February Book-of-the-Month: The Stay-At-Home Survival Guide
Posted by Heather Laird on 02 Feb 2009 | Tagged as: Friendships, Uncategorized |
Hey, mamas! I recently had a conversation with an old friend who lamented that her friends never really really really told her how difficult the transition from one child to two would be for her family. So often in life, we search and yearn for the a little extra guidance to help us deal with the challenges that face us. None of those challenges are unique, so why aren’t more people sharing ways to conquer them?
Well, stay-at-home mommas now have an excellent new book to help guide and educate them on their path. “The Stay-At-Home Survival Guide” by Melissa Stanton is here to help. No surprises here. The day of stay-at-home mom is not glamorized (thank god), politicized, or judged. I’d recommend this book to Moms new to the stay-at-home routine, as well as to those mommies who have been at it for years. There’s something in here for everyone.
Stanton is a former magazine editor and it shows in her book. This book reads like the best of a woman’s magazine article. The information is dense and well written. There is expert advice and a few self scoring tests. And best for busy mommies; it is a quick and enjoyable read.
Stanton covers all the basics; the inability to actually do housework with small children underfoot, a change in self-image when transitioning out of the work force and how to renew the zing (aka sex) in your marriage. Plus, she has some really heavy hitters. She spends a good amount of time reviewing finances and getting down to the nitty gritty with Social Security. (Ladies, there are some very important Suzy Orman moments in this book.) Depression and coping techniques are also covered.
So, here’s the only caveat about this book. This book mostly discusses almost entirely only the experiences of college educated career women who become stay-at-home moms in their 30’s and 40’s. That’s me, so I felt INCREDIBLE validation and connectedness to this book. If this describes you, then this book is a more than perfect fit!
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
ENTER TO WIN! Leave a comment to this post (and be sure to include a valid e-mail address!) and you’ll automatically be entered to win this month’s Book-of-the-Month giveaway including two fabulous Mama Lit books!
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
This sounds like me too & I love the idea of coping techniques. I look at pictures of me now and from 5 years ago, and can sometimes barely recognize the sleep deprived person looking back at me now. Thanks for reviewing & getting me excited about a new book!
February 5th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Oh, this sounds right up my alley. And I just made the transition from 2 to 3, so I probably need it more than ever! Thanks for this review.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I’ve only one kid, and a very young one at that, but I’m trying to decide whether or not to be a stay-at-home mom, so maybe this would be a good book to get a good idea of what I might be in for. Thanks for the tip!
February 6th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Sounds good!Would love to win!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I have two kids and have been sleep deprived for nearly 5 years.. Could really use different tips on how to cope better.
February 6th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
We’re trying to decide about adding a 2nd child. I want another kid, but I’m not sure how I’ll be able to handle two. I think this book could be a big help.
February 8th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I’m a stay-at-home mom who’s being staying home more now than ever before due to the recession. I’m trying to keep it together but it’s hard, even with just one so far! I liked that Heather started her review talking about the transition from 1 child to 2. I always ask my friends who have 2 children if it’s harder going from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 2. I never get a straight answer either!
February 9th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Melanie: in response to your comment, for me, it was harder to go from 1 kid to 2. But that’s just my experience
February 9th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Hello Ladies:
Thank you, Heather, for reading and reviewing my book. I’m so glad you enjoyed “The Guide” and found it helpful. The book is very specifically for women who, of course, love their kids, but aren’t “blissfully happy” every minute of every day as stay-at-home moms. Some stay-at-home mothers don’t have doubts or bad days, and that’s great for them. But many women do struggle with going from the workplace to being 24/7 at home with children, or even from no kids to kids. Motherhood and full-time, hands-on parenting is a huge life transition and needs to be recognized as such. In tough economic times like what we’re facing now, many SAHMs are feeling even more precarious about being out of the workforce. We’re all just trying to do the best we can for our kids. If you haven’t read the book, one of the main points is that SAH-motherhood is a job. SAH moms are “working moms.” (We work, at home, all day.) But like any working person, you need regular time off, you need variety in your work, you need to socialize with other adults, you need an occasional change of scenery. Anyway. Thanks again for reading or expressing interest in the book. Have a good day at “work” tomorrow.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Wow. I would LOVE to read this. Sounds so fantastic. Thank you!
February 17th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Sounds like a perfect book for my wife who will be transitioning to this new role in a couple of months. Would love to win it for her. Thanks!