Courtesy of Sharon Brecher
By MARIE TABELA | Contributing Writer
With high school graduation growing nearer by the second, parents all over are bracing themselves for one of the biggest moments of their lives as a parent: the college drop-off.
There is nothing that a parent cares more about than their child’s wellbeing, and for many, the thought of their child living somewhere that they are not is downright terrifying. Family, friends and even well intentioned strangers are quick to offer their support or advice, but in the spirit of honesty, it is usually not very good. Thankfully, Palisadian Sharon Brecher, also known as Miserable Mom, has ridden in on her no-nonsense white horse in the form of her new book, “Miserable Mom: The Do’s and Don’ts of Sending Your Kid to College” to save the day.
In September 2021, the Palisadian-Post covered Brecher’s lovable character, Miserable Mom, and her popular Instagram account (@MiserableMoms) chock full of hilarious original content about the every-day mom navigating life and family. Now, the Huntington resident has penned her first book with the hopes of helping parents everywhere better handle the transition of sending their kids to college. Through her expert writing and illustrations, Brecher is capable of making the reader laugh, cry and laugh again in the same paragraph. The whole read feels like one giant embrace letting the reader know that no matter what, it is all going to be okay. Brecher is quick to open up about her experience and offer real advice in a way that allows the reader to feel like they are sitting down for a cup of coffee with their wisest (and funniest) best friend. Her approach of embracing the emotions without completely losing control and laughing it off is the deep breath all parents need, whether it be dropping your kids off for their first day of college or their first day of preschool. She brings the reader some of the wackiest guidance she received, and tells them exactly why that is a terrible plan, both in text and in her signature illustrations featuring Miserable Mom and her family. 
“‘Miserable Mom’ allows me to juxtapose the appropriate responses with my less appropriate fantasies as I confronted some of those situations,” according to Brecher. “I think they’re both valuable. You be the judge.”
She helps readers come back to earth when they think bribing their son to choose the college nearest to home or enrolling in a few harmless classes on their daughter’s campus isn’t that bad of an idea. Brecher tackles every topic, from decorating the dorm to taking a step back when the new co-ed wants to hang out with their friends before a party instead of going out to dinner with mom and dad.
While this book is specifically targeted to parents sending their kids to college, it is truly a valuable read for parents with children of all ages. The book serves as a good reminder to parents of young children to be present with their children and embrace every stage, and the advice is a useful tool that can be applied to other big transitions, like starting kindergarten or high school. Readers everywhere can agree that this quick and easy read is the must-have book of the summer. Brecher has already earned the award of being an Amazon number one best seller, and it is easy to see why. The whole book can be read in under an hour, and it is funnier, easier and cheaper than therapy. The reader will walk away with a better grasp on how to move forward and tackle this big transition head on, all while feeling like they have a new best friend in their back pocket cheering them on and reminding them that this is just a new beginning.
“Miserable Mom: The Do’s and Don’ts of Sending Your Kid to College” is available for purchase on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble and miserablemoms.com.
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