home. I laughed out loud at some of the stories of the craziness of raising six children, particularly getting them all to church. (Reminds me of a lecture we had from a priest one time for the young parents. "There is no need to bring food into church. Your child can last for one hour without eating." My response was, "Yes, they can last one hour without eating but they can't last one hour without talking... unless they're eating!") I plan to share this book with my daughters and daughter-in-law who are in the midst of parenting little ones now.
March 31, 2018
Subtitled "Confessions of an imperfect Catholic mom," this book is surprising in many ways. You might think you're getting humorous Tales from the Cry Room -- and you wouldn't be wrong -- but there's much more to this book than that. Colleen is open about the messiness of her life, from issues in her own childhood to the discovery that one of her children has a genetic disorder, because she wants to encourage other moms to move toward healing. This book is motivating, honest, heartbreaking, funny, and challenging. (ARC received from publisher)
June 2, 2021
We read this book with our mom's group at church this year. Every year we try to read a Catholic mom book from Ave Maria press. This book was a solid addition to that lineup of books. I loved how the chapters had discussion questions built in which could guide our evenings and made it easy for anyone to facilitate. I also appreciate how the author learned from experience that there's no perfect formula for a perfect life free from pain. I think that is such an important lesson for this time in the church and I'm glad that she shared it.
September 28, 2018
Good quick read for struggling Catholic Moms. This book leaves the Catholic Guilt out. I recommend reading with a small group.
March 7, 2020
Fun read for Catholic Moms. Easy to read, totally relatable, good story form. Nothing earth shattering but good for reflection and knowing you're not alone!
August 18, 2022
It was ok. I couldn't relate to some of her struggles, but I can see how others would. I'd say I found value in about half the chapters.
February 28, 2024
I think she got to a lot of points, but never really completed the thought on many of them. I found it hard to follow. I liked the message within, overall.
February 4, 2025
Its a beautiful book. I only wish that the author had been more kind to herself, even within her writing.
October 12, 2020
“It is only when we are kind to ourselves and when we encounter the peace of Christ that we can actually love another anyway.”
This book is for any mother who finds motherhood to be a bit of a struggle. From being short on patience to longing for more time alone, there are many struggles mothers have during the day-to-day grind of motherhood. Mothers seeking understanding and encouragement will find it in Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan.
This book is for Catholic moms who have doubts about passing on their faith to their children and living their faith “the right way” in motherhood. Duggan shares her personal struggles and gives honest answers of how faith plays a role in motherhood.
Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan is written in a coffee-shop style – like you’re sitting across the table chatting with the author over coffee. It is geared toward being used as a book study by a group of moms. The book isn’t divided into chapter, but into confessions. There are five confessions with an introduction and conclusion. Each confession chapter has discussion questions at the end for either personal reflection or for a group discussion. The book is written by a Catholic mom, so it is faith-based and discusses the Catholic faith.
Colleen Duggan wanted to be the perfect wife, mother and child of God. She realized fairly quickly that she would fail every day. However, one day she found herself at her wit’s end and realized she needed help. Counseling helped her find ways to deal with motherhood realistically. She wrote Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom to help other moms realize they are not alone in their struggles and to pass along her experiences to help moms learn from her mistakes and trials.
Confessions are often about things people don’t accept as the right thing to do. In motherhood, there are many expectations; yet, many of us don’t and can’t live up to them all. Her first confession is that she doesn’t know how to master motherhood. Most mothers have days where they don’t feel like the best mother in the world. She shares her personal experiences in each of her confessions. Her main message is that mothers need to rely on God in all things, including motherhood.
While Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan is a quick read, it is a powerful book. Duggan joins the ranks of Lysa TerKeurst, Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker – Christian women who are willing to be honest in their struggles and successes with faith, family, motherhood and womanhood. Duggan was only married 11 months when their first child was born and the second child was born 11 months after that. A third baby came less than two years later. She had been a teacher, but decided to stay at home with her children when they were born. She initially struggled with finding satisfaction with her role as a stay-at-home mom. She is honest with her struggles, which include a day where she could see herself hurting one of her children. She didn’t – she got help. It was the right thing to do and she makes sure her readers know they should ask for help if they need it.
