Today I’m offering a parenting tip of a different sort: 

“bad mother” books. 

Do you ever get tired of thinking about how you should be a better parent?   Typically I love to read inspirational advice, but once in awhile, I need to be assured I’m normal — or at least not as bad as the “bad” mothers out there.  Lately, I’m on a roll.  I don’t know whether there’s something I’m doing or thinking that has attracted these into my life (perhaps that recent little identity crisis?), or if there’s just so many of them being published, but I have an embarassingly high stack of “bad mother” books on my shelf right now. 

I put “bad” in quotes because often, these mothers are just getting back to basics and rejecting some of the hype, materialism, overscheduling and overprotection that seems to be taking over parenting today.   Sometimes I find such books sassy, irreverent and refreshing, and they often include insights that really stick with me.  After awhile, they may sound a bit cranky and jaded, and when I get to that point, I’ll put them down and pick up the inspirational ones that help me become a better person.

So, if you’re intrigued and ready for a bit of rebellion, here is my “Bad Mother” book list.  I’ve linked to the Amazon pages so you can read the reviews on your own.  Since I haven’t been completely through the stack, please read at your own risk (some are a little PG-13):

Bad Mother:  A chronicle of maternal crimes, minor calamities, and occasional moments of grace by Ayelet Waldman

To Hell with All That:  Loving and Loathing our Inner Housewife, by Caitlin Flanagan

It sucked and then I cried:  How I had a baby, a breakdown, and a much needed margarita, by Heather B. Armstrong, aka dooce

Confessions of a Slacker Mom by Muffy Mead-Ferro

Switching up my reading lists works for me.  For more ideas to combat summer boredom, check out We Are THAT Family. 

Do you ever get a kick out of rebellious books?  Have you read any of these?  What would you add to the list?

On faith was the very first post I wrote for this site, but few of you were around to read it.  I thought I’d run it again.  Let me know what you think. 

Intrigued?  Some thoughtful women have started If Life Is a Highway  as a forum for faith discussion.  Also, Read the Spirit is an amazing resource “for readers who believe that diverse spiritual connections between people of faith build stronger communities.”  Check them out!

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On Faith

Today, a few verses frame my thoughts on faith:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37

Speaking of faith always includes some risk.  Any comment draws up images, stereotypes, or personal history.   You might already be reacting to whatever you think I’m going to say.  Are you rolling your eyes, or leaning in close?  Bracing for a sermon?  Curious?  Relieved?  Thrilled?  Don’t know yet? 

I admit, I’m a bit nervous about including faith as a component of this forum.  I could skip the topic altogether.  But I’m craving an open, intelligent dialogue on faith issues wrapped up in our roles as women (and a few brave men).  I think it all blends together, and can’t be separated from life’s nitty gritty details.  And I’m hoping you might like to join me. 

I consider myself a moderate, passionate, humbled Christian who has a lot to learn.  Depending on the circle, you might think I’m a Bible-thumper, a bleeding heart liberal, or something in between.  The truth is, I don’t feel like I fit a religious stereotype, and I’m guessing many of you feel the same.  Still, my faith is a filter through which I view things, and it carries great meaning for me. 

At the same time, I respect others who view the world through different filters.  And I want to learn more.  I’ve grown tremendously from others whose faith traditions were far different from mine, and I believe the only way to build community is through sharing and understanding. 

I feel compelled to share and learn what has inspired, motivated, and moved people in minor and major ways.  For me, faith matters, and you’ll occasionally read my perspective.  I’ll also be asking for your input.  My hope is that this will be a respectful, welcoming, challenging, and thought-provoking place to discuss such matters. 

My mom’s group is reading a great book that models intimate, sometimes messy, interfaith dialogue: 

The Faith Club:  A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew–Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner.  I’ll post more about this soon.  ::Revised note: I actually did–an introduction here and a story here.::  Pick it up and we can journey together.

What about you?  What is your perspective on faith?  Want to join in the conversation?

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37

Speaking of faith always includes some risk.  Any comment draws up images, stereotypes, or personal history.   You might already be reacting to whatever you think I’m going to say.  Are you rolling your eyes, or leaning in close?  Bracing for a sermon?  Curious?  Relieved?  Thrilled?  Don’t know yet? 

I admit, I’m a bit nervous about including faith as a component of this forum.  I could skip the topic altogether.  But I’m craving an open, intelligent dialogue on faith issues wrapped up in our roles as women (and a few brave men).  I think it all blends together, and can’t be separated from life’s nitty gritty details.  And I’m hoping you might like to join me. 

I consider myself a moderate, passionate, humbled Christian who has a lot to learn.  Depending on the circle, you might think I’m a Bible-thumper, a bleeding heart liberal, or something in between.  The truth is, I don’t feel like I fit a religious stereotype, and I’m guessing many of you feel the same.  Still, my faith is a filter through which I view things, and it carries great meaning for me. 

At the same time, I respect others who view the world through different filters.  And I want to learn more.  I’ve grown tremendously from others whose faith traditions were far different from mine, and I believe the only way to build community is through sharing and understanding. 

I feel compelled to share and learn what has inspired, motivated, and moved people in minor and major ways.  For me, faith matters, and you’ll occasionally read my perspective.  I’ll also be asking for your input.  My hope is that this will be a respectful, welcoming, challenging, and thought-provoking place to discuss such matters. 

My mom’s group is reading a great book that models intimate, sometimes messy, interfaith dialogue: 

The Faith Club:  A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew–Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner.  I’ll post more about this soon.  Pick it up and we can journey together.

What about you?  What is your perspective on faith?  Want to join in the conversation?