Taking the "Desperate" Out of Housewives
Mary Byers provides the antidote to modern moms who want to avoid becoming desperate housewives. Byers is the author of "The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family," provides and an advocate for making every day "Mother's Day."
(PRWEB) April 7, 2005 -- "Desperate Housewives” hadn’t even started airing
when author Mary Byers began writing "The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own
Needs While Caring for Your Family." But as she talked with, and listened to,
moms of all ages, she picked up small signs of desperation. “I noticed that a
lot of moms were feeling overwhelmed, simply because there was just too much to
do and not enough time to do it,” says Byers, who’s also a professional speaker.
“And more alarmingly, I saw that moms were so focused on their families, that
they weren’t taking time for themselves.” The latter, Byers believed, was a
recipe for disaster. So she started writing. Notes the author, “Instead of
giving in to feeling overwhelmed, I want moms to realize that we have the power
to counter a lot of what’s challenging us as mothers
today.”
It took three years to find a publisher and
finish writing, but "The Mother Load" hit bookstore shelves this past January.
And with the Today show and Newsweek both profiling the despair of today’s moms,
Byers’ book is timely. In it, she identifies ten needs moms have and
methodically addresses how a mom can meet each of these needs—while
simultaneously caring for her family. The mother of two young children herself,
Byers realized that in order to be successful, "The Mother Load" had to be full
of practical tips that didn’t take much time. “I’m a big advocate of doing
things in ten-minute increments,” say Byers. “Most mothers, myself included,
don’t have the luxury of hours to devote to anything. Consequently, the
suggestions I’ve shared are all designed to be accomplished easily and in a
short period of time.”
For example, in regard to self-care, Byers
suggests:
• Scheduling time alone. By Sunday evening, a have at least one (if
not more!) date with yourself on your calendar. This can be as simple as getting
up 10 minutes early one morning or reserving a lunch hour for one’s self, or as
complex as arranging for a sitter, if necessary, to have some time alone.
•
Piggyback activities. When traveling for work, add a day at the end of the trip
for yourself. When running errands, stop for a flavored coffee or end at the
library for a little “self” time.
• The Gift of the 31st Day. Block out the
“31st” day of the seven months that have one and schedule only things you want,
and like, to do on this day.
In addition to Byers’ suggestions, a unique
feature of the book is the tips section at the end of every chapter. Byers
surveyed dozens of “Real Live Moms,” asking for input and ideas in order to make
the book as relevant as possible. She received suggestions from as far away at
the United Kingdom. She was surprised, however, at how similar moms’ challenges
are. “The only thing that really differentiates us are the season of mothering
we’re in and the circumstances that challenge us, such as unemployment, single
parenting, or an illness in the family. Otherwise, we have a lot in common,”
says Byers.
Since the release of "The Mother Load," Byers has been a
guest on radio shows in Texas, Indiana and Alabama and will be appearing on
stations in Arizona, Missouri and Minnesota. And, with Mother’s Day just around
the corner, her publisher is also sending her on a multi-city media tour where
she’ll appear on national television programs originating in South Carolina,
Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Canada. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to
take my message on the road,” says Byers, who notes she’s only able to do it
with the support of her husband and other family members. “Their help with my
own ‘mother load’ makes it possible.”
In addition to
helping moms handle "The Mother Load," Byers is at work on her second book, "How
to Say No…And Live to Tell About It," which is scheduled for publication in
January of 2006. “I have a deep interest in continuing to write about issues
that matter to women today,” says Byers, who hopes that her focus on providing
practical tips will help transform women’s lives. “I believe small changes can
make a big difference and that’s what I’m interested in
facilitating.”
For additional information, including
an author photo and book cover image, go to www.themotherload.net or
contact the author directly via phone at 217-483-8836 or by e-mail at e-mail
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb225697.htm