(3.5/5 stars) Every so often when I scroll through Instagram reels, I see reels from Gwenna Laithland on parenting and how to endeavor to be a responsive parent, not a reactive parent. Though I don't have any kids (for the goodreads lurkers, don't take this as a pregnancy announcement!) I found this book helpful not only for thinking about how I would interact with children but also thinking about myself - recognizing and responding to my own emotions, giving myself grace, and breaking unhealthy cycles that previous generations thought was just normal. Is Laithland an expert? No - and she's the first one to tell you that. She encourages readers to take what is useful and leave behind what is not. After all, you are the expert on your own children and experience. I appreciated the humor and straightforward nature of the book; Laithland makes suggestions that are realistic and implementable.

I think the part that stuck with me most was the importance of apologizing and asking for forgiveness - no parent, no human, is perfect and the example parents set when they recognize their mistakes, apologize, and attempt to do better, is refreshing in a world where it seems that parenting strategies have to be perfect or you're a failure as a parent (Laithland's discussion differentiating between parent guilt and parent shame is good for this).

I have followed Gwenna Laithland on tiktok since quarantine. She was probably the first person I ever heard about gentle parenting from. At the time of quarantine, I had a 1 year old and 3 year old boys of my own and a house full of kids (teens) that were not mine biologically, but I was in charge of. I was so thankful for the parenting advice. Fast forward to 2023 as I sit and read her book. My boys are now 5 & 7. I didn't grow up with gentle parenting. I've spent many years trying to rewire my brain to parent in a way that I can only hope will be successful and healthy for my boys. The topics in Momma Cusses speak to my heart and soul. I just told a friend today that I feel I could read this book yearly and get something different and helpful each time. There are parts of this book that I'm going to copy and hang up where I see them regularly to commit to memory because they are just that impactful and I believe bennificial to me becoming a more gentle parent. I love that Gwenna speaks from the heart and in no way makes the reader feel condemned for their current situations or reactions to their children. The way each chapter is written is as if you are sitting with the author over a cup of coffee just having a chat. She tells funny stories and gives advice and examples. This book was exactly what I needed and often wished for when it came to parenting books. I look forward to picking up this book again and again as my kids get older, and as I truly believe, personal growth will follow reading these pages. Thank you, Gwenna, for the time you've given to put your thoughts to paper for us parents looking for a healthier way to raise our kids. Thank you, Netgalley, for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review. 5 Stars

Originally, I put in for this book because I thought in was about a Mom giving humorous stories about raising her kids. I did not even realize responsive parenting was a thing to do. So, really this was my error. I am older and had my daughter when social media was just starting to become all consuming. I decided to continue though, mostly wondering if all this Expert Advice is helping Moms or raising the bar of stress exponentially. I thought it was high enough when I had a child. Fortunately, the author states she is not a parenting expert and actually you, the actual parent have the best sense of what is best for your child. I took from this that responsive parenting focuses first on us parents practicing regulating our own emotions so we have a steady approach with our kids. If we can behave this way, our children we learn helpful tools to deal with their own emotions. I did find the author to be funny and she tries not to take herself too seriously which was refreshing. I am still glad I got through before Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, Pinterest, and probably several other Social Platforms that I just think is overall damaging to Moms. So, this book is good, but having to sift through so much social media just seems stressful currently. I do thank the author for helping moms have a bit of a break from all these experts coming at them from all directions. Her advice seems caring and sensible.

Thank you NetGalley, Gwenna Laithland, and St. Martins Press for granting me this book. I always leave reviews for any book I read.

Let me start by saying I adore Gwenna! She’s kind, relatable, understanding, and incredibly funny; she makes life and raising kids seem less scary and overwhelming. She’s simply a safe place. Her parenting advice is not just helpful, it’s life-changing. I wasn’t raised by gentle parents, and my parents certainly weren’t raised by gentle parents — and I may never be a truly gentle parent but I know I am trying. Gwenna, you are a gem and a light of hope and laughter 🫶🏻

This book was as hysterical as it was informative. Gwenna doesn't claim to be a parenting expert. In fact, she makes it very clear, multiple times, that the only parenting expert is YOU, the parent. But, she's got some funny stories and some interesting revelations that can help us along the way. And yes, she cusses. A lot. But honestly, it just makes her even more relatable. Because seriously, if you're parenting and you're NOT cussing....are you even REAL?!

