This week I received a review copy of a book called Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too by Susan Callahan, Anne Nolen, and Katrin Schumann. It's a guidebook for mothers who need to take "time-outs" for themselves because they spend so much time devoted to activities for their families. Chapters are devoted to topics like taking physical care of yourself, establishing friendships, pursuing interests outside the home, rediscovering one's relationship with one's spouse, and valuing downtime.
At first, I didn't think this book would appeal to me. I work close to full-time, I travel for work (and sometimes for fun) without my kids, and I have hobbies (like blogging and exercise) that I manage to pursue in addition to motherhood. I feel guilty about spending time away from my kids; I don't need a reminder to take time for myself.
But I was impressed as I flipped through the book. I think there are good lessons here for all moms, and I appreciated the authors' honest, straightforward tone. I often find parenting books to be outdated and unrealistic; not so with Mothers Need Time Outs Too. There are personal testimonials and practical pieces of advice, and no self-help, new-Agey language.
I'd recomend this book to moms who are feeling overwhelmed, or who are losing their personal identities to motherhood. It's a nice reminder to nurture all of the sides of our lives.
I'd also like to pass along this copy to an EDIWTB reader. If you'd like to be entered into a random drawing to win this book, leave me a comment here and I'll pick a name on Sunday October 12.