Motherhood Stress: Finding Encouragement in the Ultimate Helping Profession

by Deborah Shaw Lewis, Gregg Lewis

A book that deals with the stress that comes with being a mother

Genres: Parenting

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Deborah Shaw Lewis has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books, has taught school, does professional storytelling, speaks on motherhood and family issues, and holds a master's degree in early childhood development. She and her husband, Gregg, are the parents of five children.

Reviews

[LAMONT D]

From my personal library: A book published in 1989 that would still resonate with mothers of today. This book basically validates that mothers have a very tough job so stress is part of the job definition if you will. Towards the end she does give a six-step stress control outline. Basically, the book sympathizes and empathizes with mothers with lots of quick little testimonies of some successes and trials as well. The main point is a mother should be valued and honored. Being a mother is especially tough with so many in the workforce but also the pressure of marriage (if that exists), being a single mom (probably very difficult), blended families and the stress of peer pressure if you stay at home like my daughter-in-law does currently.

[Carol]

I read this a LONG time ago, and have kept it in my library to share with others in need.
I recommend this book with qualification for mothers who are feeling stressed - the caveat is that the first 2/3 -3/4 of the book is a catalog of all the many elements of motherhood that cause stress - which can make it worse for sensitive people.
For women who are easily overwhelmed (like my oldest daughter), I only recommend the last part - the "how to cope with the stress" good-news part.
Just this year I got it out again and wrote up a highly-condenced summary to share with my daughter. My #1 take-away is that feeling "out of control" - that is, helpless to make any changes or improvements, is the common factor in most of the stresses cdataloged.
Fathers and counselors of women should read the WHOLE book.

[Carmen]

Just recently reread this book. Maybe for the fourth or fifth time by now. It validates so much about parenting, and makes one feel useful and necessary. I really enjoy reading it. Always find something else I can use.

[Stephanie]

Older book, but a good read. Not a lot of recommendations for changing or organizing life to lessen stress, but acknowledges what all mothers go through. Lots of "aha" moments where I sounded just like the woman in the book. I guess I'm not so crazy after all! LOL!

[Hope]

This book was especially helpful to me when my four kids were small. The chapter explaining how the mom is responsible for the psychological welfare of the home was worth the price of the book.