The Mother of All Meltdowns Review

 
 
I was given the wonderful opportunity to post a review for The Mother of All Meltdowns book.  When I learned that several of the bloggers that I look up to and have been so privileged to get know had been apart of this awesome project, I knew I had to read it and let them all know my thoughts.  At first glance and from hearing statements about the book, I knew it would be stories of moms telling about that time they had lost it. I’m a fairly new mom still, only have been one since my little guy was born 18 months ago and a step mom since I married my husband almost 3 years ago now, so it helped that I knew I would come across stories from more experienced women; ones who had weathered more storms in this life in their role as a mother.  I’ve seen how other mothers in real life have a somewhat negative outlook on motherhood based on all they have had to endure with their children.  Did I really want to read a book that would highlight the negative moments from more mothers? I knew I would have some tough times in the future, but of course, I want to stay positive about it all. 
To say the least, I was blown away by the stories, and it wasn’t at all what I feared it could be.  These mothers weren’t really being negative at all. These are stories by women from all stages of motherhood starting from the moment when you know you are going to be a mom up until your children are adults. 
I found myself crying with them as I read their stories, laughing in moments of unexpected joy, and just either empathizing or sympathizing with them, too.  I knew what the mom must have been feeling when she couldn’t take another comment from someone on how to care for her baby. After all the things I have lost in my life, I sympathized with the mom who thought she lost her wedding band because I know what this ring means to me and I wouldn’t have the heart to tell my husband that I didn’t know where it was even though I know it is just a ring.  Even in the stories where the children are older than my little guy, I can only imagine how it must have felt to have an ungrateful child or one who does something completely to disobey you. I mean, you get all of these great stories and you are able to really go through the emotions with the authors, and then on top of all of that, you get practical tips on how to avoid meltdowns and how to really balance and cope with your life as a mother. 
Bottom line, this book is so worth your time.  You won’t want to put it down.  If you’re like me, and it’s been a while since you had a chance to get some time out with just you and the girls, I highly recommend that you get in a comfy place when the kids and your spouse is asleep and just enjoy it.  You’ll feel like you’re having a sleepover and you’re hearing some heartfelt stories from a bunch of girlfriends. 
 
XoXo,
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28 comments

  • Brittnei, for you to say that reading the book was like having a sleepover with your girlfriends is the HUGEST compliment ! I'm glad you liked the book; thank you for the wonderful review. I may have had the ungrateful child, but I am so grateful that we've found one another's blogs!

  • Thank you so much for such a glowing review.

  • Brittnei Washington

    Me too! I'm so glad I found you! Dana, when I read your story let me tell you: on one hand, I can remember being the ungrateful child and I literally wanted to kick myself when I saw how it looked from the mom's perspective and then on the other hand, I definitely felt like I could have been you if my child was like that with me. I could see hubby handling it the way your husband did. Hopefully I will remember this story if I have an episode with one of my rugrats in the future :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    You are so welcome! Thank you for putting your story in this book. I truly appreciated being able to read what you had to say.

  • I'm so glad you pointed out that these are not negative stories! Sure, having a meltdown is no one's greatest moment, but I think we all learn something from those moments and that learning makes it have a bit of positive to it!

  • Brittnei Washington

    It's true. I'm so grateful that you all were brave enough to write about it. Some mother out there is feeling all alone because she thinks she's supposed to feel happy and not go through anything difficult as a mom. Because of you ladies, people can hear real stories and learn how to cope when things get tough :)

  • this book looks awesome!

  • What kind of woman loses her wedding ring??? (Oh, I kid!) Thank you for such a wonderful review. I was so excited when I read your tweet that this post was live. It's definitely a mixed bag because different things cause different people meltdowns. And I love that you saw and appreciated the variety.

  • Thank you so much for this review. I loved being a part of a book that felt like a girls' night out. I always like to say, "Today's meltdown will be tomorrow's funny story". We need a sense of humor in this motherhood gig. :)

  • Thank you so very much fro the wonderful review! Seriously, so glad you got a chance to read and give your take here and love that you loved it!! :)

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow

    Interesting take about the negativity. I know what you mean. And I agree that the stories weren't like that at all. I try to turn the negative stuff into humor. It's how I stay sane!

  • Brittnei Washington

    Penny, you should get it. You can download it to your kindle or tablet of choice. It's great! :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    Yay! I'm one of your biggest fans, Tamara! I had to read it!

  • Brittnei Washington

    Yes, I loved the sense of humor in it, too! I'm so glad that you and others see it this way and wanted to share. :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    You're most welcome. It was a job well done for sure! I hope you ladies sell millions of copies :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    You're most welcome. It was a job well done for sure! I hope you ladies sell millions of copies :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    Oh! I loved your story! That's such a good way to look at negativity. I also enjoyed learning about what to do and what not to do by you ladies sharing. It can be so difficult when we get caught up in our emotions, though. There is always that laughter that comes afterwards which is just awesome.

  • Love your review, Brittnei! A lot of moms said they were a little scared to read the book. Meltdowns? What would happen? After reading, they felt relieved – like it's okay to have a meltdown every now and then. Your take was spot on! :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    Wow, I wasn't the only one? Haha…That makes me feel not like an alien :) It is a good thing to share amongst us ladies though I think. It's nice to know you're not alone in what you are feeling as a mommy. Things can get pretty hectic at times. Thanks for letting me post my thoughts on your awesome work! I'll be glad to help out with anything else in the future.

  • You will have meltdowns (prepare yourself!), but those little ones are soooo worth it! Being a mom is one of the most amazing things in the world and I love every second of it, even the meltdowns. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! Thanks for the awesome review :)

  • How exciting for you as a new mom! I remember those days so well. Glad to see that our stories didn't scar you for life! You are so right. Take it day by day and enjoy the ride. My baby is now 17 and time flies so quickly.
    I know you always hear that but trust me; it's true! Thanks!

  • looks like a book worth reading, thanks for the review. I found your blog thru SITS Share Sat!

  • looks like a book worth reading, thanks for the review. I found your blog thru SITS Share Sat!

  • Brittnei Washington

    You are most welcome! I think I had a semi meltdown earlier when my son wouldn't stop touching everything in sight! Just kidding! ;-)

  • Brittnei Washington

    Yea I do hear that a lot but I can use the reminder. I need to cherish the moments. Sometimes I sweat the small stuff and I forget.

  • Brittnei Washington

    Hey there! Thanks for stopping over! I will need to check you out in your corner :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    Hey there! Thanks for stopping over! I will need to check you out in your corner :)

  • Brittnei Washington

    How thoughtful of you! I hope someone who reads this will stop over and check it out.

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