Most advice for mothers is about mothering rather than about being a mother. Mothers are given loads of advice and instructions on what to do for their children, but little help with how to nurture themselves.
Buddhism for Mothers seeks to offer this help. Author Sarah Napthali, herself a mother of two, tries to show mothers how they can cope with the day to day stresses and challenges of motherhood using basic Buddhist philosophies and techniques. She explores ways out of maximising the joy of parenting, and minimising anger and stress.
With chapters on mindful parenting, finding calm and happiness, creating loving relationships and more, the book offers insights which will be fresh to many mothers, yet which offer achievable aims.
Napthali’s advice is wise, yet realistic. She does not encourage parents to set unrealistic aims for themselves or those around them, but rather acknowledges the realities of parenting and of struggling for balance. An accessible and balanced volume.
Buddhism for Mothers, by Sarah Napthali
Allen & Unwin, 2003.