Mommy Mantras (Broadway Books, $16.95), by psychologists Bethany Casarjian and Diane Dillon
Mommy Mantras are “invocations designed to transcend moments of mothering stress, fatigue and anguish.” Find the one that applies to the specific mothering crisis of the moment and utter it as many times as necessary for relief.
1. Mantras such as “This feeling is temporary” can lighten the load, whether the problem is anger, the blues, stress, fear or boredom.
2. Mantras can help us see the situation in a different light.They also can help mothers “appreciate the overwhelmingly difficult nature of the job and move us towards self forgiveness.”
3. Reframing situations, surrendering and forgiving are constant themes in the book. When all else fails, use a mantra that reminds you to breathe.
4. Mantras can’t cure deeper psychological or behavioral issues. They won’t prevent the stomach flu (though you could always invoke “I can stand this”) and can’t change a child’s personality.
5. If the mantra you need isn’t there, come up with your own. This will help you “Get Back on the Bull” for another day of mindful mothering.
