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The ABCs of Being Mom: Advice and Support from the Mom Next Door, Birth through Kindergarten
Moms enter the world of motherhood with no sense of the impact that entry will have upon them. They need orientation and guidance to get through this bewildering maze―and The ABCs of Being Mom , with its abundance of wisdom acquired directly from the trenches of motherhood struggles, is that roadmap.
In this instructive guide, Karen Bongiorno addresses the changes parenthood brings and how to manage them, the importance of being part of a supportive community and taking time for personal care and restoration, the need for equal participation from spouses or partners, and more, with a steady voice of encouragement and understanding that will get moms through even the toughest of times. The wise friend every mom needs to accompany her in her new role, The ABCs of Being Mom offers mothers everything they need to feel confident in managing motherhood so they can rid themselves of useless worry and have more time and energy to enjoy their early years of “Being Mom.”
In this instructive guide, Karen Bongiorno addresses the changes parenthood brings and how to manage them, the importance of being part of a supportive community and taking time for personal care and restoration, the need for equal participation from spouses or partners, and more, with a steady voice of encouragement and understanding that will get moms through even the toughest of times. The wise friend every mom needs to accompany her in her new role, The ABCs of Being Mom offers mothers everything they need to feel confident in managing motherhood so they can rid themselves of useless worry and have more time and energy to enjoy their early years of “Being Mom.”
- GenresParentingNonfiction
280 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2021
This is a nice preview and overview of the first years of your child’s life as well as some basic advice and tips and tricks for managing your household and finances.
This book is accurately described as offering “support and advice” and doesn’t go into the nitty gritty on how to’s. If you want a book on how to breastfeed or how to discipline your toddler, this isn’t it. Because it’s support and advice, it’s pretty subjective and definitely not research based. However, as with all advice, you’re able to take what you like and leave what you don’t.
The early chapters were essentially confirming that parenthood, specifically motherhood, is really hard and it’s ok to feel overwhelmed. Personally, I wanted a little less support and validation in these chapters and more nuanced information, but that just isn’t this book.
The later chapters about schedules, organization, finances, and future planning felt a little more informative to me. Much of the information was common sense but it was nice to learn a few new tips and tricks and to have one place to refer to for all the basic knowledge.
Additionally, there’s a plethora of resources included at the end. If nothing else, this book provides a great kicking off point for a lot of conversations with your family and food for thought for planning.
This book is accurately described as offering “support and advice” and doesn’t go into the nitty gritty on how to’s. If you want a book on how to breastfeed or how to discipline your toddler, this isn’t it. Because it’s support and advice, it’s pretty subjective and definitely not research based. However, as with all advice, you’re able to take what you like and leave what you don’t.
The early chapters were essentially confirming that parenthood, specifically motherhood, is really hard and it’s ok to feel overwhelmed. Personally, I wanted a little less support and validation in these chapters and more nuanced information, but that just isn’t this book.
The later chapters about schedules, organization, finances, and future planning felt a little more informative to me. Much of the information was common sense but it was nice to learn a few new tips and tricks and to have one place to refer to for all the basic knowledge.
Additionally, there’s a plethora of resources included at the end. If nothing else, this book provides a great kicking off point for a lot of conversations with your family and food for thought for planning.
May 12, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for providing me with ARC.
This book is so good, i loved the information that the author provide. My Grandma always said * No one can know the kid as his mom, not even the Pediatrician *.
When i was pregnant, i felt scared because i am not planning and how can i raise a baby, that i don't know anything about her. When my daughter born, she suffered from reflux, she can't take my breast and also take a special formal milk.
After giving birth, i suffered from a horrible back pain that take from me almost a year to recover but when i huge or kiss my daughter, i forget any pain.
Every New mom should read this book because it's very helpful.
This book is so good, i loved the information that the author provide. My Grandma always said * No one can know the kid as his mom, not even the Pediatrician *.
When i was pregnant, i felt scared because i am not planning and how can i raise a baby, that i don't know anything about her. When my daughter born, she suffered from reflux, she can't take my breast and also take a special formal milk.
After giving birth, i suffered from a horrible back pain that take from me almost a year to recover but when i huge or kiss my daughter, i forget any pain.
Every New mom should read this book because it's very helpful.
May 11, 2021
Where was this book when I was newly having kids?! What a great useful tool this book is for new parents. From birth to kindergarten this book covers all your burning questions!
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This one is perfect for Mother’s Day for new and expecting mamas!
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Thank you @booksparks for this great book that I will for sure be recommending to all my pregnant friends!
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This one is perfect for Mother’s Day for new and expecting mamas!
