This book is short and easy to read, alerting the reader to the dangers of some current mothering styles. Strongly criticizing the theory that women are supposed to sacrifice their lives for their children, Spencer shows how damaging this behavior is to all persons involved. Drawing primarily on psychological insights, she makes a strong case for her position.The author critiques the conservative Christian and religious right movement and its part in perpetuating female subservience and the mother's ultimate responsibility for her children's development. However, she ignores or is ignorant of the impact biblical egalitarians can have as they both model and teach mutual responsibility of parents for their children.This book is a good basic introduction to feminist theories of mothering. Heavily footnoted, it whetted my appetite for delving into the work of many other writers.(This review was previously published in "Daughters of Sarah" Jan/Feb 1986.)