Momma cusses A field guide to responsive parenting & trying not to be the reason your kid needs therapy

Childproof podcaster Laithland aims in her energetic debut to reframe "gentle parenting" as "responsive parenting," because "putting a diaper on a refuses-to-potty-train toddler while they show you what a crocodile looks like in a death roll" is decidedly not gentle. The pillars of responsive parenting, Laithland explains, are giving children "as much autonomy... as is safe" and teaching them "what they are feeling, that those feelings are okay, and healthy ways to handle those feelings." Strategies to help children regulate their emotions during tantrums include standard breathing techniques (inhaling, holding one's breath, and exhaling for four seconds each) as well as sillier suggestions (distracting kids by making "lip farts"). Laithland warns parents that at some point "you will lose your shit on your kids" and suggests that while such outbursts may cause "Mom Guilt" ("that little bit of your brain that remembers every godforsaken mistake you've ever made... as a parent"), the feeling should be embraced because it provides motivation to improve one's parenting. The humor lands and the guidance on setting boundaries, helping children identify their needs, and letting them fail safely is a boon. This will be a balm for weary parents. Agent: Wendy Sherman and Callie Deitrick, Wendy Sherman Assoc. (Mar.)

TikTok star Laithland brings her signature sense of sarcasm, snark, and humor to this book that she says is not a guide to raising perfect children but about handling situations that many parents find themselves in. Divorced and remarried, she shares ideas for co-parenting when both parties are not on the same page. Many parents will be able to relate to--and maybe feel relieved by--her admission that she too hates playing certain board games with her children. Readers will be comforted by her reminder that they are the expert, despite what others may say or think, on their own child. She uses engaging chapter titles--"Momma Needs a Time-Out," for example--in this hilarious manual that admits repetition is part of parenting and that apologies are essential since parents sometimes react instead of respond. She doesn't shy away from discussing generational trauma; she offers advice on how to patiently parent. There's even a summary at the end of each chapter for readers in a hurry. VERDICT Side-splittingly funny and relatable. A rollicking read for overwhelmed parents who can look past a few swear words to learn how to regulate themselves to be responsive, not reactive, to their children.