
What Mothers Do
Especially When It Looks Like Nothing
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $15.97
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
By:
-
Naomi Stadlen
About this listen
Have you ever spent all day looking after your baby or young child—and ended up feeling that you have 'done nothing all day'? Do you sometimes find it hard to feel pleased with what you are doing, and tell yourself you should achieve more with your time? Maybe it's because you can't see how much you are doing already.
In this unique and perceptive look at mothering, Naomi Stadlen draws on many years' work with hundreds of other mothers of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. She explores mothers' experiences to reveal what they—and you—are doing when it may look, to everyone else, like nothing.
If you are a mother, and have ever felt: that nobody understands what you do all day; overwhelmed by your feelings for your baby; tired all the time; that nothing prepared you for motherhood; uncertain what your baby seems to want; short-tempered with your partner—you will find this the most reassuring book you have ever picked up.
©2012 Naomi Stadlen (P)2023 Hachette Audio UKListeners also enjoyed...
-
Simplicity Parenting
- Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
- By: Kim John Payne, Lisa M. Ross
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne comes an eloquent guide that seeks to help parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that all kids need for their individuality to flourish.
-
-
A worthwhile listen for new parents
- By Kathy K on 07-30-12
By: Kim John Payne, and others
-
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
- (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
- By: Philippa Perry
- Narrated by: Philippa Perry
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this instant Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. This is a book for us all. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips here. Philippa Perry's sane, sage and judgement-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.
-
-
Excellent advice overall
- By Kindle Customer on 05-06-21
By: Philippa Perry
-
Hunt, Gather, Parent
- What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans
- By: Michaeleen Doucleff
- Narrated by: Michaeleen Doucleff
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Hunt, Gather, Parent, Doucleff sets out with her three-year-old daughter in tow to learn and practice parenting strategies from families in three of the world’s most venerable communities: Maya families in Mexico, Inuit families above the Arctic Circle, and Hadzabe families in Tanzania. She sees that these cultures don’t have the same problems with children that Western parents do.
-
-
I wish they had a professional narrator
- By Anonymous User on 03-26-21
-
Connection B4 Correction
- Powerful Parenting Strategies for Connecting with Your Child and Building a Strong Bond
- By: Carrie Khang
- Narrated by: Jenelle Kidd
- Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While there are no bad kids, more often than not, there are also no bad parents. Where parents tend to go wrong lies in their discipline methods. Poor behavior from kids can drive any parent crazy, but reacting based on emotions can be the worst foundation for discipline. So why not try a different approach?
-
-
How we forget about what is important
- By Damian on 04-15-25
By: Carrie Khang
-
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
- The Heart of Parenting
- By: John Gottman PhD
- Narrated by: Roy Worley
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Based on 20 years of research at the University of Washington studying parent-child interactions, award-winning research psychologist John Gottman and his team have developed Emotion Coaching - a technique parents can use to teach their children self-awareness and self-control and to foster good emotional development. This proven technique has demonstrated a positive effect on children's physical health, academic achievement, and emotional well-being.
-
-
My parenting philosophy, in writing!
- By Dave on 03-03-21
By: John Gottman PhD
-
The Highly Sensitive Person
- By: Elaine N. Aron
- Narrated by: Barbara Caruso
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., is a world-renowned psychologist and speaker. The Highly Sensitive Person is an in-depth look at characteristics that define sensitivity. Through self-assessment tests and techniques, Aron shows listeners how to identify their own personality traits. This exceptional book can lead to remarkable results for many who suffer from constant stress and anxiety.
-
-
Highly Scientific
- By Steph on 01-07-10
By: Elaine N. Aron
-
Simplicity Parenting
- Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
- By: Kim John Payne, Lisa M. Ross
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne comes an eloquent guide that seeks to help parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that all kids need for their individuality to flourish.
-
-
A worthwhile listen for new parents
- By Kathy K on 07-30-12
By: Kim John Payne, and others
-
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
- (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
- By: Philippa Perry
- Narrated by: Philippa Perry
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this instant Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. This is a book for us all. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips here. Philippa Perry's sane, sage and judgement-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.
-
-
Excellent advice overall
- By Kindle Customer on 05-06-21
By: Philippa Perry
-
Hunt, Gather, Parent
- What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans
- By: Michaeleen Doucleff
- Narrated by: Michaeleen Doucleff
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Hunt, Gather, Parent, Doucleff sets out with her three-year-old daughter in tow to learn and practice parenting strategies from families in three of the world’s most venerable communities: Maya families in Mexico, Inuit families above the Arctic Circle, and Hadzabe families in Tanzania. She sees that these cultures don’t have the same problems with children that Western parents do.
