The Making of a Mother. Overcoming the Nine Key Challenges--from Crib to Empty Nest

What makes a good mother? Are some women just born naturally maternal, or do mothers discover that part of themselves once they have a child? Now a renowned expert on the subject-and herself a mother of three-addresses the unspoken worries and fears that accompany motherhood and shares the reassuring message that every mother learns "on the job."Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin has worked with more than four hundred mothers in twenty years of clinical practice and has discovered that mothering is just as developmental as childhood.
Dr. Raskin identifies the nine challenges facing mothers from their child's infancy to young adulthood, pivotal moments that put mothers to the test time and again-and yet from which they can emerge truly rewarded.. IDENTITY: How to gain confidence during those overwhelming first months after you've given birth or adopted, but don't yet "feel" like a mother.. UNLOVING MOMENTS: Every mother's secret guilt-learn to accept those not-so-precious moments when you don't like the child you love so dearly..
HONORING THE FATHER: Tips for helping Dad stop feeling like a third wheel and bond with his child (and receive attention from you!).. SEPARATION: How to maintain a positive outlook on your child's milestones, from the first day of preschool to packing him off to sleepaway camp.. SETTING LIMITS: How to put your foot down, even when your child kicks, screams, or cries.