Zeno's Bar & Grill

A while back we had an idea for a website that we were going to tie in with our first novel…and maybe we still will. The novel (currently residing with our agent prior to submission to publishers) is about a woman navigating the world of Perfect Momism after quitting her high powered career. At the end of the book, her new (non-perfect) friends start a website with tips for recovering Perfect Moms. Here, we bring you a few…

GENERAL:
Don’t judge another mother by the contents of her child’s lunchbox.
…or her children’s clothes, childcare arrangements, decision to work or not work etc.

Allow your husband to help you and don’t fret the details.
…If he screws up the laundry, he can fix things or explain to his son why his football jersey is now pink.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Let your husband get up first and serve breakfast sometimes.

Don’t let your child’s playdates exceed your own by more than a factor of three.

HOLIDAYS
Lower the bar on birthdays!!!

Thank you notes…two words: e-mail and telephone.
…if the gift was opened in the presence of the giver, thank them in person!

HOUSEHOLD
Use convenience foods as circumstances dictate.
…the kids will like the store-bought birthday cupcakes better anyway.

Get a dog and never sweep the floor again!

KIDS
Put your children in front of the TV occasionally without guilt.
…reclaim your sanity with an uninterrupted shower or phone call.

Teach your children that nothing in life is perfect.
Believe it.

--Melanie and Kelly