Stephanie Land, author of 'Made', shares gripping insights into the struggles of single motherhood, emphasizing resilience against economic hardships. Jacqueline Plumez, a psychologist and author of 'Mother Power', delves into the profound impact of motherhood on personal and political levels. Ayelet Waldman discusses her controversial essay, challenging societal expectations and advocating for mothers' own needs. Together, they highlight the balance of love, struggle, and community support in the journey of motherhood, offering empowering narratives of courage and connection.
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Motherhood Amid Homelessness
Stephanie Land shared her experience living in a homeless shelter with her young daughter while learning to move forward despite extreme hardship.
Her daughter’s milestones made their tough conditions meaningful and showcased resilience through care and presence.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Support Single Moms Through Action
Show up regularly for single parents by offering to take their kids out, giving them a much-needed break.
Form relationships with their children so parents have trusted adults to rely on in tough moments.
insights INSIGHT
Stigma in Government Aid
Using government assistance involves constant proving and distrust, which many find degrading and humiliating.
The visible stigma of using an EBT card adds emotional weight to the financial hardship faced by parents.
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Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive
Stephanie Land
In 'Maid', Stephanie Land shares her powerful story of economic hardship and personal evolution. The memoir details her life as a single mother working as a house cleaner, navigating the challenges of poverty and the stigma associated with government aid. Through her experiences, Land reflects on the disparity between wealth and happiness, ultimately pursuing her dreams of becoming a writer.
Mother Power
Discover the difference that women have made all over the world
Jacqueline Plumez
Bad Mother
Bad Mother
Ayelet Waldman
Ayelet Waldman's "Bad Mother" is a provocative and insightful exploration of motherhood, challenging societal expectations and the pressure on women to conform to idealized roles. The book delves into the complexities of balancing personal desires with the demands of raising children, offering a refreshing perspective on the often-contradictory emotions and experiences of motherhood. Waldman's honest and humorous writing style resonates with readers who have struggled with the guilt and self-doubt that often accompany motherhood. The book sparked significant debate and discussion, highlighting the ongoing tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations.
The Argonauts
Maggie Nelson
The Argonauts is a memoir that blends personal narrative with philosophical theory, focusing on Maggie Nelson's relationship with artist Harry Dodge and her journey through pregnancy. The book delves into themes of love, identity, and family, drawing on the works of influential thinkers like Roland Barthes and Judith Butler. It offers a unique perspective on motherhood, gender, and the complexities of queer family-making.
A really good day
Ayelet Waldman
In 'A Really Good Day,' Ayelet Waldman chronicles her 30-day experiment with microdosing LSD to manage her severe mood storms. The book delves into her personal struggles with mood disorders, the history and mythology of LSD, and the current research on its therapeutic benefits. Waldman, drawing from her experiences as a federal public defender and a mother, provides a multifaceted exploration of the drug's impact on her life, her family, and the broader societal context of drug policy and mental health treatment.
We celebrate Mother's Day with a collection of stories from our archives, by and about moms. Stories about care and about courage — about the work of mothering.
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