.com A QA with Dr. Meg Meeker, Author of The Ten Habits of Happy Mothers Q: Your book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters received very positive critical acclaim and was a national bestseller. Why did you decide to shift your focus to mothers? A: I decided to write on mothers for two reasons. First, after I saw the overwhelmingly positive response to the encouragement I gave fathers in Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, I realized that there is a huge paucity of encouragement out there not just for fathers, but for mothers too. Second, over the past 25 years, I have witnessed a shift in the level of stress that all mothers feel. I believe (and research supports this) that mothers are more stressed today than they have ever been. I wanted to drill down and find the sources of the stress and offer solutions to mothers in a positive, encouraging way. I also learned one extremely important lesson very early on as a pediatrician: if I really want to keep kids emotionally and physically happy, the best thing I can do for them is help their mothers. Once she's happy, I didn't need to worry about the kids.) Q: This new book discusses ten essential habits that mothers should abide by to reclaim the passion, purpose and sanity in their lives. How did you come up with these specific habits--were any of them based on your own personal experience as a mother? A: I comprised a list of "habits" for mothers after I identified the key stressors in mothers' lives. For instance, I found that money, feeling overwhelmed with complicated schedules, and fear that they weren't parenting well enough were some key stressors. These habits counter those key stresses. Since there isn't much research available on mothers' attitudes toward fear or competitiveness, for instance, much of my advice comes from years of listening intently to the mothers I see in my practice. Q: Why is solitude so important to mothers these days. A: Solitude is extremely important for several reasons. First, as mothers, we are continually bombarded with another person's needs and demands. In order to stay sane, we need a reprieve from these. Also, we need solitude so that we can spend reflective time on deeper, important issues such as: what do we want from our lives, what is our purpose and what do we really want for our kids? Finally, solitude teaches us to learn to enjoy our own company. This cannot be understated because every mother needs to learn to like herself and like being with herself. Only solitude affords this. Q: Whether you are a single mother or in a happy relationship, you assert that it is so important for women to form friendships with other women. Why? A: Mothers need other women friends because one of our primary needs is to be in deep relationship with a few close people. Our kids cannot serve this need and our husbands can only do so to a certain extent. We mothers need women friends because women think like we do, they stick with us when others leave us and they love us in ways that many husbands, family members or children can't. Q: There are a lot of advice books for parents on the market. What makes your approach to parenting and motherhood different? A: My approach to parenting has always been to start where you are and move forward. Many parents ruminate on their mistakes and this prohibits them from becoming better parents and from enjoying parenting more. Mothers, in particular, beat themselves up so much for past mistakes and I always encourage mothers to look forward, not back. This book, is the only book I have ever seen that is written for mothers, not to be better parents, but to learn how to enjoy parenting once again. And I know that any mother can enjoy her role as a mother more! From Publishers WeeklyArguing that many moms have gone overboard in their quest for perfection, the Michigan-based pediatrician and mother of four presents 10 "new habits" that will help moms maintain their passion, purpose, and sanity. In separate chapters, Meeker addresses understanding your value as a mother, maintaining key friendships, valuing and practicing faith, saying no to competition, creating a healthier relationship with money, making time for solitude, giving and getting love in healthy ways, finding ways to live simply, letting go of fear, and embracing hope. Meeker urges mothers to dig deep to find their life's purpose, rejecting cute but superficial one-liners such as "I'm here to drive my kids around." Though she claims to be "a scientist at heart," Meeker, a Christian, waxes philosophical on many issues, including the importance of faith and spirituality. She also urges moms to seek solitude and live more simply while rejecting such "toxic" cultural messages as being thinner, looking hot, and making more money. Readers in search of tips on how to help their kids excel won't find them here; this is a sincere and thoughtful discussion of what really matters in a mother's life. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.From BooklistThe author of Strong Fathers, Stronger Daughters (2006) now looks at mothers who seem to handle the demands of parenting, work, and home with greater happiness. Using her own personal experiences and those of her friends and women she has come across in her travels, Meeker outlines the 10 habits that fulfilled mothers share, which include maintaining important friendships, eschewing competition, practicing faith, and living more simply. Though Meeker is a medical doctor, a pediatrician, she doesnt delve much into medical research about happiness or depression but rather relies on the anecdotal evidence shes accumulated. While parenting books abound, few focus on the mothers well-being, so Meekers book will be welcomed. Her traditional view of family and gender roles may be off-putting to some readers, but Meeker is a popular speaker and radio guest, whom many readers will know and trust. --Aleksandra Walker how do i get bookbub The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Love this book!By Jennifer B.Such a great easy read. I am currently pregnant with my second son and have a four year old at home. This book can be picked up and started without losing any ground between working and home life. I only have a few minutes here and there and this is something that I was able to enjoy. Wonderful tips on how to simplify your thoughts and life to get back to you as a person and a mother. I am excited to read her other books and take a moment or two to focus on me. Love it and am so pleased with this purchase. Would definitely buy again.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must have!By SusieAwesome book! It has helped me regain my sanity. I am a full time nurse, a wife, and a mom. This book has helped me balance my busy everyday life.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Another great book by DrBy CustomerAnother great book by Dr. Meg. She does a great job of making her knowledge accessible and easy to digest, while still being profound and applicable.