Is work-life balance possible? Schonbrun, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior, says no. But this is not a book of despair. She draws on techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy to help readers find value in the challenge of juggling career and parenthood.

“We will all hate our kids and our jobs, not to mention our partners and our bosses, from time to time,” writes Schonbrun, a clinical psychologist, wife, and mother of three. But accepting and allowing those feelings, paradoxically, prevents negativity from taking over. Instead, this “helps us appreciate the gifts that do come from raising our kiddos, engaging in the work sphere, and living full lives.”

Schonbrun organizes her dozen strategies by chapter, each rooted in mindfulness. Readers learn, step by step, to change their mindset, nurture creativity, strengthen relationships, and manage stress. She never promises her book will make life easy—but by learning to find gratitude and meaning, she’s “discovered that working parenthood can be profoundly happy.”