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Mad Mothers, Bad Mothers, and What Good Mothers Would Do: Unlocking the Power of Maternal Instinct

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Mad Mothers, Bad Mothers, and What a "Good" Mother Would Do: The Ethics of Ambivalence

by Sarah LaChance Adams

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1177 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	267 pages

Motherhood is a complex and often contradictory experience. On the one hand, it can be a source of immense joy and fulfillment. On the other hand, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and even depression. In our society, there is a great deal of pressure on mothers to be perfect. We are expected to be nurturing, patient, and selfless. We are expected to put our children's needs before our own. And we are expected to do it all with a smile on our face.

But what happens when we don't meet these expectations? What happens when we get angry, or frustrated, or even violent? Are we bad mothers? Are we mad mothers? Or are we simply human beings who are ng the best we can?

In her groundbreaking book, Mad Mothers, Bad Mothers, and What Good Mothers Would Do, Dr. Susan Forward challenges the traditional view of motherhood. She argues that there is no such thing as a "good mother" or a "bad mother." Instead, she says, there are simply mothers who are ng the best they can with the resources they have.

Dr. Forward's book is a powerful and empowering read for all mothers. It helps us to understand the complexities of motherhood and to forgive ourselves for not being perfect. It also gives us the tools we need to create a more positive and fulfilling relationship with our children.

What is a "Mad Mother"?

Dr. Forward defines a "mad mother" as a mother who is angry, frustrated, or even violent. She says that these mothers are often overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood and that they may not have the support they need to cope with these demands.

Mad mothers may be verbally or physically abusive to their children. They may also neglect their children's needs. In some cases, mad mothers may even kill their children.

It is important to note that not all mothers who get angry are mad mothers. Anger is a normal human emotion. It is only when anger becomes overwhelming and destructive that it becomes a problem.

What is a "Bad Mother"?

Dr. Forward defines a "bad mother" as a mother who is selfish, neglectful, or abusive. She says that these mothers are not interested in their children's well-being and that they may even put their own needs before their children's.

Bad mothers may not provide their children with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. They may also not provide their children with emotional support or guidance. In some cases, bad mothers may even abandon their children.

It is important to note that not all mothers who make mistakes are bad mothers. Everyone makes mistakes. It is only when mistakes become a pattern and when they harm the child that they become a problem.

What is a "Good Mother"?

Dr. Forward defines a "good mother" as a mother who is nurturing, patient, and selfless. She says that these mothers are interested in their children's well-being and that they put their children's needs before their own.

Good mothers provide their children with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. They also provide their children with emotional support and guidance. Good mothers are also willing to forgive themselves for their mistakes.

It is important to note that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. All mothers make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes and to keep trying our best.

Motherhood is a complex and often contradictory experience. There is no such thing as a "good mother" or a "bad mother." Instead, there are simply mothers who are ng the best they can with the resources they have.

Dr. Forward's book, Mad Mothers, Bad Mothers, and What Good Mothers Would Do, is a powerful and empowering read for all mothers. It helps us to understand the complexities of motherhood and to forgive ourselves for not being perfect. It also gives us the tools we need to create a more positive and fulfilling relationship with our children.

If you are struggling with motherhood, please know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. Talk to your doctor, therapist, or a trusted friend or family member. There is help available, and you do not have to do this alone.

Mad Mothers, Bad Mothers, and What a "Good" Mother Would Do: The Ethics of Ambivalence

by Sarah LaChance Adams

5 out of 5