Sunday May 13

Confessions of a Scary Mommy and 6 Unusual Reads About Motherhood

To all the mommies out there, I hope you're having a relaxing day of pampering (forgive the diaper pun). But if it's not exactly what you expected, take heart. Jill Smokler understands, which is why she penned Confessions of a Scary Mommy, a little book of humorous essays that takes an irreverent, honest look at motherhood.

Smokler, a graphic designer turned stay-at-home mom, began a blog a few years ago on which she wrote about the real deal about motherhood: the struggles, competition, and boredom, and the blissful moments, too. Next came her book, Confessions of a Scary Mommy, in which she starts each essay with the funniest, saddest, twisted confessional comments from her blog readers that correspond with the theme of the chapter. Some of my favorite chapters are about: the family vacation (nice on paper but you'll need a vacation from your vacation once you get home); the grand efforts to plan the kid's perfect birthday party; the pool as recreation (deathtrap); the mommy wars; guarding your babysitter with your life, and so on. You get the picture, because Smokler speaks the truth.

We know you have precious little time, and luckily, this book can be read in two short sittings because it's that much fun. Also, check out our other ebook recommendations about the good, the bad, and the scary side of mommyhood.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua
Kids not living up to your expectations? Try banning all playdates and enforcing the violin. In this controversial book, Amy Chua rejects Western methods of child rearing and relays her story of extreme parenting, Chinese style.

It's Not About the Pom-Poms, by Laura Vikmanis with Amy Sohn
Remember feeling more put together and fit before having kids? Take some inspiration from the story of a forty-year-old single mom who took up pole dancing, then became the NFL's oldest cheerleader. How's that for teen spirit?

Bringing Up Bebe, by Pamela Druckerman
When an American journalist moves to Paris and notices that French kids are good listeners, great sleepers, and gourmet eaters -- and their parents are relaxed and balanced -- she investigates how on earth this happened and how you can get there, too.

Baby Laughs, by Jenny McCarthy
Funny lady Jenny McCarthy waxes hilarious on the naked truth of new motherhood, including dueling grandmas, husbands expecting sex, lullaby illiteracy, baby manicures, and other amusing, insightful anecdotes about the challenges new parents face.

Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Enough with the parenting advice from everyone in your life driving you crazy! In these sidesplitting and practical essays, Wilder-Taylor reassures that you can be a good mom and make your own decisions about how to raise your children.

Raising the Perfect Child Through Guilt and Manipulation, by Elizabeth Beckwith
So long traditional and earnest parenting guides! Beckwith discusses developing a family philosophy and sticking with it no matter how quirky. Includes strategies like "Don’t Be Afraid to Raise a Nerd" and "Mind Control: Why It’s a Good Thing."