Sandra's Reviews > Sh*tty Mom: The Guide for Good-Enough Moms

Sh*tty Mom by Laurie Kilmartin

by
5034547
's review
Jul 05, 12

bookshelves: arc-netgalley, non-fiction, giggle-snorts, humor, snarky-snark-sarcasm
Read from July 02 to 05, 2012

The review is also available on my blog.

This was cute, to be sure, but it didn't really give me anything I don't already know or do with my own kids. It's mostly a lot of common sense, to be honest, and about not buying into every hype there is. Babies and small children (and teenagers) don't need designer sheets, toys, food, drinks, sippy cups, strollers etc. Unsolicited advice or stupid questions from strangers should be dealt with appropriately. Lower your expectations when it comes to traveling with your kids, and plan ahead (again, with common sense). Keep 'em busy, whether that means via TV or electronic devices. Drop them off with the grandparents when you can - it'll keep you sane. Organized sports - good for your kid, sucky for you. How to deal with your amorous husband when all you want to do is keep your legs closed. And more such gems.

Some of the things mentioned in this book were a little iffy - such as leaving your sleeping kid strapped in the car seat when going into a convenience store. Yeah, I don't think so. In most states, that's against the law and you'll find yourself in some really hot water if a cop shows up while you do that or, G*d beware, your car gets stolen with your kid still inside it. Children are not a device to prevent car theft.

The chapter titles are hilarious, and gave me a good chuckle before I even started reading. The writing is snarky and sarcastic, humorous and witty, though on occasion it gives off a somewhat condescending vibe that I didn't quite agree with.

I guess the intention of the book is to make us moms feel better about doing the best we can, even if our best isn't always what 'societal expectations' demand. In that, it succeeds.

A great book for expectant and new moms. Those of us who've been around the block a time or two will get a chuckle or five out of it.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read Sh*tty Mom.
sign in »

Reading Progress

07/02/2012 "ARC"
07/02/2012
10.0% "*snorts* Please tell me something I didn't know yet..."
07/05/2012
30.0% "Yes, some of it is funny-cute, but it's not telling me anything I didn't already know..."

Comments (showing 1-3 of 3) (3 new)

dateDown_arrow    newest »

Chelsea I don't think you understood the point of this book


Sandra I don't think you should be commenting on my review.


message 3: by Samantha (new)

Samantha The book is just supposed to be funny. It is not actual advice.


back to top