-
-
I wish they had a professional narrator
- By Anonymous User on 03-26-21
-
Connection B4 Correction
- Powerful Parenting Strategies for Connecting with Your Child and Building a Strong Bond
- By: Carrie Khang
- Narrated by: Jenelle Kidd
- Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While there are no bad kids, more often than not, there are also no bad parents. Where parents tend to go wrong lies in their discipline methods. Poor behavior from kids can drive any parent crazy, but reacting based on emotions can be the worst foundation for discipline. So why not try a different approach?
-
-
How we forget about what is important
- By Damian on 04-15-25
By: Carrie Khang
-
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
- The Heart of Parenting
- By: John Gottman PhD
- Narrated by: Roy Worley
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Based on 20 years of research at the University of Washington studying parent-child interactions, award-winning research psychologist John Gottman and his team have developed Emotion Coaching - a technique parents can use to teach their children self-awareness and self-control and to foster good emotional development. This proven technique has demonstrated a positive effect on children's physical health, academic achievement, and emotional well-being.
-
-
My parenting philosophy, in writing!
- By Dave on 03-03-21
By: John Gottman PhD
-
The Highly Sensitive Person
- By: Elaine N. Aron
- Narrated by: Barbara Caruso
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., is a world-renowned psychologist and speaker. The Highly Sensitive Person is an in-depth look at characteristics that define sensitivity. Through self-assessment tests and techniques, Aron shows listeners how to identify their own personality traits. This exceptional book can lead to remarkable results for many who suffer from constant stress and anxiety.
-
-
Highly Scientific
- By Steph on 01-07-10
By: Elaine N. Aron
-
Running on Empty
- Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect
- By: Christine Musello PsyD, Jonice Webb PhD
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you sometimes feel as if you're just going through the motions in life? Are you good at looking and acting as if you're fine, but secretly feel lonely and disconnected? If so, you are not alone. The world is full of people who have an innate sense that something is wrong with them - who feel they live on the outside looking in, but have no explanation for this feeling and no way to put it into words.
-
-
If you need solutions don't buy this book
- By Marilyn on 12-08-15
By: Christine Musello PsyD, and others
-
You Are Special
- Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers
- By: Fred Rogers
- Narrated by: Fred Rogers
- Length: 1 hr and 32 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For more than 50 years, Fred Rogers and his enchanting neighborhood have educated, comforted, and influenced millions of people, both young and young at heart. Organized by themes - relationships, childhood, communication, parenthood, and more - this touching collection gathers his signature sayings and wise thoughts, all of which he enriches with his own memories of being a child and growing up. His ability to understand all kinds of people will inspire viewers past and present, and his straightforward, compassionate guidance will help show you how to get the most from life.
-
-
One of the best audiobooks
- By scotty on 08-28-17
By: Fred Rogers
-
Baby Sleep Training
- Methods and Techniques Where Your Child Will Be Able to Sleep All Night for Modern Parents, Stop Crying Goodbye Night Insomnia, for Happy Toddler
- By: Lilly Watson
- Narrated by: Clare Dennis
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do you wish your child would sleep at ease? Does your child wake in the middle of the night and suffer sleep terrors? Or do you wish to have baby sleep training in a few days and achieve the most effective methods to have your child sleep? Understand the nature of sleep, childhood rhythm, and development of normal sleep with the help of the guide. On the other side, learn how to eliminate bedtime difficulties and night-time waking through effective strategies.
-
-
English?
- By DK on 01-08-22
By: Lilly Watson
-
How Toddlers Thrive
- What Parents Can Do Today for Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success
- By: Tovah P. Klein PhD
- Narrated by: Tovah P. Klein PhD, Sarah Jessica Parker - foreword
- Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why do some children thrive and others struggle? The answers may surprise you. New research indicates that the seeds for adult success are actually planted in the toddler years. Dr. Tovah Klein's research and firsthand work with thousands of toddlers explains why the toddler brain is best suited to laying the foundation for success. Dr. Klein reveals the new science behind drivers such as resilience, self-reliance, self-regulation, and empathy that are more critical to success than simple intelligence.
-
-
Redundant
- By odotwu on 05-08-18
-
The Positive Parenting Guide
- How to Calm the Chaos of Being a Parent & Be a Nurturing Confident Influence
- By: Tina Faber
- Narrated by: Patricia Willis
- Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raising physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy children has never been more difficult. In the past, the influences a child was exposed to were limited, directly observable and could be controlled, but with the growth of technology, the proliferation of social media and the general air of growing paranoia and divide in today's society, parenting has become a challenge with far too many ways things could go wrong...if you are not on your toes and prepared.
