Shh!... I have a Secret!

Recently, a book arrived in the mail. I immediately tore the package open, sat down, and allowed Bo to enjoy some independent tummy-time while I read the entire thing.

Bo was fine, of course, and I was less than two feet from him, but I still felt bad since I "should" have been playing with him.

Luckily, the book was Dirty Little Secrets of Otherwise Perfect Moms by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile. It takes all of about 15 minutes to read and is the ideal book for taking away a bit of that "Mommy Guilt" that we all have. You know, that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you're ruining your child by not spending every waking minute showing them flashcards or when you let them watch "SpongeBob" while you attempt to take a shower.

Not that long ago I was given some very good advice -- take the "should" out of my life. I "should" make a five-course meal every night. I "should" play with Bo every second he is awake. I "should" be little miss Suzie Homemaker. I "should" do lots of things...

I love that this book, in a nutshell, says "to hell with the shoulds".

Even though we all want to be "perfect" moms, to do that, we would no longer be ourselves. And won't our spawn be better off in the long run if they not only learn to entertain themselves, but learn that the world does not center TOTALLY around them?? Amazingly, Mommy actually does have other things that have to be done each day, no matter how much she loves you!

This book gives Mom's a break and heaven knows, we need it! I think this is a cute book and would make a great birthday gift (or Mother's Day!) for a friend who is a mom.

Since my blog went public to my "real life" friends I've found myself airing fewer and fewer of my own "dirty little secrets". My old blog was more of a journal and I ranted and raved about whatever I was feeling that day -- and while I still do that here -- it isn't the same. Heaven forbid someone figure out that I'm really not perfect! ;)

Luckily, Mothertalk is sponsoring a contest for the best "dirty little secret". The grand prize is a $25 Amazon giftcard!

Shh!... I have a secret!