Motherhood, Russian-Style

Book excerpt: "Motherhood, Russian-style" offers an intimate look at modern Russian mothers and how they are raising their children today. In the course of researching this book, the author interviewed hundreds of Russian mothers, living in Moscow, many corners of Russia, and quite literally all over the world. "Motherhood, Russian-style" takes readers on a very personal journey through all aspects on raising children, the "Russian" way. Despite their many individual approaches, there are some unifying elements of Russian motherhood, placing modern Russian mothers quite comfortably somewhere in between Asian tiger mums and the more laid-back parenting styles popular in America and Europe. A light read filled with many personal anecdotes, this book includes a glossary of classic Russian childhood words, and takes a close look at many of the aspects of raising children which make Russian mamas unique. From dachas to shapkas, kasha to borsch, chess to ballet, the trials and tribulations of raising Russian children make for an entertaining and enjoyable read. Mothers may even discover a few clever tips along the way, such as how Russian babies are potty trained well before the age of two, or how Russian mothers easily get their young children to eat healthy, home-made food. 10% of all worldwide royalties received by the author from sales of "Motherhood, Russian-style" will be immediately donated to international charities actively aiding refugee families and children in need in war-torn eastern Ukraine. Tanja Maier is American, speaks Russian fluently, and found herself a single mother raising her infant son in Moscow in 2006, after having lived in Russia for almost a decade. Tanja is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Tanja lives in Vienna, Austria with her family.