One Bad Mother

In Praise of Psycho Housewives, Stage Parents, Momfluencers, and Other Women We Love to Hate
From Ej Dickson, senior staff writer at New York Magazine, a sharp and thought-provoking blend of cultural criticism and pop psychology that explores our understanding of what it means to be a “bad mom”, examining tropes of like momfluencers, stage moms, and “trad wives,” for fans of Anne Helen Petersen, Amanda Montell, and Chuck Klosterman.

"Dickson is funny […] and deftly weaves in her own experiences." - The Observer

For fans of the witty and evocative writing of Anne Helen Petersen and Amanda Montell, a sharply clever exploration of what it means to be a “bad mom” by delving into the world of momfluencers, stage moms, trad wives, and more. 

We all have an idea what it means to be a good mom: little screen time, kids hitting their milestones, endless patience and understanding, and self-sacrifice on behalf of one’s children. But what does it mean to be a “bad mom” in modern society? Women as wide-ranging as Meghan Markle, Hannah Neelman (of Ballerina Farm), and anyone giving birth over forty, have been labeled “bad moms.” In a world where the rules are constantly changing, it feels like women simply cannot win.

With this in mind, in her first book, Ej Dickson takes a sharp, provocative look at one of society’s most polarizing labels: the “bad mom.” What makes a mother “bad,” and why? Through the lens of pop culture and American history, Ej Dickson explores how this trope has evolved—from Victorian “angels in the house” to the infamous Mommie Dearest, from Instagram influencers like EmRata and Mormon momfluencers to fictional icons like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Each chapter dives into a different archetype of so-called bad motherhood—like the Stage Mom, the Tiger Mom, the MILF, the MLM hun—challenging us to rethink our assumptions about femininity, parenting, and societal expectations. Drawing on insightful analysis and interviews, Dickson unpacks why our culture is obsessed with vilifying moms and how issues of race and class shape these narratives. Are bad moms truly “bad,” or do they simply defy norms we don’t fully understand—or fear?

This isn’t just cultural commentary—it’s a clarion call. Because if we really take a close look, we might find that some of the women we’ve reviled throughout history are due for a reassessment — and in doing so, moms today may take some much-needed pressure off themselves. One Bad Mother invites moms everywhere to stop chasing impossible standards, reclaim their autonomy, and maybe—just maybe—enjoy motherhood for what it is, not what it’s “supposed” to be.

Thoughtful, eye-opening, and downright funny at times, One Bad Mother is a vital exploration of modern motherhood.

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