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Thank you @booksparks for this great book that I will for sure be recommending to all my pregnant friends!
March 14, 2021
The ABC'S of Being Mom is unlike any parenting book I've read before, in that it focuses on life AFTER the hospital inexplicably lets you drive away with the newborn you've known for like, a day. This is not a book you will need to study and refer to constantly- it's not going to identify that rash or let you know if it is necessary to take baby in for that cough. This is more of a quick reference for what life may look like at each of your child's stages. Chapters are broken down by age (first three months, four months to a year, age one, two to three, three to five, four to six, kindergarten) with additional sections on family organization, finances, and resources. So mom doesn't need to commit to reading an entire book in one sitting. Read about your current stage, glance ahead to see what's coming, then get back to your insanely busy life.
Great things about this book: lots of tips, suggestions and hey, don't forget to do this! types of information, it's a quick and easy refresher for mom when she's expecting again and may have blacked out some of the details, the author works hard to reassure mom that EVERYONE feels tired, inadequate, frustrated, etc. at times, she encourages you to breathe in the sweet, happy moments, she sets the reader up to know that there are many realistic hardships with parenting but the compensation is well worth it, and many times over she posts resources for mothers experiencing post partem depression and anxiety. She speaks to single mothers as well as partnered households.
This is a very nice resource for moms without being an overwhelming info dump. It's like sitting with a family member or friend and getting the realistic nitty gritty while also being reminded that motherhood is an honor, has countless rewards, and there is a community of resources to help you along the way.
Great things about this book: lots of tips, suggestions and hey, don't forget to do this! types of information, it's a quick and easy refresher for mom when she's expecting again and may have blacked out some of the details, the author works hard to reassure mom that EVERYONE feels tired, inadequate, frustrated, etc. at times, she encourages you to breathe in the sweet, happy moments, she sets the reader up to know that there are many realistic hardships with parenting but the compensation is well worth it, and many times over she posts resources for mothers experiencing post partem depression and anxiety. She speaks to single mothers as well as partnered households.
This is a very nice resource for moms without being an overwhelming info dump. It's like sitting with a family member or friend and getting the realistic nitty gritty while also being reminded that motherhood is an honor, has countless rewards, and there is a community of resources to help you along the way.
April 1, 2021
As a mother of a toddler I loved Bongiorno's helpful tips and charts the most! The references and charts listed throughout each chapter and for each age range would be key for any parent. From my personal experience I found everything Bongiorno wrote to ring true and it all made me feel like a more 'normal' parent. Parenting can be a lot of peaks and valleys and sometimes the most comforting thing is to know you are not alone in the wild ride!
I think any mother (whether it is your first child or not) can benefit from reading this book. I found a lot of the checklists and charts to be things I already knew but hadn't had the time to write it down in a list I could tackle. Just having things laid out for you saves you the time of creating the list yourself and can help you check off items as you go.
Really a great read! Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this one, I will definitely be sharing with my mom friends!
I think any mother (whether it is your first child or not) can benefit from reading this book. I found a lot of the checklists and charts to be things I already knew but hadn't had the time to write it down in a list I could tackle. Just having things laid out for you saves you the time of creating the list yourself and can help you check off items as you go.
Really a great read! Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this one, I will definitely be sharing with my mom friends!
April 12, 2021
What I love:
✅ Reading it feels like you’re having a chat with an older, wiser mom friend, as opposed to being bombarded with information.
✅ Bongiorno covers everything from postpartum depression and diaper bag essentials, to leaning on your support team and how to choose the right (pre)school.
✅ In addition to the wonderful tips & suggestions and reference sections in each chapter; there are chapters that specifically discuss family organization and finances.. both areas I often feel like I’m just “winging it” to.
✅ Bongiorno reminds mothers numerous times to give yourself GRACE. (A message I need to hear quite often.❤️)
If you or someone you know is expecting/adopting or is already a mother to young children, I highly recommend picking up this guide! It is a lifesaver!
I am so grateful to receive The ABCs of Being Mom: Advice and Support From The Mom Next Door, by Karen Bongiorno! Thank you, BookSparks, for my gifted copy! I didn’t know how much I needed this book in my life!
(Released April 6, 2021)
✅ Reading it feels like you’re having a chat with an older, wiser mom friend, as opposed to being bombarded with information.
✅ Bongiorno covers everything from postpartum depression and diaper bag essentials, to leaning on your support team and how to choose the right (pre)school.
✅ In addition to the wonderful tips & suggestions and reference sections in each chapter; there are chapters that specifically discuss family organization and finances.. both areas I often feel like I’m just “winging it” to.
