Mommy Makeover Book Misses the Mark
People have been asking about some new book that apparently advises high-anxiety mothers planning a Mommy Makeover cosmetic surgery. The book purports how Mom should explain and justify the surgical experience -- including the immediate and not glamorous post-operative appearance -- to her ostensibly worried 4-7 year old youngsters.Frankly, I see this as an inane book in search of a need. Of the six billion people on earth, the book's potential readership might fit into the local school auditorium. Do parents really require scripting to explain their decision and then the temporary bruising and swelling? Cannot the average parent, in their own words, better allay any anxiety or answer questions posed by the little ones?
Is a how-to book necessary for every occurrence in life?
Has there ever been a book-for-kiddies delivering scripts on how to explain the also-temporary bloating and swollen ankles of pregnancy? Or, spoon-feeding advice on handling an irritable Mommy during menopause? Or, why Mom can't trampoline with the kiddies one day after her bunionectomy?
Have we no confidence in the innate common sense and sensibility of today's parents? Are we all thought to be that stupid and lacking adequate communication skills?
In all fairness, I have not had a chance to read the entire book because, right now, it lives only in its pre-publication promotion and PR phase. So, currently, we must rely on the news media to deliver the book's message and purported wisdom. Perhaps there will be a better book than the press releases suggest; I hope so.
However, given limited budgets and bookshelf space, perhaps parents should think first of books that teach universal life lessons, broaden awareness, stimulate imagination, expand vocabulary and teach tolerance and respect. Think the Dr. Seuss series. Or, for old-fashioned, real-life practicality, Everyone Poops (My Body Science). After all, the pool of 4-7 year olds -- nervously grappling with how to understand their Mommy's makeover sojourn -- is rather miniscule. But, every kid needs a running start in mastering the essential basic life skills.
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4 Comments:
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Anonymous above,
I loved your comment, but need you to post it without the advertising. I hope you will.
Seems to me all all this book is doing is reinforcing the notion that the value of an individual is based upon how "pretty" they are. To be sending this message to a 7 year old is criminal!
Very well said. What has happened to teaching and believing in TRUE beauty...INNER beauty. Let's face it, nothing is where it used to be after having a child but who cares. We have this wonderful life we have been given charge over. Is our shape more inportant than the lessons of Vanity?
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