Parenting
A few months back, bestselling author Jenna Bloom, known for her works such as Excuse My Daughter, You Had Me at Woof, Love at First Bark, and Friendkeeping, graciously interviewed me to help promote my book Motherhood Comes Naturally. In a classic case of procrastination, I thanked her for her time by failing to post the interview. But here it is now, and I wholeheartedly recommend exploring her fantastic writings. She has a knack for timing that I could definitely learn from!
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In your witty new book, the chapters are cleverly categorized by various “lies.” I particularly enjoyed “You Are Your Own Harshest Critic.” Which lie sparked your creativity first?
That was probably the simplest one to craft. Just last week, my son Ben told a totally revolting Evan that he was the grossest thing he’d ever seen… And he’s seen me naked! The lie “It Gets Easier” was the first one that came to mind. It’s all too easy to see a new mom who’s overwhelmed and assure her that things will improve, that she won’t always feel like she’s been flattened by a truck. But honestly, those early days with newborns, who sleep more than they’re awake and have minimal demands, are as easy as it’s going to get. Sorry to all the new moms out there! -
I found your list of holidays competing with Mother’s Day quite amusing. I was particularly tickled to discover that National Bologna Day falls just before my birthday (Erev Jenna’s Birthday). What do you have planned for Hairstyle Appreciation Day?
Living in Baltimore, I really think a bouffant is the only way to celebrate properly. It’s such an underrated holiday—let’s give it the attention it deserves. -
You’re known for your raw honesty in motherhood. Have you ever experienced a “scary mommy” moment that felt too intense to share?
I delve pretty deep into that territory in my book. I think the scariest feeling arises when your child drives you absolutely bonkers, to the point where you want to fling them against the wall. It’s an emotion I couldn’t fully grasp before becoming a mother: loving someone entirely while simultaneously feeling immense frustration towards them. I hesitated to include that chapter, but I realized it was necessary to address these feelings—who else would? -
One of the pleasures of motherhood is judging others, isn’t it? I once witnessed a mom giving her toddler sugar to keep them awake during a dinner party. What was a smug moment for you?
I remember seeing a mom in a grocery store at midnight with a hyper child sipping on a Coke. Why on earth was that child awake? But then just a few months later, I found myself at a 24-hour pharmacy with my son, who had just been discharged from the ER for stomach pains. Turns out it was just gas, and they recommended soda to help calm his stomach. So there I was, 11:30 PM with a four-year-old and a Sprite. Lesson learned: I try not to judge, knowing someone might be judging me. -
Your book seems like an ideal gift for those who have chosen not to have kids. What feedback have you received from that demographic?
Oh, they adore me! They often see my books and blog as validation for their choice. I believe it could act as a great form of birth control too. If every teenager had access to my book, I genuinely think we’d see a drop in unplanned pregnancies. -
The other day, my daughter declared me the worst mother ever for denying her an app download that I’m pretty sure she had already installed. I used to think mothers who sell their kids for drugs were the worst, but now I’m not so sure. Who do you think ranks as the worst mothers?
The worst mother? You mean the one my daughter called me last night for not letting her return to Justice for the third time this month? The worst moms in kids’ eyes are usually the best ones—the ones who care enough about their children’s well-being and ensure they don’t grow up to be irresponsible or unhealthy. But, I’ve also been told by my kids that I “don’t understand ANYTHING,” so what do I really know?
This article was originally published on June 20, 2013.
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In summary, Jenna Bloom’s insights into the challenges of motherhood highlight the complexities and frustrations that come with parenting, while also embracing the humor and honesty that many can relate to. Her candid approach resonates with both parents and those who have chosen a different path.