• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS

5 Minutes for Mom

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Snack
      • Lunch
      • Appetizer
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Ingredient
      • Apple
      • Beef
      • Blueberry
      • Chicken
      • Chocolate
      • Cranberry
      • Peach
      • Pumpkin
      • Squash
      • Strawberry
      • Tomato
      • Vegetables
      • Zucchini
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Baking
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • No Bake
      • One Dish
      • Slow Cooker
    • Type
      • Breads and Rolls
      • Cakes and Muffins
      • Condiments
      • Cookies and Bars
      • Drinks
      • Food for Kids
      • Gluten-Free
      • Main Dish
      • Pies and Crisps
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Wraps
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies
      • Soup
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Kids Crafts
    • Printables
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing
  • Family Life
    • Giveaways
    • Lifestyle
    • Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Parenting
    • Pet Care
    • Special Needs
    • Time Management
    • Travel
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

5 Minutes for Books — Beyond the Mommy Years

September 17, 2007 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail

Most of us are right in the midst of the Mommy Years–changing diapers, shuttling to school and sports, hosting sleepovers, helping with homework, or encouraging independence. However, some of you have entered that empty nest stage of life, and for others it may be on the horizon for you. Guess what? It’s not so bad. There is a good life awaiting all of us Beyond the Mommy Years. In her insightful and hopeful book, Carin Rubenstein takes a candid look at women’s lives after the children have left the nest. If you are facing this, or currently in the midst of it, this book will encourage you. If you are interested in sociology or women’s studies, you might find it a compelling read. Even though my oldest child still has eight more years of school left, I enjoyed this book for many reasons:

  • It encouraged me that losing my children will not mean losing my life or identity, but will perhaps be the start of some of the best and most defining years of my life.
  • I took down some advice about ways in which I can make sure that my child will be ready to live on her own successfully when the time comes, and I will be ready to let her go (teach her to do laundry, send her to sleepaway camp, expand my life now).
  • I was reminded to continue to make my marriage a priority, since it will be what remains after my children leave home.

If you fear this change in your life no matter how far off it is, this book which opens with the chapter entitled, “There’s no Such Thing as Empty Nest Syndrome,” will help ybeyond-mommy-years.jpgou change your perspective. Dr. Rubenstein presents well-documented facts and studies proving that most women are actually their happiest in their fifties. Additionally, the case studies that she gathered through her interviews and a web survey help you to see how this change affects women from all walks of life: happily married, unhappily married, divorced, with careers, formerly stay-at-home moms, from all family sizes.

The publisher has donated two copies that can be sent to the U.S. or Canada. Leave a comment if you would like to win.

Congrats to the winners of last week’s books:

bebemiqui (comment 15) won the copy of Informed Consent

We have five winners of the Miffy personalized children’s book:
56–Deborah, 50–Amanda, 32–Caryn, 28–Emily, 39–Naomi

ShareTweetPinPocketMail
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere
Tackle It Tuesday – A Tackle In Process…

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

Reader Interactions


Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

44 Comments

  1. Mickey Anderson says

    September 27, 2007 at 2:52 pm

    This looks like some really good reading for my wife. Would love to win it for her.

    Reply
  2. Doreen says

    September 22, 2007 at 7:42 pm

    Count me in too.

    Reply
  3. Christy says

    September 21, 2007 at 11:54 am

    Please sign me up.

    Reply
  4. Christine says

    September 20, 2007 at 10:10 pm

    Very interesting…count me in!

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    September 20, 2007 at 5:18 pm

    I would love to win, thanks!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Bev says

    September 20, 2007 at 12:15 pm

    I would love to win.

    Reply
  7. Caryn says

    September 19, 2007 at 9:28 am

    I’d love to read this

    Reply
  8. Myrna says

    September 19, 2007 at 9:28 am

    I’d really like to read this since my only daughter is all grown up and married with her own little boy

    Reply
  9. Country Life says

    September 19, 2007 at 9:18 am

    I could really use a book like this. I have 3 boys. 14, 13, and 8 and am not looking forward to them leaving home.

    Reply
  10. Rhonda T. says

    September 18, 2007 at 7:46 pm

    It sounds like a good book – sign me up!

    Reply
  11. ukrainiac says

    September 18, 2007 at 3:37 pm

    Sounds very interesting…count me in!

    Reply
  12. Carin R. says

    September 18, 2007 at 12:01 pm

    Hey, thanks everybody! I’m the author of BEYOND THE MOMMY YEARS, and I really appreciate the kind words…
    Please check out my website, http://www.DrCarin.com, to learn more about my book. You can even answer my new survey on marriage there!! (Please persuade your hubby to answer it too)

    Carin R.

    Reply
  13. Karen Vogel says

    September 18, 2007 at 7:30 am

    Having hit the point where it looks as though there will be no more babies for me, I’ve been brooding about what’s next. Is all the fun gone? Will I be too old to enjoy doing new things once all my kids have grown and left the nest? I’d love to read this book and find out.

    Reply
  14. Jodi says

    September 18, 2007 at 7:18 am

    Sounds like a great book, I’m in!