✅ Bongiorno reminds mothers numerous times to give yourself GRACE. (A message I need to hear quite often.❤️)
If you or someone you know is expecting/adopting or is already a mother to young children, I highly recommend picking up this guide! It is a lifesaver!
I am so grateful to receive The ABCs of Being Mom: Advice and Support From The Mom Next Door, by Karen Bongiorno! Thank you, BookSparks, for my gifted copy! I didn’t know how much I needed this book in my life!
(Released April 6, 2021)
July 15, 2026
The ABCs of Being Mom is a compassionate, practical, and reassuring guide that offers exactly what so many new mothers are searching for: honest support without judgment.
Karen Bongiorno writes with the warmth of a trusted friend who understands that motherhood is both incredibly rewarding and unexpectedly overwhelming. Rather than presenting an impossible standard of perfect parenting, she acknowledges the very real challenges that accompany raising young children while offering thoughtful guidance grounded in empathy and experience.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on caring for the mother as well as the child. Too often, parenting advice focuses exclusively on children's needs while overlooking the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the person doing the caregiving. Bongiorno reminds readers that self-care is not selfish it is an essential part of becoming a healthy, confident parent.
I also appreciated the book's discussion of partnership and shared responsibility. Encouraging equal participation from spouses or partners reflects the realities of modern family life and reinforces the idea that parenting is strongest when it is supported by teamwork and open communication.
Equally valuable is the emphasis on building a supportive community. Motherhood can often feel isolating, particularly during the early years, and the reminder that no one is meant to navigate this journey alone is both comforting and empowering.
The book is organized in a clear, accessible way, making it easy for busy parents to revisit specific topics whenever they need encouragement or practical advice. Throughout, the tone remains encouraging, realistic, and free of unnecessary guilt, allowing readers to approach parenting with greater confidence and self-compassion.
The ABCs of Being Mom is more than a parenting manual it is a reassuring companion for mothers navigating one of life's greatest transitions. Filled with wisdom, kindness, and practical insight, it is an excellent resource for new and expecting mothers seeking confidence, balance, and a reminder that they are not alone.
Karen Bongiorno writes with the warmth of a trusted friend who understands that motherhood is both incredibly rewarding and unexpectedly overwhelming. Rather than presenting an impossible standard of perfect parenting, she acknowledges the very real challenges that accompany raising young children while offering thoughtful guidance grounded in empathy and experience.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on caring for the mother as well as the child. Too often, parenting advice focuses exclusively on children's needs while overlooking the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the person doing the caregiving. Bongiorno reminds readers that self-care is not selfish it is an essential part of becoming a healthy, confident parent.
I also appreciated the book's discussion of partnership and shared responsibility. Encouraging equal participation from spouses or partners reflects the realities of modern family life and reinforces the idea that parenting is strongest when it is supported by teamwork and open communication.
Equally valuable is the emphasis on building a supportive community. Motherhood can often feel isolating, particularly during the early years, and the reminder that no one is meant to navigate this journey alone is both comforting and empowering.
The book is organized in a clear, accessible way, making it easy for busy parents to revisit specific topics whenever they need encouragement or practical advice. Throughout, the tone remains encouraging, realistic, and free of unnecessary guilt, allowing readers to approach parenting with greater confidence and self-compassion.
The ABCs of Being Mom is more than a parenting manual it is a reassuring companion for mothers navigating one of life's greatest transitions. Filled with wisdom, kindness, and practical insight, it is an excellent resource for new and expecting mothers seeking confidence, balance, and a reminder that they are not alone.
August 27, 2026
The ABCs of Being Mom is a warm, practical, and encouraging guide for mothers navigating the enormous transition into parenthood. Rather than presenting motherhood as something that should come naturally, Karen Bongiorno recognizes the uncertainty, adjustment, and emotional demands that accompany becoming a mother and offers readers the kind of reassurance they might expect from a wise and supportive friend.
One of the book's strongest qualities is its practical approach to the everyday realities of motherhood. Bongiorno addresses the changes parenthood can bring to a woman's life while emphasizing that mothers also need support, restoration, and time to care for themselves. This creates a refreshing perspective in which self care is not treated as selfishness, but as an important part of sustaining a healthy and fulfilling experience of motherhood.
The emphasis on community is another particularly valuable element. New mothers can easily feel isolated while trying to navigate unfamiliar responsibilities, and the book recognizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who can provide encouragement, perspective, and practical support.
Bongiorno also highlights the importance of equal participation from spouses or partners. This expands the conversation beyond the mother simply learning to manage an overwhelming workload and encourages a more balanced understanding of family responsibility.
