There are a lot of parenting books out there and I have read very close to absolutely none of them. I just kind of hate the idea of most of them. I know they’re meant to be helpful, but the What to Expect-style benchmarking leads to stress and the oh-so-sage advice that sounds good in theory but JUST ISN’T FRIGGIN WORKING!!!! leads to more stress.
And doubts.
And, let’s face it, most of it is bull anyway.
Parenting is tough. We all just want to know we’re not screwing it up too badly, that other people are going through the same issues and that we will be able to look back at whatever at-the-time all-consuming problem we were having and laugh about it. Soon. Please, God, make it soon!
The Science of Parenthood: Thoroughly Unscientific Explanations for Utterly Baffling Parenting Situations pokes fun at parenting books and the problems that all parents face.
The book is filled with cartoons, charts and graphs and lots of sciency mumbo jumbo. You’ll feel smart, as you vaguely remember a lesson about fruit flies from eighth grade biology, being used to blame your partner for your child’s propensity to be a “smart-ass back-talker.” And the handy-dandy Beverage-to-TV Index is spot on. If your kid is into Caillou (or Sofia the First or Bubble Guppies), the next round is on me.
One of the cartoons I really love deals with the double-edged sword of fostering independence in your children. We want them to do things on their own, but…..they……are……so……………………slow. UGH JUST LET ME DO IT I’LL DO IT I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE I’LL DO IT!!!! Sorry. Daddy was just kidding. Take your time. You’re doing great, honey.
Reading the Science of Parenthood will remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Those problems you’re having? Yeah, we’re all having them. And you don’t have to wait until they’re over to laugh.
The Science of Parenthood is a great gift for any parent or expecting parent who wants to revel in the ridiculousness of raising children.
A version of this first appeared on Amatuer Idiot/Professional Dad.
What a comical and insightful post! I agree about fostering independence in children but sometimes it’s just so much easier to help or do it for them when you are in a rush! I think just giving them the opportunity when you have the time is a great start!