    Reply
  15. Adventures In Babywearing says

    September 17, 2007 at 11:03 pm

    Wow- this sounds like something that applies to me!!

    Steph

    Reply
  16. Tricia says

    September 17, 2007 at 10:44 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    Reply
  17. Linsey Knerl says

    September 17, 2007 at 9:43 pm

    sounds great! thx for the giveaway!

    Reply
  18. Jill H. says

    September 17, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Sounds like a great read!

    Reply
  19. Kandy says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:58 pm

    sounds like an awesome book! Sign me up too please 🙂

    Reply
  20. Lisa Brendle says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    Count me in please!

    Reply
  21. Lesha says

    September 17, 2007 at 6:31 pm

    Great contest!

    Reply
  22. April says

    September 17, 2007 at 5:22 pm

    Please count me in. I would love to read this book. Thanks.

    Reply
  23. Laura says

    September 17, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    I’d like to read this!!

    Reply
  24. Angela says

    September 17, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    Would like a copy.

    Reply
  25. Anastasia says

    September 17, 2007 at 4:24 pm

    It sounds wonderful! 🙂 I’d love to check it out too 🙂

    Reply
  26. Andrea says

    September 17, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    Sounds great. Hope i win!

    Reply
  27. Jenna says

    September 17, 2007 at 1:27 pm

    Sounds interesting to me.

    Reply
  28. Jen E says

    September 17, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    Well, I’m quite a ways away from this but judging by how much of my life revolved around my children, I think this book would be good to help me start preparing NOW!!!! Thanks!!!

    Reply
  29. Carrie says

    September 17, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    I’m already crying about Kindergartin, let alone when they leave the nest for good. 🙁

    Reply
  30. bebemiqui says

    September 17, 2007 at 11:58 am

    yeah, I’m excited. Do you need my info?

    Reply
  31. Stephanie says

    September 17, 2007 at 11:24 am

    I’d love to win this book to read – and then pass it on to my mom. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  32. Lynn says

    September 17, 2007 at 11:05 am

    This book sounds wonderful. My sons are both off at college now, and we miss them a lot. But life is still good as we are all getting used to this stage of life.

    Reply
  33. Shannon says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:53 am

    Count me in!

    Reply
  34. Capturing Today says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:51 am

    Sounds like excellent reading!

    Reply
  35. Barbara H. says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:41 am

    Count me in, too. We’ll be transitioning into the empty nest over the next few years.

    Reply
  36. Mama Zen says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:31 am

    This sounds really interesting!

    Reply
  37. Michelle says

    September 17, 2007 at 8:18 am

    It seems like all too quickly my children are growing up and will soon be leaving home. I am already wondering what things will be like when it is just me in my house by myself each and every day after spending every moment with my children around me. While I know that changes and certain feelings are not to be avoided, I am looking for whatever tips and advice I can find to avoid experiencing a severe case of empty-nest syndrome.

    Reply
  38. Beth says

    September 17, 2007 at 7:08 am

    sounds like a great book that all Moms will eventually need!

    Reply
  39. Carey says

    September 17, 2007 at 6:47 am

    I am really interested in this book. As i watched my mom struggle with the empty nest syndrome, i am determined not to do the same. thanks for the review of this book.

    Reply
  40. Elizabeth says

    September 17, 2007 at 4:27 am

    Wonderful. Count me in, please.

    Reply
  41. Deanne says

    September 17, 2007 at 1:56 am

    Sounds like a great book….sign me up for a win!

    Reply
  42. Laura says

    September 17, 2007 at 12:27 am

    Sounds interesting. Count me in.

    Reply
  43. jenna says

    September 17, 2007 at 12:16 am

    Am I really the first one to comment? Wow! I’d love to win this and give it to my mom. Her youngest child (my youngest sister) will be going off to college next fall.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Bringing Moms Together

We are Janice and Susan, twin bloggers and work-at-home moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.

Meet Us…

Work With Us…

Subscribe via Email

to be first to read new posts

Trending Now

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

How To Use A Moka Pot – Discover The Secret To Making Amazing Coffee At Home

How To Use A Moka Pot – Discover The Secret To Making Amazing Coffee At Home

Get Outside and Play with Spray Chalk

Get Outside and Play with Spray Chalk

browse around

  • Posts by Susan
  • Posts by Janice
  • Favorite Recipes
  • Favorite Crafts
  • Giveaways
  • All Posts

Footer

Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies with a Clever Decorating Trick

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies with a Clever Decorating Trick

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Crafts/DIY

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

Buddy the Elf Hat Pattern – How to Make an Elf Hat out of Felt

Buddy the Elf Hat Pattern – How to Make an Elf Hat out of Felt

20 Free Summer Printables For Kids

20 Free Summer Printables For Kids

Giveaways

Holiday Gift Guides and Christmas Giveaway 2024

Holiday Gift Guides and Christmas Giveaway 2024

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Women

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Women

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 5 Minutes for MomTheme by Melissa Rose Design and Once Coupled