Thank you Gwenna for writing this book. It is so refreshing to get parenting advice that is real, honest and not from someone with a ton of letters after their name. Coming from Gwenna you know you’re getting tried and true advice that really works. She may not be a professional but I’d rather have someone with life experience than a degree giving me parenting advice. Parenting is an “in the trenches” lived experience. It’s not something you can learn from a textbook so it doesn’t matter how many degrees or years of school you attend, it’s all about lived experience in my opinion, that actually counts. Gwenna has that, and she gives it out with sass, spunk and humor which I love. I’ve followed her on TikTok and I am so happy she wrote a book. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy! These are my honest opinions and they are my own.

This is great for anyone new to responsive parenting. As someone who has already been intentionally using responsive parenting techniques, it was a good refresher. It was also a nice morale booster and motivator during a period of feeling burnt out.

I got to read this book before it’s official release through Net Galley and I’m so happy I did! There’s several things I really loved about this book starting with the Foreword written by Gwenna’s daughter. I enjoyed reading her thoughts on this book and her perspective being included adds credibility. I also like that throughout the book Gwenna not only admits to her parenting faults but she walks through what happened and how it affected her children. This book is written in a way that makes me feel like I’m talking to a friend who just gets it. This may not be a how- to guide but it is a great read.

If you like Momma Cusses on TikTok (Hi Gwenna!!!) but wanted more in depth discussions when she shares her gems and opinions- you’ll love this book.

If I could ONLY change one thing- it would be fun illustrations or charts? I think a bit of illustration would have drawn me in more-
With the cover, I had expected “more” whimsy on the inside if that makes sense.

Still, great starter and great book!!

Thank you Netgalley for the Arc!

This is the parenting advice book you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve ever watched mommacusses on social media you know she’s hilarious and her relationship with her children is to be envious of. In this book she walks you through the “you can too” and the “you’ve got this” and the “every kid is different every parent is different” of parenting. This book is uplifting, inspiring and funny. The one thing I truly love about it is that it in no way ever makes you feel inadequate instead reminding you that you are human. A definite must read for anyone with or considering having “crotch-goblins”

As a mother of three, with two of my kiddos being toddlers, Momma Cusses was a breath of fresh air. This is one of the few parenting books I have ever joyfully read, and didn’t feel totally overwhelmed by.

Gwenna’s humor and writing style made me feel like she was personally hyping me up over FaceTime. I really appreciate her approach to topics that would normally bring about feelings of shame and guilt as a parent — this being said, the way she addresses Mom Guilt & Mom Shame is brilliant!

I loved the distinction made between gentle and responsive parenting. As a new mom four years ago, learning of “gentle parenting” changed everything for me. But I soon realized that a lot of what I thought gentle parenting was left me feeling awful about myself, especially when I lost my cool or found myself overstimulated. Momma Cusses does an excellent job of affirming your worth as a responsive parent, as you unlearn the ways you may have been parented.

This book deserves all of the praise! I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers.

I really enjoyed this! The field guide entries were awesome and it was so smart to put in the TLDR’s at the end of each chapter. I loved the way the whole book was organized and really vibed with the writing style.

I am a big fan of Momma Cusses on TikTok and was thrilled when St. Martin's Publishing Group and NetGalley reached out to me with an e-ARC of her debut novel/field guide for “parenting that won’t make your kid need therapy”

I think Gwenna is a hilarious, kind and caring mother and gives wonderful and helpful tips to current and aspiring parents. If only my parents parented more like her! While she doesn’t claim to be an expert, I do think she has a lot of fabulous advice and that her book will help lots of parents raise a more emotionally intelligent generations.

Thanks for the e-ARC in an exchange for an honest review. I can guarantee I’ll use this in my own parenting journey!

Love, love, LOVED this!

Momma Cusses gave me all the feels! I had tears welling reading the sweet forward written by Gwenna’s daughter, toppled into bits of mom guilt/regrets, followed by hope and determination, and laughed out loud several times!

I have read, or tried to read, several parenting books and have such a hard time relating to and powering through most due dull writing and unrealistic suggestions. That was NOT the case at all with this book. I flew through it and enjoyed it so much along the way because it was so real and relatable. I found myself writing down a ton of notes and ideas to try with my own “chaos goblins.”

The only downfall is not being able to read this sooner in my parenting journey, but it’s never too late to learn better and do better!

This was a very informative and surprisingly charming book that outlines responsive parenting. Told in a humorous yet relatable memoir type style, this book gives readers a look into how one momma raises her littles and the styles that work and didn’t quite work out for her. As a soon to be first time mom, I found seeing examples of parenting to be both informative and thought provoking and very helpful when I consider how I might want to approach things with my own little. Definitely worth the read and thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

I loved this book so much. I would have blown through the whole thing in one sitting if I wasn't falling asleep on the couch every night at 9 pm thanks to my "crotch goblin" as Gwenna calls them. I have read a number of parenting books and never really retained any of the content, but this book is wonderful. The title of this book caught my eye (I have never heard of her tiktok channel). Not only does she make you feel that it is OK to lose your sh*t once in a while, and that it is OK to be overwhelmed because parenting is HARD, but she provides so decent strategies for dealing with the tough stuff. I've already employed her strategy for helping my 4-year-old feel his emotions, and it has made meltdowns a lot easier and productive for both me and the little guy. I am so bummed this book doesn't come out until March, because I want to buy a copy for all of my friends. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to read this now, it's really been a blessing. Thank you!

Momma Cusses felt like a heart to heart from a relatable (albeit slightly inappropriate) responsive momma mentor. I’m gonna be honest, I’d buy the book just for the forward written by her oldest daughter - it’s the words every cycle breaker longs to hear straight from the mouth of the firstborn who got both “versions” of her mother: reactive and responsive. The letter from her firstborn was so moving and exactly what every parent who is trying this new thing called responsive parenting wants to hear.

The book has profanity - truly, with a name like “Momma Cusses” you could hardly expect anything less, but it’s worth saying that Gwenna is fluent in four letter words and she doesn’t shy from utilizing them to their fullest extent- but unlike what I grew up with - this profanity laced parenting book doesn’t weaponize their delivery. They just exist - I don’t love profanity as I find it triggering, but I will say it was nice to see that they can be used in ways that do not demean, belittle or otherwise demoralize another human being of their dignity.

I really appreciated that Gwenna remained true to herself and her mission throughout the whole. It was very clearly her voice I heard in my head as I read and at no point did she try to own another voice. You know exactly what you’re getting into with her after the first 1.5 chapters and she delivers and over delivers: this book is packed with responsive parenting takeaways learned by Gwenna and self reflection on her journey to becoming more responsive, chapter after chapter disabling the triggers to debilitating mom shame, and she leaves you with the sense that she’s in it with you and walking alongside you and that you can do it. Also cheeky humor. Lots of hilarity. I appreciated the silliness. Spoiler alert, you must read to the very last. I guffawed. Millennials forever. 😆

I’d like to thank St. Martins Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What can I say but…WOW! I mean talk about hit the nail on the head! I was able to relate to about 99% of everything Gwenna was saying! I laughed out loud several times, was triggered a few times, and thought I was writing the book a couple time. I cannot wait for this to be released! It will definitely be a book I want to have via kindle and audible and I will be adding it to my actual shelf for sure! (And I’m picky on who gets to be on my actual shelf) I just can’t say enough about how good this book was!! I wish I had this a few years ago when I first gave birth to my son!

Having followed Gwenna's social media for years, I was so excited when I saw this book. I am not even a parent, just trying to be the best aunt ever. Having the basic tenants of gentle parenting in a book format that is actually fun to read was surprisingly interesting. While I understand that the stream of consciousness word dump is not every reader's favorite format, this reminded me strongly of Jenny Lawson's Let's Pretend This Never Happened. For that reason, Gwenna knocked it out of the park.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like that the author has many tips for parenting but often states that we each know our families best and what works for her family might not work for yours. I also really liked that she has summaries at the end of each chapter which I thought was a very useful addition to a non-fiction parenting book. This is one book I'll definitely need for my shelf.

To anyone who has littles, their own or grands...I cannot recommend this book enough. Being a kid is harder than we remember. Being a parent is harder than we expect. While Gwenna is just some middle-aged mom with a social media following who accidentally hit it big on TikTok, this book is remarkably fabulous! Have you heard of gentle parenting? Well, Gwenna prefers the term “responsive” parenting because it feels like the opposite of “reactive” parenting. Responsive parenting your kids looks like responsive parenting yourself first. (Like Cesar Milan trains the human, not the dog.) Equally important is helping children accept, expect, and successfully embrace their own emotional states. This book is full of amusing scenarios of epic fails and monumental wins all supportive in our journeys to become effective parents. Validating their emotions while regulating yours, allowing them to explore their own boundaries, experience natural consequences, and of course saying no. Responsive parenting is not permissive parenting. Even as a responsive parent you can and absolutely should tell your child no. Reading this book will have you spewing your drink through your nose from laughter and reading awesome examples on how to handle The Big Feels, tantrums and setting boundaries. As a parent and an educator, I highly recommend this book for everyone.

Such an honest and hilarious book! Gwenna finds a way to capture the ultimate parenting experience with sarcasm and wit making it so much fun to read! A must read for every mom who Is not sure if she/they is doing enough!

Oh my goodness I freaking love Gwenna!
I Momma Cusses by Gwenna Laithland she keeps things real! And I loved that!
Reading this parenting book it didn’t feel like it…. Instead it felt like I was listening to a friend of mine. And that is why I consumed this book in two days tops.
Her writing style just took hold and I was sucked in.
Her humor and wit was an added bonus.
She made me feel like I wasn’t alone or crazy.
Her advice I took to heart and really listened to what she has to say.
I hope she continues to write more books like this because this Momma needs them!
I have never took to a parenting book like I did this one!
Thank you Gwenna Laithland for creating this!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

As a long time TikTok follower of Gwenna and mom to a toddler- I can safely say this is a book I didn’t know I needed. As any parent would we did lots of research on how to “best” parent your child. Absolutely nothing was as fun to read as this. This book is a warm hug from a mom friend. Never condescending. Always understanding

Thank you Gwenna Laithland, St Martins Press, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I have been following Gwenna Laithland on TikTok for a while now and absolutely love her content. If you’re like me and you haven’t read a lot of parenting books, this is the one to read. I loved it! It not only offers up great advice and anecdotes, but it made me feel seen as a parent. There is a section on “mom guilt” that I needed to hear and to know that it’s okay. Parenting is hard and it’s a lot of adapting to your child’s ever changing needs. “Momma Cusses” reminds the reader of that and to give themselves a little bit of grace. I highly recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a parenting book that’s realistic and isn’t clinical. Also, I’m not sure if an audiobook is in the works for this book, but I would absolutely listen to one, especially if it was narrated by Gwenna Laithland!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a great reminder that social media is not a good representation of real life. Being a mom is so hard and just the fact that anyone picks up a relatable parenting book, shows the amount of care and love that goes into parenting. The stories shared in this book were just what I needed to remind myself that I'm doing my best, even if that looks a little messy sometimes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gwenna Laithland and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

The book addresses the emotional rollercoaster that parents often find themselves on, providing practical guidance on how to handle the challenging moments of parenthood with grace and resilience. Laithland tackles topics such as mom guilt versus mom shame, controlling one's emotions, and helping children navigate their own emotions. Through a series of hilarious yet all-too-real scenarios, she creates a sense of camaraderie among readers, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Bad parents never wonder if they are doing a good job! Just by picking up this book shows that you are a good parent and want to be an even better parent.

I've been watching Gwenna on Tik Tok for years. I've always been struck by her humorous, but practical parenting tips.

This book was a fantastic read. I didn't feel the judgy-mcjudginess that I feel while reading other parenting books. Her tone was of a close friend sharing their secrets to another close friend. Can I be besties with Gwenna?

This is not a hoity toity book. Thank goodness! Not only will you get usable advice, you will also be entertained.

Loved every second of this book. I have been following Gwenna since this beginning. When I saw the book on netgalley I was so excited. I already preordered the book which does t come out til March 2024. It’s the best non-parenting book. I love that she shares what works for her and always tell you that she is not a professional. I have been putting her opinions to use and the ones that I have used so far have worked for me and my family also. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

This beautiful little book is unpretentious, comedic, sad at times, and thoughtful. Gwenna is painfully honest, and beautifully insightful, and you will finish this book wishing she was your friend. I know I did…

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

If you weren't aware, the author of this book is tiktok famous. She's quite funny, and I enjoy her videos. So I was excited to find this!

This isn't your typical parenting book. This is meant for those of us "less than perfect" parents... those of us messy, chaotic, but great mamas.
It was a breath of fresh air reading this book. I've read other parenting books in the past, and i often leave them feeling like a bit of a failure as a mom.

So worth the read.

Thank you #netgalley for the advance reader copy of "Momma Cusses" by Gwenna Laithland. My kids are now teenagers so only a small portion of this book helped my currently. However, I do have nephews and nieces who are younger and the ability to reflect on my years of parenting. Little did I realize, I was practicing gentle parenting in many situations. Gwenna does an incredible job of guiding parents on how to parent. She's hilarious, realistic, and gives amazing advice. A few times I thought to myself - dang, that would have really helped in some certain situation. While she does not profess to be an expert, I wholeheartedly disagree. She knows what she's doing and if you really listen to her you can not only make your children into good citizens, you can save yourself a lot of grief. She understands the need for parents to also have their own lives and space. And when they can't find that space, she gives solutions that help get a little bit of that space back while still caring for your children. She's emphatic that you are not a doormat - this flies in the face of what I was told to do and be when my kids were little 17 years ago. And I'm so glad to see that someone is putting it out there. Being a good parent does not mean making sure your kids never cry. 


She really helps lift up parents by telling them that there's no shame in not wanting to play and it's ok to get irritated but be responsible in how you display it. And she keeps it really funny by turning the hair raising drive you nuts scenarios into a rehash in part from a kid's perspective with hilarious language to describe what happened and how to deal with it. 


It all comes down to the words of wisdom which were not imparted to me when my kids were little: responsive parenting still allows you to say "no". It's NOT permissive,  it's responsive. 


#netgalley #gentleparenting #responsiveparenting

I follow @mommacusses on TikTok and I was extremely excited to have the chance to do an early read for Gwenna’s book. First of all, I love that the forward is written by her oldest child, Abbi. That was a cute personal touch! Gwenna’s writing is refreshing, honest and relatable just like her videos. The whole book felt like I was having a one on one conversation with a friend. This is not the same cookie cutter parenting book you always see. I didn’t feel like I was being judged straight out of the pages by a perfect parent like I have with other parenting advice books. Gwenna is raw, real and so honest. I love every page and paragraph of this book. Thank you Gwenna for writing for us imperfect parents!!

Being a fan of Gwenna and the content along with what she puts out on her social media I was so excited to read an advance copy of her book. I can tell you she doesn’t disappoint. Her personality shines through while allowing the reader to learn what reactive parenting really is. I will always love how she will say this is what works for my family, does it work for everyone no, but this is what works for us. It is so nice to have a mom with influence realize that her way is not the end all be all way, but maybe it can be a guideline for a family to try. There is no judgement in this book, just tools and ways to help you start possibly using reactive parenting in your own home. You will find humor, great resources, and stories that show you sometimes families aren’t as Instagram worthy as some influencers might make you think they are. Please, even if you decide that reactive parenting isn’t for you, give this book a try.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

I’ve tried (and failed) to read so many different parenting books but so many of them fell so flat. They all read like a textbook – no humor, no personal anecdotes, and most important, no personality. This wasn’t like any of those. If you’ve ever watched any of Gwennas videos you’ll know that she has such presence and personality. This book oozed her signature snark and humor while also sounding like the adultier adult we all go to for life advice. Every chapter of this book was easy to read and understand. This is for those who are trying to do better and be the best they can for their kids. It has such a big emphasis on bettering yourself in order to be a better parent. But, it also really pushes the point that it’s ok to mess up and not be perfect all the time – it’s just how you react and respond. If you want parenting advice that’s non-judgmental and feels like it’s coming from a friend, this is for you. I know parenting books can be very hit-or-miss but I think that everyone could learn something from this book.

I've read a lot of parenting books to get me through the years I've had so far raising my three rambunctious, stubborn and oh-so-challenging boys. This book takes the cake.
Gwenna - you made me lmfao more times than I can count. I also face-palmed myself until I swore I was going to see a bruise next time I looked in the mirror, but I digress. The whole book felt like I was having a very helpful, very eye-opening conversation with a best friend. It was hilariously relatable (and had the best chapter titles I've ever seen in any book anywhere 😆). I learned a whole bunch of new things, gathered new techniques to add to my arsenal of tools to pull out of my "how the heck do I parent this shit?!" bag of tricks, and had a great effing time doing it. Shout out to the chapter on self-care, because I've always struggled with that and Gwenna made me realize that even the little things I do can and should be counted as self-care if it makes me feel even a little bit more put together and in control than I was before. If I wasn't following every social media platform you're on before, I sure am now.

Thanks to St. Martin's Publishing Group, Gwenna Laithland and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

By the way, you just lost the game too.

I have been following Gwenna on TikTok for quite a while now so I jumped when I saw this available as a Read Now selection. Gwenna is honest and open and I love how she is always willing to share trials and triumphs about her parenting style. She doesn't sugarcoat and she is also very honest about parenting and the growth and changes that can occur. I loved her writing style and it matches her personality perfectly! A great book for parents of any age, honestly.

Parenting is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope over a pit of alligators - or so they say. If you've ever felt like the parenting manuals were written in Martian, then "Momma Cusses" by Gwenna Laithland is your Rosetta Stone to decoding the chaotic world of raising tiny humans.

Laithland is the parenting unexpert we've all secretly wished for. She doesn't have a magic recipe for perfect parenting; instead, she's got a cauldron of sarcasm, a pinch of snark, and a whole lot of relatability. In "Momma Cusses," she takes us on a hilarious journey through the minefield that is parenthood, all while making you snort-laugh and nod in fierce agreement.

Laithland isn't here to sugarcoat or preach from a lofty pedestal. She's in the trenches with us, battling toddler tantrums and teenage eye-rolls.

"Momma Cusses" entertains and educates with style. Laithland breaks down the complex world of responsive parenting vs. reactive parenting with a humor that can only be described as "parental therapy." She doesn't just tell you what to do; she shows you, using real-life scenarios that you've probably encountered in your own home.

The chapters in this book are like nuggets of wisdom wrapped in comedy gold. Laithland explores the fine line between mom guilt and mom shame, reminding us that we're all just doing our best, even if that means hiding in the pantry to eat chocolate in peace. She teaches us how to wrestle control of our emotions (or at least fake it convincingly), while she helps us understand and manage our little ones' emotional rollercoasters.

Laithland's writing is like chatting with your best friend, the one who tells it like it is and isn't afraid to admit that parenting is, at times, a chaotic mess. The book is not only laugh-out-loud funny but also a lifeline for those navigating the minefield of family dynamics and emotional resilience.

This book is the parenting guide you never knew you needed. It's like a breath of fresh air in a room filled with baby powder and dirty diapers. If you're a parent, about to become one, or have ever had a parent, this book is your ticket to sanity through humor and wisdom. Laithland proves that sometimes, laughter is the best therapy, especially when you're knee-deep in the glorious chaos of parenthood.

I Picked this one up for my daughter-in-law so that she too could feel that it was OK to let go sometimes.
With Laithlands humorous stories and non-judgy insights, the time my grandson is ready to really work her nerves; this pre-ordered (wonder) book will be at her door.

I know that my daughter-in-law follows Laithland on Tik Tok, I just hope that she enjoys the book as much as I did.

Thank you, NetGalley\Gwenna Laithland\
St. Martin's Press\ For this Incredible e-Arc in advance for my review. My opinions are of my own volition.

I absolutely adore Gwenna's YouTube channel and this book only adds to that. No matter where you are in your parenting journey, heck even if you never intend to parent, I still suggest picking this up. Thoroughly enjoyed!

First I wanna say thank you NetGalley for this wonderful arc of one of my favorite TikTok creators works. I have watched her work and always wondered how does she parent so amazingly or I wanna be like that and I’m sure you probably have to if you’ve hear of her. This felt like we were sitting across each other coffee in hand as I was given parenting advice and not just boring parenting advice you know the ones that make you feel like your bad parent for your kid no. She based this whole book on why you’re such a good parent for your child as well so don’t worry about that problem. I definitely recommend this to any moms, new moms or even moms to be!!

I have followed Gwenna’s journey since pretty close to the beginning. Before the fun hair colors, when it was bangs and pig tails. I’ve loved be a viewer and she’s incredibly relatable. I was so excited that she wrote a book because her advice is truly top notch. I loved and enjoyed the tips and really enjoys another perspective. I am for sure going to use my next audio credit on this book. Thank you for allowing me to read this, truly so enjoy

Thank you for the ARC.

I’ve seen her on tik tok and I have little ones. I’m not a big self-help book person. But I was curious and I was entertained with her insights.

I like that the end of every chapter had a small summary.

I went into Momma Cusses blindly and quested it on NetGalley purely by the title making me laugh. So I didn’t know prior to reading that Gwenna Laithland is a bit of a TikTok parenting un-expert sweetheart. Really related to the tagline of not wanting to be the reason my kid needs therapy one day 😂.

My experience with Momma Cusses is that it’s a bit like a hug from another mama who “gets” it. It felt like it would be a bit of a long read over one or two days, but I spread it out over a couple of months and enjoyed the little nuggets of reality and relatability… and the gentle support!

As usually with these kind of non-fiction books, I very much appreciated the end of chapter summaries that kind of leave you with little nuggets of information. Overall I found her advice sound but not rocket science, and appreciated the humourous reminders in really easy to understand language.

Thank you Gwenna, NetGalley and SMP for the arc to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are mine!

Gwenna's Social Media accounts have inspired a new generation of parents to make their own rules, and laugh in the face of traditional parenting styles. Her book is no different! Humor and compassion are her hallmark, and this book will give parents the advice and validation they're needing in the over saturated world of parent-tok. Highly recommended for library's that are looking for an addition to their well-rounded parenting section, and a great gift for the new mom in your life.

I don't have kids but I'm a huge fan of Momma Cusses (Gwenna). I've followed her tiktok for two years, and her videos and books apply to all human relationships. Not just parenting. I appreciate her candor and humor, in this and all things. And the dedication and prologue made me emo.

I adored this book. I love Gwenna and have been following her on tik tok for years. Reading this book felt like I was just watching her videos. I adored the intro from her oldest daughter and the way she explains and implements gentle parenting in a way that is relatable. Would definitely recommend if you are interested in learning about gentle parenting or if you just love Gwenna and her tik tok

This is a lovely book for anyone starting a family. Give your children loads of patience, attention, be there for them whenever they need you and they should grow into happy independent individuals. In short, the more time, attention and care you give them when they are small the less time you will have to spend sorting out problems when they are older. We are all doing the best we can so hang in there.

Thank you St. Martin Press for this ARC. I enjoyed reading it.

Whether you're a parent or not, this fun and accessible approach to responsive parenting will give you insight into important child development that will make you a better human to be around for any children in your life!

Gwenna Laithland is an internet personality that gained attention by giving parenting advice. This book is a big pile of it. I do not follow her, and have never heard of her until requesting this book.

I loved this book. I plan on going to get myself a copy so I can revisit a bunch of this, and maybe force my husband to read it too. It's silly and irreverent, but had some decent advice sprinkled through. I literally used one of the tips this evening and it immediately helped the tiny human.

Honestly, I don't do well with reading parenting books. This one worked for me. I learned some stuff. Got called out for some stuff. Laughed about a lot of stuff. And felt like maybe I might be able to turn this crazy parenting train around for myself and my kids with a little practice. Good luck me and the kiddos.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

If you follow this author on any social media platform then you’ve heard her talk and this book is like sitting down with her and having a long talk. A sweary talk! Which I’m here for! I’ve already raised my children but it’s nice to have a current input on raising children or even just dealing with children. Or even life. She made it entertaining while educating and I love her outlook! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

Do I have kids? No.

Did i solely pick up this book because I follow the creator on Tiktok and have an interest into their unique parenting style? Yes.

Was it a good read even though I don't have kids? Yes.

Such a relatable book! I'm happy to see how many other people need help with the whole gentle and responsive parenting thing. This was a fast, easy, and funny read. I love the TLDR at that bottom.

