12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know

Michele Borba, Ed.D., recipient of the National Educator Award, is the author of Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me; Don't Give Me That Attitude!; No More Misbehavin'; Parents Do Make a Difference; and Building Moral Intelligence, all from Jossey-Bass. She appears regularly on talk shows, including the Today show, The View, and The Early Show. Visit her on the Web at www.micheleborba.com.

"A worthy addition for most parenting collections." (Library Journal, February 15, 2006)

• Acknowledgments xiNote to the Reader xivIntroduction: What is a Real Mom? 1Part One How Can a Real Mom Give Her Children Love That Lasts for Always? 17Chapter One From the Sacrificial Mom to the Child Who Can Thrive Without You 19Chapter Two What is a Real Mom These Days? 23Chapter Three Why Being a “Sacrificial Mom” is Bad for Your Kids 33Chapter Four Can Our Kids Make It on Their Own? 45Part Two The 12 Simple Secrets of Real Mothering 59Real Mom’s Secret 1 A Mother Who Loves Teaches Worth 61Real Mom’s Secret 2 A Mother Who is Firm and Fair Gives Her Children a Moral Code to Live By 77Real Mom’s Secret 3 A Mother Who Listens Shows Her Children They Matter 93Real Mom’s Secret 4 A Mother Who is a Good Role Model Gives Her Children an Example Worth Copying 107Real Mom’s Secret 5 A Mother Who Teaches Values Inspires Character 125Real Mom’s Secret 6 A Mother Who Supports Her Children’s Strengths Builds Their Confidence 143Real Mom’s Secret 7 A Mother Who Encourages Independence Cultivates Self-Reliance 161Real Mom’s Secret 8 A Mother Who Applauds Effort Nurtures Perseverance 177Real Mom’s Secret 9 A Mother Who Accepts Her Children’s Shortcomings Nurtures Resilience 193Real Mom’s Secret 10 A Mother Who Takes Time for Her Children Helps Them Build Strong Relationships 213Real Mom’s Secret 11 A Mother Who Laughs Teaches Joy 231Real Mom’s Secret 12 A Mother Who Takes Care of Herself Holds Together Her Happy Family 249The Last Word 269References 271About the Author 283