In a time of economic anxiety, fear of terrorism, and marital uncertainty, insecurity has become a big part of life for many American mothers. With bases of security far from guaranteed, mothers are often seeking something they can count on. In this beautifully written and accessible book, Ana Villalobos shows how mothers frequently rely on the one thing that seems sure to them: the mother-child relationship. Based on over one hundred interviews with and observations of mothers—single or married, but all experiencing varying forms of insecurity in their lives—Villalobos finds that mothers overwhelmingly expect the mothering relationship to "make it all better" for themselves and their children. But there is a price to pay for loading this single relationship with such high expectations. Using detailed case studies, Villalobos shows how women's Herculean attempts to create various kinds of security through mothering often backfire, thereby exhausting mothers, deflecting their focus from other possible sources of security, and creating more stress. That stress is further exacerbated by dominant ideals about "good" mothering—ideals that are fraught with societal pressures and expectations that reach well beyond what mothers can actually do for their children. Pointing to hopeful alternatives, Villalobos shows how more realistic expectations about motherhood lead remarkably to greater security in families by prompting mothers to cast broader security nets, making conditions less stressful and—just as significantly—bringing greater joy in mothering.

There are many kinds of mothers today—birth, adoptive, grandmothers and mothers of necessity. In this collection of mothering stories, Lana Skauge retells some of her favourites. Six stories about life’s lessons using metaphors and simple truths. They are based on her interactive performance pieces, bound by a tradition of storytelling (that ancient way of remembering through spiritual heartspeak) and told here by a straight shooting prairie girl! Back copy: Reworked from her live performances, these stories are “life lessons” told through metaphor and simple truths. Meant to be read aloud they focus on the renewal brought about by Spring and Motherhood. All six stories presented are told in an ancient storyteller tradition where each vignett, through spiritual-heart-speak and motherly-instinct, tugs at the heart strings of hope, happiness and heritage. Introduction: It is a Mother’s load, one that we accept without hesitation. Whether we are—birth mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers or mothers of necessity our children will one day tell our stories. What a responsibility! My life lessons are best told using metaphor and simple truths. They have rewarded me with a motherlode that I never expected. Reworked from my performances, the following pieces are bound by the tradition of storytelling, that ancient way of remembering through spiritual heartspeak and instinct that, for me, comes from a straight shooter prairie girl who has always listened to her motherland. Stories: Whale Sounds – For my brother, Denny. Matta’s Wish – For Judith Mercer, who walks in grace. The Fool and the Storyteller – Part of the sky, sweet Mom, I still feel you. Motherload - For all Mothers. Grandma’s Hands - For Grandmothers When the Sky Got Bigger - For Artie and Holly.

A candid, humorous, and heartfelt guide to self-care in motherhood from a meditation expert and mother-of-five. Managing the Motherload is a practical system for sanity from a happy, ultra-productive, and sometimes tired mother of five. This five-part system will help readers create a life that they love while allowing all the items on their to-do list to flourish in their own time. In the book, meditation guide and popular YouTuber Rebekah "Bex" Borucki features her favorite healing and stress-reducing modalities, including her signature 4-minute meditations. Deeply personal, heartfelt stories of her struggles and tender moments raising five children are highlighted throughout the book. As a birth doula and meditation guide, Bex offers a wealth of personal and professional experience in managing the demands of motherhood and the need for self-care and stress management. "I want every woman who reads this book to come away with a feeling of confidence in finding her own way as a mother and a human being. Upon finishing the pages, the reader will have the know-how to create a path to happiness, freedom, and success that can be achieved not in spite of her tremendous responsibility as a mother but in total alignment with it." -- from the author

In a time of economic anxiety, fear of terrorism, and marital uncertainty, insecurity has become a big part of life for many American mothers. With bases of security far from guaranteed, mothers are often seeking something they can count on. In this beautifully written and accessible book, Ana Villalobos shows how mothers frequently rely on the one thing that seems sure to them: the mother-child relationship. Based on over one hundred interviews with and observations of mothers—single or married, but all experiencing varying forms of insecurity in their lives—Villalobos finds that mothers overwhelmingly expect the mothering relationship to "make it all better" for themselves and their children. But there is a price to pay for loading this single relationship with such high expectations. Using detailed case studies, Villalobos shows how women's Herculean attempts to create various kinds of security through mothering often backfire, thereby exhausting mothers, deflecting their focus from other possible sources of security, and creating more stress. That stress is further exacerbated by dominant ideals about "good" mothering—ideals that are fraught with societal pressures and expectations that reach well beyond what mothers can actually do for their children. Pointing to hopeful alternatives, Villalobos shows how more realistic expectations about motherhood lead remarkably to greater security in families by prompting mothers to cast broader security nets, making conditions less stressful and—just as significantly—bringing greater joy in mothering.

Managing the Motherload is a practical system for sanity from a happy, ultra-productive and sometimes tired mother of five. This four-part system will help readers create a life that they love while allowing all the items on their to-do list to flourish in their own time. In the book, mediation guide, popular YouTuber and yoga instructor Rebekah "Bex" Borucki features her favourite healing and stress-reducing modalities, including her signature 4-minute meditations. As a birth doula and meditation and yoga guide, Bex offers a wealth of personal and professional experience in managing the demands of motherhood and the need for self-care and stress management. 'I want every woman who reads this book to come away with a feeling of confidence in finding her own way as a mother and a human being.' - from the author

Motherhood is an intense, ’round–the–clock job. To stay healthy and happy, moms need friends, laughter, solitude, balance, and an intimate relationship with the Lord. But exactly how do moms meet these needs while juggling family responsibilities? Mary Byers, the mother of two lively young kids, shares how moms can find small pockets of time to— rest and refuel create personal space make time for friendship, exercise, and intimacy identify and prevent “balance busters” that create chaos creatively stay sane in the midst of mothering The Mother Load offers down–to–earth suggestions, spiritual truths, and real–life advice from moms to help women survive and thrive in today’s active families. Includes questions for group discussion and personal reflection.

Beloved author and blogger Meredith Ethington shares her experiences, heart, and wisdom for mothers everywhere in her newest book, The Mother Load. Taking an honest look at her own journey as a mother, Ethington presents pieces of advice for each moment of motherhood—the good, the bad, the ugly, and every part of the in-between. Filled with raw, honest anecdotes, Ethington’s portrayal of motherhood is fully transparent—at times humorous, at times painful—never shying away from the tougher subjects of motherhood that may often get pushed under the rug. While motherhood may often feel like an uphill battle, Ethington is here to guide mothers inward, where they are encouraged to reflect upon their own journeys as mothers. Ethington’s book provides readers with insights on topics such as: - Nurturing yourself and caring for your mental health - Letting go of the idea of a “road-map” for motherhood - Practicing gratitude - Releasing expectations - Prioritizing authenticity over perfection Ethington draws from her own experience to present the lessons she has learned along the way, including the importance of self-care, balance, and grace amidst the busy day-to-day routine of many mothers. With Ethington’s poignant, vulnerable perspective on motherhood, mothers everywhere will be encouraged that the load they carry is one they never have to carry alone.