How to Be a Happier Mom

Sure, becoming a mom is the best thing you ever did. So why does it make you so darn exhausted, overwhelmed and crabby sometimes? Many moms find themselves cracking under the expectations of others and, even more so, themselves.

Meagan Francis’ new book The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood (published by Weldon Owen and Parenting Magazine) draws on the latest happiness research and Francis’ experience as a mom of five to give parents doable and down-to-earth tricks to finding more satisfaction—and less frustration—in family life. Get a sneak peak of some her best tips (my fave: make your bed every day to help you feel on top of things even if you aren’t).

Here’s something else to make you happy: We’re giving away round-trip airfare for two and a stay at Loews Miami Beach Hotel! Send us a photo that illustrates a moment of true happiness that you have experienced as a mom, along with a description of the photo in 75 words or less to scrapbook@parenting.com. The winning photo will appear in Parenting Magazine. Read the official rules.

What little things do you do to find happiness as a parent?