She introduces us to responsive parenting, which is pretty different from the way many of us are raised. It's essentially "gentle parenting", but it's not "permissive parenting" because yes, there's a difference.

This book was great at giving advice without making you feel like you're stupid or that you are failing. She makes everything relatable and lets us know that making mistakes is a huge part of parenting and as long as we are honest about those mistakes and apologize for them, everything will turn out okay.

I definitely recommend this for parents or parents-to-be!

"Mama Cusses" by Gwenna Laithland is a refreshingly honest, uproariously funny, and profoundly relatable journey through the trials and tribulations of modern motherhood. Laithland, with her razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, offers a candid look at the realities of parenting that is both hilariously entertaining and deeply comforting. This book is a rare gem that manages to tackle the complexities of being a mom while making you laugh out loud, often at the very same time.

What sets "Mama Cusses" apart is Laithland's ability to blend humor with heartfelt insights. Her stories and observations are as likely to provoke thoughtful reflection as they are to induce belly laughs. She writes with a self-deprecating humor that is both endearing and relatable, inviting readers into her world with open arms and a knowing smile. Her tales of parenting mishaps, successes, and everything in between resonate with a genuine warmth and authenticity that is often missing in discussions about motherhood.

Laithland’s writing is a masterclass in finding the joy and humor in the messiness of life. She doesn’t shy away from the challenges and frustrations of motherhood, but instead embraces them, offering solidarity and understanding to her readers. "Mama Cusses" is like a conversation with a good friend who knows exactly what you’re going through and can find the humor in even the most trying moments.

The book is also notable for its inclusivity and broad appeal. Whether you’re a new parent navigating sleepless nights for the first time or a seasoned pro juggling the demands of a growing family, "Mama Cusses" has something for everyone. Laithland's anecdotes and advice cut across the diverse spectrum of maternal experiences, making this book a welcoming space for all moms.

Moreover, "Mama Cusses" does an exceptional job of highlighting the strength, resilience, and incredible capacity for love that defines motherhood. Laithland's stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of taking life one day at a time and finding the humor in the chaos. Her book is not just entertaining; it's a source of encouragement and empowerment, reminding readers of the beauty and reward of raising children, despite the inevitable challenges.

In essence, "Mama Cusses" by Gwenna Laithland is a must-read for anyone navigating the wild ride of parenthood. It’s a book that will make you laugh, nod in agreement, and feel seen in a way that few books on parenting ever achieve. Laithland has crafted a loving tribute to the rollercoaster of motherhood, filled with laughter, love, and the occasional swear word. It’s a heartfelt, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting read that is sure to become a beloved companion for moms everywhere.

I was really looking forward to this one but I just couldn't get on board with it. It felt like the author was trying way too hard to seem relatable. I know she mentioned she tried to hard to be funny because she thinks she's funny, and I do agree that she tries to hard but it definitely didn't hit every time. This just wasn't for me.

3.5 stars
This was an interesting parenting book, from the perspective of a mom with a big TikTok following (although I hadn't heard of her before). As such, this is a lot of real world/own experience info, with very few "expert" citations.
The book is focused on emotionally aware and responsive parenting, and covers things like boundaries, mom guilt vs mom shame, saying no (both parent and kid), yelling vs being loud, and various reasons for having a meltdown. The chapters have fun names, but I unfortunately didn't find that they were always very helpful at knowing what the topic was.
I loved that the chapters weren't too long, the tone was like a conversation with a friend, and each chapter ended with a TL;DR box to sum up the main points. The final chapter also has a bunch of co-regulation ideas for helping your child calm themselves.
Good book for what it is and the topics it focuses on, but definitely not an all encompassing parenting guide if that's what you're looking for.

I enjoyed this book and then being a tic toc/social media she's funny and her relationship with her children. I enjoyed reading her thoughts and her perspective being included adds credibility. This is a great read. This book is uplifting, inspiring, and funny.
Thank you Gwenna Laithland, St Martins Press, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I am so happy that I got this arc. I love Gwenna! I've raised my kids but it's never too late to learn to better communicate with them. Plus, it's preparing us all for how we choose to raise the next generation. Gwenna"s personality and common sense approach are what we need.

Why did I want to read Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not To Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy by Gwenna Laithland? Obviously because of the title! But imagine my shock as I'm listening to the audiobook and suddenly recognize the voice from Instagram! I was pleasantly surprised and instantly felt I could trust what was said!

How do I begin to sum up my love for this book? Simply put: I feel every parent could benefit from reading (or hearing) Laithland's words. I believe the no-nonsense approach works best and Laithland has this level of accessibility in spades, refusing to mince words with her honesty. I found myself nodding along, constantly having light-bulb moments and generally thinking, "Gwenna GETS me." This will become a comfort read of mine for those times a sense of community and comradery is needed!

Laithland herself narrates her book, and nobody else could read her words the way she does. I love the realness, the rawness and the no BS approach to Laithland's inflection and tone, which only reiterate the points made in the book.

Random chapter thoughts:
-as the good Momma I am, I reread chapter nine twice, as instructed
-that chapter on self care, though. I needed that one!
-I want to print out the Co-Regulation Appendix and keep it in my back pocket
-I had tears in my eyes as I finished the very last chapter

If it wasn't already clear, yes, I love and highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Essentials and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Why am I reading and loving a parenting book when I have no desire to be a parent?
Because Gwenna is funny and sarcastic and irreverent and compassionate and just the right kind of stubborn.
Because I still like kids, and for my niblings and friends' kids I want to be a safe adult for them. And that means more than I avoid intentionally harming them- it means I have to learn a bit about the Unintentional ways that adults can plant the seeds of harm when we forget what it's like to be a kid, and are "learning to person from scratch".
And as someone currently in the throes of therapy to deal with all the emotional learning that was missing from my childhood, the content of this book is So helpful in breaking down the complicated mess that is being a human-with-emotions into digestible concepts and strategies.

I devoured MOMMA CUSSES by Gwenna Laithland — it was like chicken soup for my soul with swear words and just what I needed. I listened to this on audio (thanks @macmillan.audio!) and I highly recommend it as she narrates it herself. I also had a kindle copy from @netgalley but enjoyed the audio so much I mostly stuck to that. I do want to purchase the hard copy to go back and reference though as I feel this will be a parenting/self help book that I will reference time and time again.

I think most parents feel like or are afraid that they’re messing their kids up. I know I’m one of those parents, and I found this book to be informative and so relatable. From Pinterest fails and social media illusions to car line rage, I was laughing out loud so often while doing the dishes that I was creeping my family out. Of course, I immediately went to her Instagram page and began following her (@mommacusses if you want to check her out). Gwenna doesn’t claim to be an expert, but she explains how we are the expert in knowing our own child and how working on ourselves leads to responsive parenting. This book was fantastic and a must for any parent.

A great ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! Be sure to grab a copy — release day is this Tuesday 3/5!

Thank you @macmillan.audio and @stmartinsessentials for the early copies!

Here’s the thing. I have read a lot of parenting books. As someone who became a parent at the absurdly difficult age of 19, I needed parenting books. 10 years later, Gwenna shows up in my feed. I feel an immediate connection with her humor and parenting style.
Now I have read her book and I can say whole heartedly that this is the best parenting book I have ever read. Thank you Gwenna for your no bullshit approach and witty conversation. I will purchase this book not only for my shelves, but for all my friends who are parents as well.

