The mommy myth: Why mothers are paying a high price to be perfect

Parents & Kids
Meredith O'Brien
April 22, 2005

Best-selling author Judith Warner, with the release of her book Perfect Madness, asserts that over the past decade the criteria for being considered a “good mom” has drastically changed—and many mothers are locked into the socially imposed “total motherhood” in which women are defined by their role as mother, leaving no time for themselves which ultimately does a disservice to their children. Sumru Erkut, senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women, says moms are now expected to fill many roles for their children, including educator, entertainer, chauffer, and activity director. “I tend to believe in good enough parenting” says Erkut. “It’s not necessary for the kids’ benefit for the mothers to become perfect.”  Read more

Tags:

Click to add your tags...,

or Close