Once a Mother, Always a Mother: On Life With Adult Children

Annette Byford's book explores how mothers experience life changes in family contexts and how it impacts their sense of identity. It discusses how mothers negotiate the change when children grow up and leave home, drawing on her own experiences and analytic psychotherapy and family therapy. It also includes an exploration of images and depictions of mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and other family members in literature and media. The book appeals to readers over fifty who are interested in psychological processes in families.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: Free Association Books

Annette Byford, the author of A Wedding in the Family, delves deeper into the transformative journey of mothers as they navigate through life changes within their families. Building upon her previous work, Byford explores the profound impact of family transitions on mothers' sense of self. The book expands its scope beyond the traditional focus on child-rearing and delves into the complexities that arise when children grow up and leave home. This phase presents unique challenges that require mothers to adapt and redefine their roles. Becoming a mother is not merely about mastering child-rearing skills; it entails a profound shift in identity. Similarly, when children eventually leave home, the notion that the job is complete can be misleading. The author draws upon her personal and professional experiences to shed light on how mothers navigate this transformative phase. She conducts interviews with mothers, contextualizing their experiences within the framework of analytic psychotherapy and family therapy. Additionally, Byford examines images and depictions of mothers, grandmothers, and other family members in literature and media, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives. Throughout the book, she engages in thoughtful discussions about what constitutes a successful or unsuccessful transition. This title resonates with readers, primarily mothers who are over fifty and possess a keen interest in psychological processes within families. While they may have encountered books on childcare during their children's younger years, they may feel unprepared for the challenges and rewards of motherhood in this later stage. Byford's book offers valuable insights, guidance, and inspiration to mothers as they navigate the intricacies of this remarkable journey.

ISBN-13: 9781911383697