I've followed Gwenna on social media for a while now and was excited to get my hands on this longer format book. What I enjoy about Gwenna online continues through this book, she's the mom friend we all need. This book is full of practical advice, relatable anecdotes and absolutely no judgement. She's been there, been messy and wants to help you learn from her experience, with the occasional cuss or quip to keep it interesting.

I wanted to read this because I listen to the podcast and follow the Instagram account of the author.

I was pregnant at the time of reading this book and I'm glad I read it. I'll likely buy a copy so I have it to reread when I'm ready to lose my mind when my baby becomes a toddler. I loved the tone and the way Gwenna addresses various situations. She does a good job of explaining her takes and her approaches.

This book would be useful for any stage of parent who is interested in a responsive rather than reactive parenting style. Whether you're pregnant or you're in the thick of things this book is helpful.

As a soon-to-be mom back in 2021, I came across a TikTok on my FYP from Momma Cusses about gentle parenting, but Gwenna was unlike any other gentle parent I’d ever seen. She respected her children and their emotional development while still maintaining her own voice/sense of humor and establishing clear boundaries 👏🏻

THIS was a type of parenting I could realistically envision, and I’ve been a big fan of hers ever since 🤩 Her teenage daughter wrote the forward, and my heart melted a little bit!

Here are some of my favorite topics that Gwenna covers in her book:

• Parenting intentionally and responsively
• Learning how to regulate yourself so you can help your child do the same
• Teaching that “No” means stop and listen, and the importance of providing context to help kids learn boundaries, risk assessment and critical thinking skills
• Playing with your kids doesn’t have to be Candyland all the time
• Taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids
• Examples of co-regulations, especially for toddlers!

There are some great nuggets of wisdom to take away from this book, but I have to say, I think I would’ve liked it better on audio (she narrates her own book!) 🎧 Gwenna has a distinct way with words and how she communicates an idea that works extremely well for me via TikTok but just didn’t pack quite the same punch for me in writing ✍️

I’ll also add that some parts of this also jumped around a lot and got repetitive, which she acknowledges and is self-aware of, but it got to be a bit much for me, especially when she made a lot of assumptions about what the reader was likely thinking and feeling to move the narrative along. For me at least, the assumptions were often off-base.

While I haven’t read many parenting books to compare this to and despite those few critiques, I did like it! I walked away overall with some good notes and another resource to help me on my parenting journey as my daughter has fully entered toddlerhood 🤪⚡️And that’s all I wanted to get out of it!

Thank you St. Martin's Press for my advance copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

MY REVIEW:
Gwenna Laithland became a TikTok sensation by being honest and vulnerable (and hilariously relatable) about life as a parent. So now she wrote a book that is NOT a parenting expert book (she makes that clear) but a book of what she has learned as a parent of her children that may be of use to other parents. She offers tools that facilitate a respective, responsive parenting that is authentic and grace-filled. Honestly, sometimes we laugh just to keep from crying. Reading this I felt like I was sitting at coffee with a friend who has been on this parenting path longer than I have and who has great advice, while still respecting me on my journey. It is absorbing and engaging, which is more than I can say for most parenting books. And the content is not only backed in psychology and behavioral science, but the concepts are presented clearly, are repeated, and are recapped at the end of each chapter so you can easily review them if needed. Needless to say, I'm now following her on social media so I can get more of the same!

Momma Cusses was a fun read! As parents, we constantly feel like we’re screwing up, and this book was packed with stories that make you feel less alone. While this isn’t. Parenting book, there are lots of helpful tidbits in there to slip into your parenting tool-belt. It’s like hearing advice from a favorite, non-judgmental aunt. I enjoyed it, and will likely go back and reference it!

I've followed Momma Cusses for years, so I was excited about this book. Unfortunately, I didn't really like it. It seemed to be filled with so many disclaimers throughout. The tone being so conversational took me out of the book too much. I just wanted more content. I recently read Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself, which I think better states similar things to Laithland in a more useful way. I listened to the audiobook, which the author fabulously narrates. She has such a great voice and brings wonderful life to the text.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ebook and audiobook ARC. All thoughts are my own.