All her struggles are ones mothers can identify with. Duggan then confesses to not taking care of herself as well as she should. Mothers often put others first and themselves last. Yet, if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. She feels she doesn’t know how to keep her kids Catholic. Most mothers of faith hope and pray their children take the faith as their own, yet we all know that our children must choose their own path eventually. She also doesn’t like watching her children suffer. A mother’s first instinct is to protect her children, but we must also allow them to make mistakes and face the consequences of their actions. Lastly, she admits to comparing herself with others. It is all too common with social media nowadays to compare lives with other families – they have a better vacation, better house, better party, better outfit. Comparisons will eat at a soul. We should all be seeking to be content with what we have and consider our own blessings.
I read this book with a group of mothers and we meet twice a month to read a chapter and discuss the questions. We had some great discussions. I think Duggan’s book is very relevant for mothers today. The topics are ones all mothers struggle with on a daily basis. I would highly recommend this book to any mother.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/good-enou...
This book is for any mother who finds motherhood to be a bit of a struggle. From being short on patience to longing for more time alone, there are many struggles mothers have during the day-to-day grind of motherhood. Mothers seeking understanding and encouragement will find it in Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan.
This book is for Catholic moms who have doubts about passing on their faith to their children and living their faith “the right way” in motherhood. Duggan shares her personal struggles and gives honest answers of how faith plays a role in motherhood.
Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan is written in a coffee-shop style – like you’re sitting across the table chatting with the author over coffee. It is geared toward being used as a book study by a group of moms. The book isn’t divided into chapter, but into confessions. There are five confessions with an introduction and conclusion. Each confession chapter has discussion questions at the end for either personal reflection or for a group discussion. The book is written by a Catholic mom, so it is faith-based and discusses the Catholic faith.
Colleen Duggan wanted to be the perfect wife, mother and child of God. She realized fairly quickly that she would fail every day. However, one day she found herself at her wit’s end and realized she needed help. Counseling helped her find ways to deal with motherhood realistically. She wrote Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom to help other moms realize they are not alone in their struggles and to pass along her experiences to help moms learn from her mistakes and trials.
Confessions are often about things people don’t accept as the right thing to do. In motherhood, there are many expectations; yet, many of us don’t and can’t live up to them all. Her first confession is that she doesn’t know how to master motherhood. Most mothers have days where they don’t feel like the best mother in the world. She shares her personal experiences in each of her confessions. Her main message is that mothers need to rely on God in all things, including motherhood.
While Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom by Colleen Duggan is a quick read, it is a powerful book. Duggan joins the ranks of Lysa TerKeurst, Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker – Christian women who are willing to be honest in their struggles and successes with faith, family, motherhood and womanhood. Duggan was only married 11 months when their first child was born and the second child was born 11 months after that. A third baby came less than two years later. She had been a teacher, but decided to stay at home with her children when they were born. She initially struggled with finding satisfaction with her role as a stay-at-home mom. She is honest with her struggles, which include a day where she could see herself hurting one of her children. She didn’t – she got help. It was the right thing to do and she makes sure her readers know they should ask for help if they need it.
All her struggles are ones mothers can identify with. Duggan then confesses to not taking care of herself as well as she should. Mothers often put others first and themselves last. Yet, if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. She feels she doesn’t know how to keep her kids Catholic. Most mothers of faith hope and pray their children take the faith as their own, yet we all know that our children must choose their own path eventually. She also doesn’t like watching her children suffer. A mother’s first instinct is to protect her children, but we must also allow them to make mistakes and face the consequences of their actions. Lastly, she admits to comparing herself with others. It is all too common with social media nowadays to compare lives with other families – they have a better vacation, better house, better party, better outfit. Comparisons will eat at a soul. We should all be seeking to be content with what we have and consider our own blessings.
I read this book with a group of mothers and we meet twice a month to read a chapter and discuss the questions. We had some great discussions. I think Duggan’s book is very relevant for mothers today. The topics are ones all mothers struggle with on a daily basis. I would highly recommend this book to any mother.
Read more here: https://sarahannecarter.com/good-enou...
April 22, 2021
I did not like this book at all. It was like being hit over the head a thousand times with a “Catholic” placard. I don’t know what I was expecting, exactly, but it was just way too focused on raising “Catholic kids” instead of focusing on ways to relax and let go as a parent. I thought there would be tools on how to release the grip of perfectionism, but there really weren’t any tools given.
June 20, 2018
Thank you AveMaria Press and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I found this book refreshing and honest to read. The author encourages the reader to be gentle on herself as a mother, something that is a welcome stance in parenting today. There were a number of parts of the book that I returned to and will continue to use in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
I found this book refreshing and honest to read. The author encourages the reader to be gentle on herself as a mother, something that is a welcome stance in parenting today. There were a number of parts of the book that I returned to and will continue to use in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews