What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?: (And Other Thoughts from a 40-Something Mom) - Paperback

by Karen Johnson (Author)

Helpful, inspiring guide for mothers seeking to flourish and succeed after their kids grow up

In What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? (And Other Thoughts from a 40-Something Mom), renowned parenting influencer Karen Johnson provides a fun, easy-to-understand, and inspiring guide for mothers currently experiencing an empty nest, or who see one on the horizon, and are looking to lead their best, most fulfilling lives and feel comfortable that they're not alone in their struggles. This book draws upon stories and experiences from Johnson and mothers around her, helping readers seek out new passions, including new career paths, to avoid feeling as if they are solely defined by motherhood.

In this book, Johnson explores topics including:

• Taking risks, putting yourself out there, getting stronger mentally and physically, and fostering positive relationships
• Navigating the wondrously weird world of perimenopause and aging bodies with confidence, knowledge, and grace
• Working through the very real emotions of guilt, anxiety, failure, and shame that often accompany this transitory period in mothers' lives

What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? (And Other Thoughts from a 40-Something Mom) earns a well deserved spot on the bookshelves of all mothers seeking to develop individualism, mindfulness, and genuine feelings of contentment and happiness as they turn the page to the next chapter of their lives.

Back Jacket

Wisdom for mothers seeking to rediscover themselves after their kids become adults

One moment, your kids are tiny toddlers, and before you know it, they're all grown up! If you're finding yourself asking "What now?", this book is just what you need.

What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? is a cathartic and practical guide on how to rediscover yourself, set and achieve new goals, free yourself of negative emotions and thought patterns, and learn to love yourself and your changing body. Drawing on stories from her own life and those of inspiring mothers around her, Karen Johnson reveals everything she's learned in her parenting journey to help moms of adult kids and soon-to-be empty nesters renew their sense of purpose and confidently tackle a fresh chapter in their lives.

"What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? is the anthem for a generation of women who feel torn between the joys of staying at home with our kids and the languish of leaving careers and passions behind to do it. With humor, authenticity and candor, Johnson makes us feel seen, empowers us to take bold steps to move forward, and offers hope for the changes coming ahead."
--WHITNEY FLEMING, author, You're Not a Failure: My Teen Doesn't Like Me Either and co-owner, Parenting Teens & Tweens

Author Biography

Karen Johnson is known on social media as The 21st Century SAHM. A former high school English teacher, she began telling her stories of motherhood when she was elbow-deep in the trenches of toddlerhood. She now writes for some of the largest parenting websites in the world.