Southern Ontario, author and content creator Libby Ward is opening up about the pressures of modern parenting in her debut book, Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself.
Ward, who built a following online through candid discussions about parenting and mental health, said the book challenges what she calls the “myth of the ideal mother.”
She explained it’s a myth because perfectly balancing parenting, relationships, work, and personal well-being is an unattainable goal. Ward added that today’s mothers are being bombarded with parenting advice.
Originally, Ward planned to write a research-based book focused on motherhood and social issues. However, during the writing process, she realized her personal experiences and storytelling were what connected most deeply with readers.
The book became a collection of stories covering themes such as guilt, mental health, ADHD, people-pleasing, and the emotional load many mothers carry daily. Ward intentionally wrote shorter chapters to make the book easier for busy parents to pick up and return to when time allows.
The book touches on sensitive and deeply personal topics, and Ward found humour became an important part of her storytelling.
Ward said she hopes women stop gaslighting themselves, and that readers come away encouraged to stop comparing themselves to impossible standards, instead focusing on their own experiences and needs.
Honest Motherhood has reached The Globe and Mail bestsellers list and is available in bookstores, online retailers, and audiobook platforms, with Ward narrating the audiobook herself.
(Written by: Jeremy Hall)
