Field-tested strategies for staying smart, sane and connected while caring for your kids
DON'T STAY HOME WITHOUT IT!
- "I just got through the intro of your book and am already feeling like you've written the book just for me.... It's been a few months since I quit [my job], and I feel like I'm still in transition. It's gotten a little easier, but I still feel like a big part of me is missing. Thank you for making this available to moms like me, like you. So much of what I've read so far really speaks to me and fills me with such relief that I'm not alone in my emotions. I've really struggled with not being fulfilled in my role as a stay-at-home mom, and I hate it when people say, "How are you doing? Are you LOVING your time at home?!!" It would be easy for me to try to mirror their enthusiasm, but I've decided to respond honestly, just because a dishonest answer wouldn't be honoring to myself or other moms who also struggle... I'm really looking forward to finishing your book, but I know it will be a while. I love that you wrote it in a format with moms like me in mind — one sidebar or paragraph at a time.
— Melody (via email) - "I just finished reading The Stay at Home Survival Guide and absolutely loved it! For the past two years I've been trying to adjust to being a stay at home mom after a long career in emergency management....Your book had me laughing and 'amening' all along the way. Thank you for taking the time and effort to write such a wonderful book. I think it should be standard issued equipment for every stay at home mom."
— Sharee (via email) - "I'm a former teacher and relatively new SAHM (2 kiddos, 17 months and 8 months) and desperately needed help figuring it all out. Being at home with my girls is by far the most draining thing I have ever done — and I used to keep up with a classroom full of first graders! Your book has helped me become a better (rested, recharged, realistic) mama. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such important and insightful advice. — Stephanie (via email)
- "I could relate to so, so much of everything written... Not only was [your book] supportive and encouraging to reassure the reader they're doing the right thing, but it was very educational, especially the chapter on finances. Very real stuff, very wise and very much necessary for women everywhere, no matter their circumstance." — Bhavna (via email)
© 2016 The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide, Melissa Stanton
- "This is a book pediatricians and ob/gyns should give to parents, or highly suggest [that] their patients read."
— E. Nolan, amazon.com reader "I read [this book] in two days. I couldn't put it down. For any highly-degreed SAHM with conflicted emotions about the role she has chosen, this is the IT book. [The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide] helped me immensely to come to peace with my decision. It explores the thoughts and feelings of women like me. I loved and highly recommend it."
— Sarah W., amazon.com reader- "I found [this book] one night when, after a particularly long week, I Googled 'mind numbing stay at home mom' ... Thank you for being so honest about all we SAH moms feel. I feel so much better knowing that many other mothers are going through the same trials and tribulations It's usually hard to get moms to be honest. Most just say what a blessing it is, but many don't say it's so hard sometimes, and you don't enjoy every day, and THAT'S OK!!! I've felt everything you talked about in your book and identified with so many (like the lady whose degrees mock her or the lady who feels like she's in the movie Groundhog Day as she lives the same day over and over). I've felt the same as almost every mom in your book, and I can't tell you how happy I am with your honesty on each subject."
— Jill (via email) - "I recommend this book to anyone who has had a fulfilling career and is now choosing (or not) to become a full-time/stay-at-home parent. I have read many books on the subject and found this to be one of the best. It's not a feel-good book to praise you for your decision. It is really focused on how to get the most out of the job! .... This book offers good advice and frank discussion on the subject. It was helpful, instructional and gave me a boost!!"
— Laura A. Neuman, amazon.com reader
- "I bought 4 different books on the topic, and ONE did help. This one. More than that it was a lifesaver. I felt like I wasn't alone in the struggles I was facing. This book gave me confidence ... Now knowing that I wasn't the only mom who struggled with all the tasks of stay at home parenting I confessed my struggles to [a mom at a playgroup] and you could see her great relief... This book could easily be titled "The Secret Confessions of Stay at Home Moms." I loved it and would recommend it to anyone and everyone thinking about staying at home with their kids. Most important, this book does not peg employed mothers and non-employed mothers against one another. It respects the decisions of both. It just helps the later to cope better with theirs."
— "A No Longer Struggling Stay at Home Mom," amazon.com reader - [The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide] has been instrumental in helping me adjust to being a SAHM. The advice is articulate and concrete. Chapters are organized according to specific issues. I actually loved the book so much I read it cover-to-cover and then went back to review specifics. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering, or who is, a stay-at-home parent."
—S. Dahl, amazon.com reader - "Finally a real perspective on what it's like to be at home, with kids, all day, every day ... and not loving it all day, every day. I found the book totally validating."
— J. Beard, amazon.com reader - "I know this author and work at a children's boutique so we got a few copies and put them out for display. The books were a hit! Although a few moms bought the book for themselves, even more people who came in to buy something for a child wound up buying the book to give as a gift to a mom. Husbands would say, "Oh, I think my wife needs this." Grandmothers would say, "My daughter really needs this." It was interesting to see. I'm getting more books."
— Jen, amazon.com reader - "The insights and anecdotes are well chosen and capture the angst that many professional, educated moms experience when making this change. A great read."
— Lyn, amazon.com reader - "In my work I counsel parents and I recommend this book to the moms who stay home. I read it, and enjoyed it greatly, even though I've already survived those years. The author is smart, supportive, nonjudgmental and really captures the reality of stay at home motherhood. [The book] helps moms who are struggling with the daily grind of motherhood realize they aren't alone in sometimes feeling bored, frustrated, lonely, vulnerable, overwhelmed. I also recommend the book to mothers who are thinking about leaving the workforce, not to change their mind, but so they are prepared."
— Cary Ann, amazon.com reader - "This book is a must-read for all women who are either considering staying home with their kids or who have been doing it for years. It is encouraging and honest without being condescending."
— PW Mom, amazon.com reader - "This author totally gets what it's like to be a stay at home mom, especially to little kids. I felt like she and the moms interviewed for the book totally understand what I'm going through."
— Michkins, amazon.com reader - "[The author] did a wonderful job of relaying all the mixed feeling moms at home can experience. Sometimes, I felt like I was reading my own words. I picked your book up over the course of many evenings and it gave me great comfort." — Pam (via email)
- "I'd recommend this book for any new stay at home mom who is feeling a bit alone and lost."
— Jess, amazon.com reader
More reviews and emails from readers ...
The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide