SHAME ON YOU DR. PHIL. WHY DON'T YOU GET REAL?

Mothers & More Gives Failure Award to Talk Show Host

Elmhurst, IL - Mothers & More, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy, is awarding its first ever "Apple Pie in the Face Award" to Dr. Phil for his recent Mom vs. Mom episode.

The show played at helping two mothers decide between whether to be stay-at-home moms or "working moms." In order to "help" these women with their decision, they were presented with an audience divided by work status, each faction represented by the most extreme and stereotypical views for that group. Dr. Phil allowed the fanatical representatives to argue with each other and even encouraged it by terming it a "catfight" and meowing during the show.

"The 'mommy wars' have always been a creation of sensationalism. Dr. Phil was playing up this tired 'controversy' in hopes of a ratings boost," says Kristin Maschka, President of Mothers & More. "Mothers are tired of being used as fodder for ratings and greed. There is a real issue with real consequences hidden behind this free-for-all that so obviously amused Dr. Phil - the lack of real options for combining paid work and caregiving for both mothers and fathers, the true acknowledgement by society that caregiving is real work deserving of respect and support."

This is the first Apple Pie in the Face Award to be given by Mothers & More, an organization with more than 180 chapters and over 7000 members. The organization will continue awarding the "honor" to call attention to acts that divide mothers or trivialize the struggles mothers face in balancing caregiving with their other needs and responsibilities.

Mothers & More has addressed mothers' needs as individuals and members of society, and promoted the value of all the work mothers do for over 16 years. The organization invites all mothers to speak out against the stereotypes that divide them and come together as a unified voice seeking reforms in our society that will lessen or eliminate some of the tough decisions mothers are now forced to make. To learn more, visit www.mothersandmore.org

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