This is the 20th anniversary edition of Vimala McClure's book, which was published in 1991. In the foreword, Sue Patton Thoele calls it "a discerning guide, a comforting companion, and a soul friend for those of us navigating the mysterious waters of motherhood." McClure, the founder of the International Association of Infant Massage Instructors, uses the format and teachings of the Tao Te Ching to spark her own observations on motherhood. The reader can jump in anywhere and read sections which address their concerns such as power, contentment, equanimity, no blame, and restraint. In the introduction, McClure explains that "parenting is a spiritual path that can bring you great pain and great joy and that can have a tremendous positive impact on your personality and your behavior."

What are some of the positive attributes of a good mother? She gives birth but acknowledges that she does not possess her child. She is the balancing agent who allows her offspring to make mistakes while loving them without condition. She wants her child to embody reverence as a virtue. She teaches by example that "a human being is greater than a human doing." A good mother doesn't push too hard and knows in her heart that:

"There is
no good child and no bad child.
There is only this child."

McClure shares the three treasures of parents which they can pass on to their children: kindness, humility, and charity. The author also salutes parents who admit that they don't know and who tell the truth. The Tao of Motherhood is a classic that deserves a larger audience!