The Good Enough Blogger

Now that life is getting back to normal (whatever that is) since my trip to New York with Devra for Mamapalooza, I thought I would do a quick book review. You see, I'm not much of a reader. At least not in comparison to my daughter, Lexi. Lexi can read 3 or 4 books simultaneously, keep them all straight and finish them all in about 3 weeks. As for me? I can read 3 or 4 books simultaneously, not have any clue what I'm reading about and finish them all in about 3 years, each. Unless, of course, I have a plane ride.

Luckily for all of us, the 4 hours between Colorado and Virginia was all I needed to breeze through Good - enough Mother by Rene Syler (by the way, her first name is actually Michelle which she wanted to change to Mike but since her mom liked Mike, she went with Rene). While the book is obviously written to a very targeted audience of moms, I must admit I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions at the stories she told. I also found myself a little teary eyed when she told of her family battles with cancer not just once, but 3 times with three different family members - including herself.

I couldn't help recognize some of the similarities between the attitude in Rene's book and the attitude Devra and I espouse when we discuss Mommy Guilt or conduct Parentopia workshops. One of the most powerful "tools" we like to give parents is the little two word phrase, "So what." We encourage them to yell it out loud when they need to or whisper it under their breath when that seems more appropriate. It is a very liberating phrase that reminds you to believe in yourself and not worry so much about everyone else. Rene has a chapter in her book titled "I Don't Care." It is her good-enough mother mantra and it serves the same purpose as our "so what." Like Devra and me, Rene believes that being a parent should be enjoyed more than fretted over.

Should you find yourself with a little time to spare and want a fun, light read, you may want to pick up a copy of Good - enough Mother. It may not possess the answers to your burning parenting questions but it will remind you that good enough really is good enough! Besides, if I could read the entire book in less than a week, so can you.