Mama Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting and Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy by Gwenna Laithland

I listened to this on Spotify Premium. 

I love Gwenna. I listen to her podcast, Childproof. She is HILARIOUS. So, obviously when she came out with a parenting book I had to read it. Also, her voice is great. When I found out it was included in Spotify Unlimited audiobooks I had to listen to it instead of read it. 

This book was not revolutionary in the slightest. All of the principles and advice she gives can be found in the parenting space. She is not coming up with all new ideas in this book. What she is doing is taking Important Responsive parenting Ideas that you have probably heard already and packaging them together in an easy to read, easy to understand guide that is dripping with Gwenna. She has a way with words that while may be crude, is amusing to listen to. 

Gwenna talks about things like natural consequences, big feelings, and explains why when you tell your kids something. In this book, she also gives you permission to be imperfect, not that you need it, rejects mom shame, and talks about the importance of self care. This book is extremely relatable.  

If you are new to Gentle/Responsive parenting (because honestly they mean the same thing) this is a great introduction to important topics. This book is not extensive and entire books could be written on many topics included, but it is a great summary. 

Is it worth the read and would I recommend it?

Is it worth the read? Since I paid nothing and listened with my Spotify hours, I would definitely say it was worth it. I enjoyed my time listening, and I think I will listen to anything Gwenna puts out. I think I probably would have paid the $12.74 on Amazon for it, but I am glad I didn’t have to, and I don’t really need a book trophy, annotations, or notes for this book in particular since I kind of already knew all of this stuff. However, it was nice to get the refresher and remind myself of where I have been lacking lately and things I could be doing better. 

I think this book is for you, parents that are just learning about this kind of parenting as well as parents like me wanting a refresher or reminder of some of the tools we may forget. This would also be a great book for the partner of a primary parent. So, they are not the primary parent reading all the books and doing all the research (in the trenches, on call 24/7), but they want to be involved in Responsive Parenting their kids. Since you don’t have to sift through book after book, this would be a good book for them as well.