I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It definitely reaches out to parents who are feeling the traits of burnout and stress from having to deal with parenting, the house and kids. It talks about so many things we each feel and it is a really approachable read, that is easy to connect with.

"The Mother Load" by Meredith Ethington is a refreshing and relatable exploration of the joys and challenges of modern motherhood. Ethington's candid and humorous approach to parenting offers a breath of fresh air to moms everywhere, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles and that it's okay to embrace the messiness of motherhood.

At the heart of the book is Ethington's own experiences as a mother of five, juggling the demands of raising children while trying to maintain her sanity and sense of self. Through a series of witty anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Ethington delves into the highs and lows of motherhood, from the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes to the moments of pure joy and laughter that make it all worthwhile.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its authenticity. Ethington pulls no punches in her portrayal of motherhood, tackling topics such as mommy guilt, comparison, and the pressure to be perfect with honesty and humor. Her willingness to share her own struggles and insecurities creates a sense of camaraderie with readers, reassuring them that it's okay to embrace imperfection and prioritize self-care.

Moreover, "The Mother Load" is not just a book about the challenges of motherhood—it's also a celebration of the profound love and connection that comes with raising children. Ethington's love for her family shines through on every page, as she reflects on the joys of watching her children grow and the deep bond that ties them together as a family.

In addition to its heartfelt storytelling, "The Mother Load" also offers practical advice and encouragement for moms looking to navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. From tips for managing stress and finding time for self-care to strategies for maintaining a sense of humor in the midst of chaos, Ethington's insights are both helpful and empowering.

In conclusion, "The Mother Load" by Meredith Ethington is a must-read for moms everywhere. With its honest portrayal of the joys and challenges of motherhood, its celebration of the bonds that tie families together, and its practical advice for navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, it's a book that will resonate with readers of all ages and stages of motherhood. Ethington's humor, warmth, and wisdom make this book a joy to read and a valuable resource for moms looking to find joy and fulfillment in the chaos of everyday life.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

DNF @ 16%

I love Meredith's online content, it's funny and entertaining. This book is nothing like that, it's more of a serious self-help book, which I was not expecting. I also am assuming it's geared more towards new mothers, or mothers with younger kids. My kids range from 9-14, so I don't feel like I'm the right audience for this particular book.

Edit: Okay I just realized that this author is not the same "Meredith" I follow online. *face palm*

I enjoyed this and found it to be both relatable and informative, There were parts I have continued to think about and I will definitely refer back to it!

A wonderfully written book about the daily struggles of motherhood. Written to be relatable and encouraging while you go through every day life. Loved the chapters about mental health and how it affects motherhood and tips for improving the mental health of the little ones you are raising. Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

I appreciated the openness and honesty of the authors own mother load and passing on her wisdom, lessons, and humor to the next mom. There is definitely something for every mother whether you think you’ve got it all under control or not you’ll laugh and nod along in agreement to almost every bit of it. I feel it was geared more towards new mothers but relatable to all. Thank you Dexterity and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

what a pure delight this book was!! it was just so much fun to read. the characters were charming and full of heart. i adored this and will be adding it to my shelves so soon!! thank you so much netgalley!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dexterity for granting me early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

I believe this will be the self-help book I will continually reach for. Not only did it make me laugh, but it also made me feel heard. The book covers many topics that come with motherhood, but please be aware that it includes discussions of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

I will definitely recommend this book to others in the future.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Dexterity.

How refreshing to read a realistic account of motherhood! Meredith Edington bares her soul in recounting the highs and lows of her personal experience with motherhood. As she so wisely points out, it if OK not to be perfect. She also includes a great deal of information about mental health issues.

Thank you netgalley for the ARC of The Mother Load.

This book is for moms in all stages, but more specifically those in that new mom time. Meredith shares her personal experience with motherhood. Her struggles and her good times in hopes to show other mothers that they are not alone. She was very real about her experiences with loneliness, the daily grind and mental health.

This book felt like talking with a friend. Someone who was sharing experiences that I could also relate too. She made me feel heard and understood as a mother. Just like any personal experience piece, everyone is not going to relate to everything. Our struggles are all different but Meredith has a way in her writing to make a mother feel like she’s not alone in this motherhood journey.

Being a mom is overwhelming, exhausting and wonderful all at once. If you are looking for a book written by someone who is real about their motherhood experiences in hopes of finding someone to relate to, I recommend you give The Mother Load a try.

This author definetely has had issues with the stresses of being a mother and all it involves. Personally, I did not relate to it as my experience as a mother was quite different. But that said, she is honest and her guidance for those experiencing depression and OCD along with being a mother , I think, is valuable.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I’m not new to parenting books, self help books, or books for moms.

This will be my new recommendation for moms who are questioning their sanity - especially while raising kid(s) under age 5.

I got a lot out of this and I may buy myself a copy because wow. It was so validating and I found myself wanting to highlight things in almost every chapter. Overall this touches on the trauma that comes with motherhood or parenting, mental health in general, and the mental load of mothers.

If you did NOT like girl wash your face, then I suggest you read THIS instead! This was what I’ve been wanting and needing to hear as a mother.

Trigger warnings (TW) for new mamas or experienced mamas: postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety

The Mother Load is the book I didn’t know I needed! The friendly, casual tone which it is written in makes it a book I couldn’t put down. I’m a mom who struggles with so many of the topics brought up here, and reading this makes me feel less alone. It also gives me great insight and brings up thoughts on how to manage the often invisible emotional load of moms (amongst the other things we do that people can see!). I really connected with this book & will recommend it to other moms I know!

A solid book with some good advice. Not every chapter is going to apply to everyone however the book as a whole is a good read.

This is a must-have book for all moms. It is full of great strategies, advice, and easy to implement ideas. This is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I've been a mom for fifteen years and have always loved reading essays on motherhood. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for the purpose of this review. Five stars from me! The Mother Load was organized in a great and easy to read way. The stories are relatable and resonating with our times. I believe lots of women will want to escape and get their hands on this book! The stories deserve to be devoured.

A fantastic book that's helped me feel validated in my motherly struggles. This is more than a self-help book, it's a book which reaffirms it's okay to not be okay while dealing with the mother load. It's raw and emotional and I love the authors honest recollection of her early days with children. A book I can highly recommend if your feeling weighed down and need something to lift you up, one that I think will be life changing for me and that I will come back to over time.