Preview
  • The Gift of a Happy Mother

  • Letting Go of Perfection and Embracing Everyday Joy
  • By: Rebecca Eanes
  • Narrated by: Dorothy Dillingham Blue
  • Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (65 ratings)

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The Gift of a Happy Mother

By: Rebecca Eanes
Narrated by: Dorothy Dillingham Blue
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Publisher's summary

A supportive guide that gives busy moms permission to care for themselves, from a popular parenting blogger with one million Facebook followers.

"Would you rather have a perfect mom, or a happy one?" This is the question that popular parenting blogger Rebecca Eanes couldn't get out of her head. So she asked her school-age son, who didn't miss a beat in responding: "A happy one."

Thus began a journey of reflection and repair work, as Rebecca asked herself an even harder question: How can I rediscover everyday joy amid the chaos of schedules, homework, and housework - not to mention the guilt, comparisons, loneliness, fear, and overwhelm? In other words, how can I become a happy mom again?

In this relatable guide, Rebecca walks listeners through the process of getting back to happy, for your own sake as well as your family's. Going beyond the usual advice about finding balance, embracing gratitude, and not sweating the small stuff, her hard-won advice is written by a busy mom in the trenches.

Topics include:

  • Letting go of perfection (or anything close to it)
  • Making peace with the past - including the pain of disappointment, loss, and the roads not taken
  • Tuning in to your own wants and needs - and tuning out the comparisons, "shoulds", and noise of social media
  • Finding magic in the mess
  • Choosing joy over fear and worry
  • Creating healthy boundaries so everyone in your life can thrive (including you!)

Filled with fresh insights, simple strategies, and aha moments, this is that rare audiobook you'll want to listen to, share, and return to for a booster shot of confidence, connection, and joy.

Includes a bonus PDF of “happiness habits” and journal prompts.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Rebecca Eanes (P)2019 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Inspiring, heartfelt, practical, and a delightful read! Rebecca’s gift to the reader is like a compassionate embrace of a wise friend who's been there. She understands the journey, tells you the truth, helps you find clarity, eases your mind, and always sticks up for you." (Janet Lansbury, author of No Bad Kids and Elevating Child Care)

"Today’s moms are flooded with social media posts that perpetuate the false idea that they alone struggle with self-doubt, guilt, anxiety, and loneliness. Filled with gentle wisdom, honest revelations, and actionable steps, The Gift of a Happy Mother reminds us that the greatest gift we can give our children is our own contentment. Inspiring, comforting, and wise. A wonderful read!" (Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting with Presence)

"Finally, someone has tackled the stumbling blocks of motherhood - the fear, worry, guilt, sadness, stress and your own inner critic. The Gift of a Happy Mother is sterling inspiration.... A happy mother is a gift to her child. Make this book a gift to both of you." (Susan Newman, PhD, social psychologist and author of Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day)

What listeners say about The Gift of a Happy Mother

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So so Good!!!

Perfectly written. This book struck a chord with me every chapter! It had me laughing out loud as well as sobbing... all in the best way. I can’t wait to listen to it again with a journal to write down all the prompts after each chapter. I love this book and I’m sure I will listen to it time and time again!!!

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One of the best books I’ve ever read!

I felt like the author was speaking right to me, it was everything I never knew I needed in my life. Effective parenting strategies, advice and mom humor you can’t go wrong reading this. Life changing.

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Good check on your perspective

The book had some good insights and many of the prompts were really good things to reflect upon. Biggest con for me was that it did not have a lot of data.

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A must read

I just finished my latest Audiobook by Rebecca Eanes, The Gift of a Happy Mother and it was amazing. I couldn’t stop nodding my head in agreement as I listened to her simple heartfelt wisdom. It’s a must read/listen for anyone struggling with the world of parenting perfection portrayed on social media, for the mom who just can’t anymore, the mom who is so unhappy and feeling ashamed because of it.
Shenaaz Moos - Happy Confident Me

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Great book with great tips

I really enjoed this book! great for any mother! I loved the uplifting feeling and tips I got from this book.

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Great book for this Mama !

I love all the suggestions she has for taking advantage of the short time we have with our loved ones. I know now I am a highly sensitive person. I will hold this book close for my new incredible journey. Thank you. I needed this book.

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luke warm

this book didnt ever caveat the very real mental health challenges moms could endure. while talking about very real solutions for daily overwhelm, also gave more things to worry about "one day youll wish for the mess" kind of advice i find oversimplifies motherhood.

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