For readers looking for parenting nonfiction that combines practical guidance with emotional encouragement, The ABCs of Being Mom offers an accessible resource. Its focus on the period from birth through kindergarten gives it a particularly useful scope for mothers navigating the early years of childhood.
Ultimately, the book's greatest appeal lies in its reassuring message: mothers do not have to figure everything out alone. With community, support, self care, and realistic expectations, the early years of motherhood can become less about worrying over every decision and more about experiencing and enjoying the moments that make the journey meaningful.
One of the book's strongest qualities is its practical approach to the everyday realities of motherhood. Bongiorno addresses the changes parenthood can bring to a woman's life while emphasizing that mothers also need support, restoration, and time to care for themselves. This creates a refreshing perspective in which self care is not treated as selfishness, but as an important part of sustaining a healthy and fulfilling experience of motherhood.
The emphasis on community is another particularly valuable element. New mothers can easily feel isolated while trying to navigate unfamiliar responsibilities, and the book recognizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who can provide encouragement, perspective, and practical support.
Bongiorno also highlights the importance of equal participation from spouses or partners. This expands the conversation beyond the mother simply learning to manage an overwhelming workload and encourages a more balanced understanding of family responsibility.
For readers looking for parenting nonfiction that combines practical guidance with emotional encouragement, The ABCs of Being Mom offers an accessible resource. Its focus on the period from birth through kindergarten gives it a particularly useful scope for mothers navigating the early years of childhood.
Ultimately, the book's greatest appeal lies in its reassuring message: mothers do not have to figure everything out alone. With community, support, self care, and realistic expectations, the early years of motherhood can become less about worrying over every decision and more about experiencing and enjoying the moments that make the journey meaningful.
April 7, 2021
The ABCs of Being Mom differs from other "new parenting" books as it combines basic "how-to's" with more meaningful insights into the moments that make motherhood— beyond (but including) the diaper changes and health records.
With gentle reminders that pre-pregnancy clothes probably won't fit (and that's okay!) and helpful advice for moms who'll be returning to work soon, The ABCs of Being Mom provides a much more holistic. (and applicable) look at what it's like to be a new mom *today*. I also appreciate Karen's approach of this book being an approachable collection of her reflections as well as a resource of resources, rather than the end-all-be-all of new parent books. Many if the included suggestions are annotated with info about the source material or further reading.
Of note: the vast majority of the anecdotes in this story are of the author's own experience. Thus, lots of it reads more like a hybrid memoir/personal advice book than a "parenting manual". All in all, I think this is a worthy addition to a new parent library and would make a great addition to a baby shower present.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
With gentle reminders that pre-pregnancy clothes probably won't fit (and that's okay!) and helpful advice for moms who'll be returning to work soon, The ABCs of Being Mom provides a much more holistic. (and applicable) look at what it's like to be a new mom *today*. I also appreciate Karen's approach of this book being an approachable collection of her reflections as well as a resource of resources, rather than the end-all-be-all of new parent books. Many if the included suggestions are annotated with info about the source material or further reading.
Of note: the vast majority of the anecdotes in this story are of the author's own experience. Thus, lots of it reads more like a hybrid memoir/personal advice book than a "parenting manual". All in all, I think this is a worthy addition to a new parent library and would make a great addition to a baby shower present.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
February 3, 2024
This book was easy to read, I read it in one day. It had a lot of relatable commentary on different elements of parenting. If you’re looking for something to validate your experience and feel like you’ve done something productive for yourself, I would definitely pick this up. I do feel it spoke quite generally at times, or made assumptions about some experiences. And I do prefer self help books that are more workbook style. It was still an easy read and if I were a first time parent, I would have taken my time with it.
January 30, 2022
While this is a nice book, it definitely seems to be more aimed for first time moms. I didn't really find anything useful that I was unaware of, but I'm also on my fifth baby, so I have been here a few times before. She tries to include many tips and suggestions that may help those who are new to being a mom though, and she does so in a pretty conversational and relatable tone. Most of it very concise and doesn't go into too much detail, but this may be preferable for some readers.
November 4, 2021
This book assumes that my 4 year old is in preschool and that I have friends.
That aside the only thing that stuck with me is developing a routine for leaving times to reduce tears. I've randomly tried the "10 minutes till we gotta go" but not the reminding at 5min and 3 min ets.
That aside the only thing that stuck with me is developing a routine for leaving times to reduce tears. I've randomly tried the "10 minutes till we gotta go" but not the reminding at 5min and 3 min ets.
Want to Read
August 26, 2021 I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
RTC
RTC
September 22, 2023
I couldn't get enough of this book. The author's writing is nothing short of brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews