Chatting with Emma Blake: A Candid Conversation

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A few months ago, bestselling author Emma Blake, known for her works like Mommy, I Swear and Tales of a Tired Parent, graciously took the time to interview me to promote my latest book, Motherhood Unplugged. I owe her a big thank you for her generosity, which I repaid by not posting our conversation right away. But hey, better late than never, right? Here’s our chat. I highly recommend checking out her books; they’re a delightful read!

  1. In your witty new book, you structure the chapters around common misconceptions. One that really resonated with me was “You Are Your Own Harshest Critic.” Which lie sparked your writing journey?

    That was the easiest one to tackle! Just last week, my son Max told his little brother Sam, who was having a meltdown, that he was the most annoying thing he’d ever encountered—and trust me, he’s seen me in my pajamas! The phrase “It Gets Better” was the lie that ignited everything. It’s so tempting to reassure new moms that things will improve, that they won’t always feel like they’ve been hit by a truck. But let’s face it, those early days when babies sleep more than they cry? That’s as easy as it gets. Sorry, new moms!

  2. I loved your amusing list of holidays that overshadow Mother’s Day. I was tickled to discover National Bologna Day falls right before my birthday (Erev Emma’s Birthday). Any thoughts on how to celebrate National Hair Appreciation Day?

    Living in Seattle, I think a big, fabulous bouffant is the way to go. It’s about time we bring attention to this underappreciated holiday! Let’s make it a trend.

  3. You’re refreshingly honest about motherhood. Have you ever experienced a “scary mom” moment that felt too intense to share?

    I delve into some pretty intense moments in the book. The scariest feeling? When your child drives you up the wall, and all you want to do is scream. Before becoming a mom, I couldn’t fathom how you could love someone completely and yet feel so frustrated with them at the same time. I hesitated to include that chapter, but I figured if I didn’t express it, who would?

  4. One of the joys of motherhood is observing someone else’s parenting mishaps. I once saw a mom giving her toddler candy to keep him awake during dinner. What’s a smug moment you’ve had?

    Oh, definitely the mom in the grocery store at midnight with her hyper child sipping on soda. I mean, why is a child up at that hour? Then, not long after, I found myself at a 24-hour pharmacy with my son, who had just been released from the ER for stomach issues. The doctor suggested soda might help, and there I was, holding a Sprite at 11:30 PM! It taught me not to judge, as I’m sure someone was judging me at that moment.

  5. I believe your book could serve as an excellent gift for those who have chosen not to have kids. What feedback have you received from that crowd?

    Oh, they love my work! My books and blog provide them with the reassurance they made the right choice. I also think it doubles as a form of birth control. If every teenager read it, I’d wager unplanned pregnancies would plummet!

  6. Just recently, my daughter labeled me the worst mom ever for denying her an app download that I suspected she already had. I used to think the worst mothers were those who neglected their kids completely, but now I’m not so sure. Who do you think falls into that category?

    Oh, so I’m the worst mom too? My daughter Lily told me I was last night for not allowing her to visit her favorite store for the third time this month! Kids often think the worst moms are the ones who actually care about their wellbeing—those who want them to be healthy and engaged with the world. But hey, I’ve also been told that I “know nothing,” so what can I say?

This exchange first appeared on June 20, 2013. If you’re interested in more insights, be sure to check out our other blog post for helpful tips on family planning and fertility.

In summary, Emma Blake’s humor and honesty about the ups and downs of motherhood resonate with many. Her book serves as a reminder that every mom faces challenges, and we’re all just trying to do our best while navigating this wild journey of parenting.


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