This refreshingly candid parenting book puts mothersnot childrencenter stage. Ann Pleshette Murphy provides a reassuring, wise, and often wildly funny mix of anecdotes and advice as she describes the seismic shifts in womens lives and identities from pregnancy through a childs graduation.She draws on countless conversations with mothers and with child development experts she has met as the parenting contributor to Good Morning America and as the former editor-in-chief of Parents magazine. The mother of two, Murphy freely shares her own trials and errors in stories that will have readers laughing in relief and recognition. Written with wit, warmth, and unfailing empathy, The 7 Stages of Motherhood is an exuberant and indispensable guide to making the most of motherhood.Words of Wisdom for Every Stage of Motherhood_ Forget the mothering comes naturally myth:And dont be afraid to ask for help_ Avoid keeping up with the Joneses:Give your kids what they need, not everything they want._ Know when youre in the wrong movie:Dont try to cast your kids in a remake of your childhood._ Give yourself credit for finding Lego Mans hair: Little acts of caring matter more to your kids than getting through your to-do list_ Be a mother, not Mother Teresa: When you neglect your own needs, you shortchange your kidsFrom the Trade Paperback edition.