This refreshingly candid parenting book puts mothers—not children—center stage. Ann Pleshette Murphy provides a reassuring, wise, and often wildly funny mix of anecdotes and advice as she describes the seismic shifts in women's lives and identities from pregnancy through a child's graduation. She draws on countless conversations with mothers and with child development experts she has met as the parenting contributor to <i>Good Morning America</i> and as the former editor-in-chief of <i>Parents</i> 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, <i>The 7 Stages of Motherhood </i>is an exuberant and indispensable guide to making the most of motherhood.<br><br><b>Words of Wisdom for Every Stage of Motherhood<br></b><br><b>_ Forget</b>  <b>the “mothering comes naturally” myth:<br></b><i>And don't be afraid to ask for help<br><br></i><b>_ Avoid keeping up with the Joneses:<br></b>Give your kids what they need, not everything they want.<br><br><b>_</b> <b>Know when</b> <b>you're in the wrong movie:<br></b><i>Don't try to cast your kids in a remake of your childhood.<br><br></i><b>_</b> <b>Give yourself credit for finding Lego Man's hair: <br></b><i>Little acts of caring matter more to your kids than getting through your to-do list<br><br></i><b>_ Be a mother, not Mother Teresa:   <br></b><i> When you neglect your own needs, you shortchange your kids<br></i>