Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box Book Review

Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box: Cut Yourself Some Slack (and Still Raise Great Kids) in the Age of Extreme Parenting by Ann L. Dunnewold and Sandi Kahn Shelton looked like it might be an interesting read with a lot of humor when I saw it on Amazon.

I looked it up at the library and put it on hold.  I had it in my pile for too long so I decided to start reading.  I figured that I would get a jump on starting it before I ran out of renewals...oops!  Under the gun finished it on the day it was due at the library :)

The first part of the book was dedicated to "the problem" which was talking about what moms do that is consider extreme parenting.  It seemed a little over the top on what parents do but it is a short trip to crazy parenting so maybe more people are like that then I think.  It talked about the over scheduling of kids and all the pressure that puts on the kids and parents to make a stressful family.

The second part of the book was for "the solution" on how to not be an extreme parent.  It talks about being a perfectly good mother.

1. Be yourself- Don't do things based on what other people think but what you think.  DUH!!!

2. Take care of your personal needs- I am bad on this one because everyone comes before me.

3. Have Fun- I certainly do that!!

4. Encourage personal responsibility for each family member

5. Choose Actively

6.  Think rationally

Although I think that all of the 6 ideas to be a perfectly good mother are easy, it is probably easier said than done 100% of the time.  It even said that there shouldn't be one way to fold a towel.... sadly, that is a problem that I have!!  I would like to give it up but normally I go back to the linen closet and re-fold all the towels.  Is there a 12 step program for towel control issue???  I might need it!

The third section was "sharing the solution."  It talks about going out and finding other mommy friends that share your views and not to keep moms that make others feel bad about their decisions.  As a mom, I know that it is hard to find friends where both mother and child get along.  Sometimes it is good enough when the kids like each other even if the mothers don't have a lot in common but it is best to have some moms that you can talk to about all the stresses of being a mom.  This section also talks about these moms can help keep you honest on the solutions steps :)  See how it all works together!!! 

The great part that I think so many mommy books touch on is the fact that women should be supportive of each other and not make judgements.  This is another one that is easier said than done.  Many people seem to be judging based on statements that they make every day.  It is the famous thing that it isn't always what you say but what the other person hears.  I knew someone who wanted to stay home with their kids but still worked in order to support her family.  If I excitedly told her that I quit my job to stay home with my son, she wouldn't hear what I said but rather that I was judging her for still working.  Sadly, most moms don't try to imply judgements when they say something but we often hear them anyways.  Also, other comments made in support aren't always supportive.  I think that this is an important lesson for everyone (especially women because lets just face it, we read into things were men don't).

I had a few negatives about the book.  First, my copy was super heavy (at almost 300 pages) and it was difficult to read because the binding wasn't the greatest... I don't think it is a real negative about the book itself but expect a really heavy book :)  I also didn't think that it was as funny as I thought that it was going to be from the title.  There were references to June and Ward Cleaver but it wasn't really poking fun at them as much as I expected.  Lastly, there were a lot of quotes from other books which was a little distracting at first from the message of the book.  I got used to it the more that I read it but I prefer books with more of a fast paced, page turning style.

Those negatives aside, I am glad that I read it but it is really only a good book for certain segments of the population of moms so think about yourself and figure out if you think that you need to be set on the right track.  Sadly, the moms who probably need it- aren't going to be the ones picking it up!  Please let me know if you pick it up at your local bookstore or library and tell me what you think!!!  Can't wait to hear!