There's a reason Gweena Lauthland gained such a slough of social media followers, enough in fact, to enable her to write this book. She approaches her parenting stories and advice with a relatable, sarcastic ease that instantly makes parents feel less judged and more understood- and in turn making us more willing to receive the information being thrown at us.
Her book is no different, and I was instantly charmed into feeling like I was reading a story rather than a “parenting book.” When I initially received this book, I thought I would honestly do more skimming to the parts that actually applied to me in the moment, rather than a full sit down read, and I surprised myself by actually wanting to read it all anytime my tiny human allowed me a reprieve from getting my dress torn to shreds before trying to attend the ball with my evil stepsisters.
I want to be Laithland’s friend, something most of her followers have echoed, I adore her reels on IG, and for that reason I probably would listen to the audiobook of this one if given the choice. I really wanted to hear these chapters as stories in her voice rather than the annoying voice in my own head reading it to me off the page. Nevertheless, I did still feel like she was talking to ME within the chapters, like a friend telling me about something she went through with her kids, how frustrating and annoying it was, and then telling me how she managed to handle the situation without completely losing her crap.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a way to learn about responsive parenting, break generational cycles, or just learn how to stop losing their crap with their kid quite as often. I know I will be referring back to this one time and time again in an effort to stop being so unhinged when my kid does something…..unhinged.
P.S. the foreward by her daughter made me cry. Well done, chaos goblin.

I've been following Gwenna on social media for awhile now, and one thing that has stuck out to me is how genuine she always comes off. She's the kind of woman I'd love to sit down and have dinner with and just talk about anything and everything.

Full disclosure: I'm not a parent and I don't think that's my path in life, but reading her book gave me a new appreciation for parenthood and how small changes in the way people can parent can make the biggest differences. I loved Gwenna's honesty, vulnerability, sass and relatable-ness. While motherhood may not be in my future, I do have little ones in my life and there are so many lessons that I can take from Gwenna that will help me build great relationships with them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was AWESOME! I am not someone that enjoys parenting books - I would rather find an article or talk to someone than sit and read a whole parenting book....and I say this as an avid reader! They often come off preachy or outdated...neither is an issue with this one. Gwenna Laithland is hilarious and never claims to be an expert, just a parent that has done this for a while and made a lot of mistakes and made a lot of changes to address those mistakes....her writing is approachable and relevant and I promise you every human, parent and otherwise, can take something from this book.

My favorite part: the book doesn't take itself too seriously, but makes sure the highlight the "hey, this part is really important so let's cut the jokes for 30 seconds" portions. Plus, she acknowledges "hey, this concept is important and this is how we address it - but it might not work for you and that's okay! But maybe this can spark your own ideas?" a lot - no two people or families are the same.

I also love how applicable everything is to the general human experience - yes the focus is parenting and as a mom of a toddler I LOVED it for that. But, I'm also a flawed human and a lot of the concepts and techniques discussed in this book are just good practice for me too.

Honestly this is a great parenting book - but it's also just a great book for humans to read and reflect on. Tiny humans have the most to learn about being a person, but we're all learning new things and new ways to exist as we grow and change....and this book has a lot of things that can help with that.

I can't recommend this highly enough - go check it out!

Isn’t that all we want as parents? To work ourselves out of a job, because our kids have becoming decent at adulting? Perhaps adulting EVEN BETTER than their parents?

I’ve followed Gwenna (Gwenna, can I call you Gwenna?) for a few years, now, on Instagram (I know, she’s a TikTok sensation, but I’m 45, so…) and I’ve always enjoyed her blend of Gentle Parenting, Candid Speech, and Hair Colour.

Do I wish I’d had this book 15 years ago, when I had my own littles (including twins), yes.
Is having this book now, instead, still helpful? Also, yes.

I enjoyed her Field Guide, and TL:DR sections (I did read, tho, I swear), as well as her anecdotes.

I particularly appreciated both her repetition of things like, “Responsive Parenting isn’t Permissive Parenting”, “There is no such thing as a parenting expert”, and the word, “fuck”.

Have a kid? Read this book.
Want a kid? Read this book.
Love a kid? Read this book.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillain Audio for this hilariously helpful ARC.

Let me start by saying that I am not a parent. I don't know if I'll ever have kids, but at this time, I do not have them. I still love and will be recommending this book to all those who have or are thinking of having their own crotch goblins.

The only bad thing to say about this book is that neither Gwenna nor her husband know how to make a PB&J. That's it.

Now for the good. Even as a non-parent I found this book relatable and informative and just funny. Gwenna takes the most basic of ideas that can be found on the parenting side of TicTok and makes them even easier to understand and with stories from her own life.