-
-
Mother of two approves!
- By Anonymous User on 04-15-19
By: Tina Faber
-
Mothering Our Boys
- By: Maggie Dent
- Narrated by: Maggie Dent
- Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A mother of four sons herself, Maggie Dent draws on her personal experience - and over four decades work as a teacher, counsellor and now author and speaker - to help build understanding, empathy and compassion for our boys. Maggie shares her five key secrets that every mum needs to know, and uses the voices of men she has worked with and surveyed to reveal what really matters in a boy’s relationship with his mother and other mother figures.
-
-
So wise, so practical, so applicable!
- By Daria Peretyagina on 07-18-24
By: Maggie Dent
-
The Tantrum Survival Guide
- Tune In to Your Toddler's Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again
- By: Rebecca Schrag Hershberg PhD, Daniel J. Siegel - Foreword PhD
- Narrated by: Rebecca Schrag Hershberg PhD
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you are the parent of a toddler or preschooler, chances are you know a thing or two about tantrums. While those epic meltdowns can certainly be part of "normal" toddler behavior, they are still maddening, stressful, and exhausting - for everyone involved. What can you do to keep your cool and help your child calm down? Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, child psychologist and mother of two, has a unique understanding of both the science behind tantrums and what works in the heat of the moment to nip blowups in the bud.
-
-
Very helpful in understanding tantrums and what to avoid
- By Nik on 01-21-24
By: Rebecca Schrag Hershberg PhD, and others
-
To Have and to Hold
- Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma
- By: Molly Millwood
- Narrated by: Molly Millwood
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A clinical psychologist’s exploration of the modern dilemmas women face in the wake of new motherhood. When Molly Millwood became a mother, she was fully prepared for what she would gain: an adorable baby boy; hard-won mothering skills; and a messy, chaotic, beautiful life. But what she did not expect was what she would lose: aspects of her identity, a baseline level of happiness, a general sense of well-being.
-
-
Pretty good
- By C Sandell on 03-07-21
By: Molly Millwood
-
All Joy and No Fun
- The Paradox of Modern Parenthood
- By: Jennifer Senior
- Narrated by: Jennifer Senior
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thousands of books have examined the effects of parents on their children. But almost none have thought to ask: What are the effects of children on their parents? In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior tries to tackle this question, isolating and analyzing the many ways in which children reshape their parents' lives, whether it's their marriages, their jobs, their habits, their hobbies, their friendships, or their internal senses of self. She argues that changes in the last half century have radically altered the roles of today's mothers and fathers, making their mandates at once more complex and far less clear.
-
-
The Joy of Parenting
- By Cynthia on 02-14-14
By: Jennifer Senior
-
Positive Discipline: The First Three Years, Revised and Updated Edition
- From Infant to Toddler - Laying the Foundation for Raising a Capable, Confident Child
- By: Jane Nelsen EdD, Cheryl Erwin MA, Roslyn Ann Duffy
- Narrated by: Vanessa Daniels
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Research has shown that the first three years in a child's life are a critical moment in their development, and that behavior patterns instilled during that time can have profound implications for the rest of a child's life. Hundreds of thousands of parents have already used the advice in Positive Discipline: The First Three Years to help set effective boundaries, forge strong foundations for healthy communication, and lay the groundwork for happy and respectful relationships with their young children.
-
-
Positive discipline has no positive advice
- By John on 07-13-19
By: Jane Nelsen EdD, and others
-
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer
- How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
- By: Tracy Hogg
- Narrated by: Tracy Hogg
- Length: 2 hrs and 30 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The author - a.k.a. "The Baby Whisperer - unlocks the secrets of infant language so that any parents, grandparents, or caregiver can interpret what babies are "saying" and give them what they need.
-
-
a good place to start
- By Bk Marcus on 11-12-05
By: Tracy Hogg
-
Raising a Secure Child
- How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore
- By: Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, Bert Powell, and others
- Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Today's parents are constantly pressured to be perfect. But in striving to do everything right, we risk missing what children really need for lifelong emotional security. Now the simple, powerful "Circle of Security" parenting strategies that Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell have taught thousands of families are available in self-help form for the first time. Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone's reach - self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes.
-
-
Practical and Awesome
- By Emily | @emilyisoverbooked on 11-01-18
By: Kent Hoffman, and others
Critic reviews
"I can't emphasise enough how great What Mothers Do is." (Emma Barnett)
"The best book on parenting." (Guardian)
"Naomi Stadlen's What Mothers Do makes you feel like a million dollars." (Zoe Williams)