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 I often find parenting books to be outdated and unrealistic; not so with Mothers Need Time Outs Too.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.
Will this be good in-advance reading for women who want to be moms in the very near future?
Posted by: Jena | October 08, 2008 at 01:56 AM
This sounds like an interesting book! I have been a SAHM for 10 years and just returned to part time work. I'm having to learn to balance my time much more now! Please add my name to the drawing.
redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom
Posted by: Bonnie | October 08, 2008 at 08:19 AM
With my first baby less then 2 months away, this sounds like a great book for me!
Posted by: Stephanie C. | October 08, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Hmm, I'm going to need this sort of advice in about 8 more months, so I'd love to be entered.
Posted by: Jen | October 08, 2008 at 09:35 AM
This sounds like it could be a useful. Funny, when I saw the title I was thinking more about when my child is misbehaving (a lot)and I need to take an actual time out before I can be rational enough to disipline effectively. A little peek into my life. You don't need to put me in the drawing, I just felt like commenting!
Posted by: Tara | October 08, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Oooh, boy! My sister and I BOTH need this book! It sounds terrific. Thanks for the chance!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: gwendolyn | October 08, 2008 at 11:33 AM
This sounds like a wonderful book!
kerin0874 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Posted by: Kam A | October 08, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Count me in!
Posted by: Rebecca | October 08, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Sounds good. Glad to hear you found it useful even though you are doing things for yourself already. Thanks for giving it away!
jgbeads AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: Janel | October 08, 2008 at 02:04 PM
I feel guilty when I take a little time away from the kids too. I guess since I work full time they don't really have that much time with me as it is, so taking time away to do my own stuff seems selfish in a way.
I do feel better though and seem to have much more patience when given a break here and there.
I'd like a shot at winning this book.
thereedfamily[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Posted by: Ti | October 08, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I'd love the book!!
Posted by: breana | October 08, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I would love to read this book. I also found some parenting books to be outdated. I was also a ECE major for years and a preschool teacher, I had four year olds and saw the mom's struggling to balance out the work, daycare and home tasks, not to mention the outside interests of the children, ballet soccer and what not!
Posted by: Toni Gomez | October 08, 2008 at 07:34 PM
This books sounds like something I absolutely HAVE to read. I am a working mom who is heading for a burn out I would love to hear how to avoid that!
Posted by: Tara | October 08, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I'm in!
Posted by: Amy Weiswasser | October 09, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I usually find this kind of book trite, but if Gayle recommends it, please count me in for the raffle. Your recommendation for this kind of book carries a lot of weight with me, Gayle, because I know you don't have time for useless reading!
Posted by: Nancy West | October 09, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I would LOVE a copy of this book. Who doesn't need some lessons in this department?! Thanks!
Posted by: Lindsay | October 09, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Posted by: Betty and Boo's Mommy | October 09, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I'd love to be entered!!
luckistarr4 AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: Kristina | October 10, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Hello, What an intriguing sounding book! I am guilty of letting myself go for everyone but myself. Sometimes, I don't even want to leave the house! I feel so out of touch. Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
Posted by: Cindi | October 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM