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I Made a Booboo: A mom who had parenting all sorted...until she had a baby
Once upon a time there was a woman who used to sleep eight hours a day and laze around on weekends. Her clothes were mostly free of gross body fluids and her bag rarely had biscuit crumbs. Then she decided to have a baby. With books and the internet for friends - and a husband who answered commonsensically - she thought she had it all sorted. But then her baby arrived, and turned everything upside down! The baby made it his mission to present a new surprise every day. Mommy, after fighting hours of helplessness, came to learn that parenting was a lost battle. There was only one way to survive - keep calm, laugh on and write when the baby dozes. The result : I made a Booboo, a rollicking account of the trials, tribulations and occasional triumphs of a first-time mom. P.S: Everyone did live happily ever after (albeit only when the baby willed so).
- GenresNonfiction
196 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2016
About the author
Shivangi Sharma
16 books9 followersShivangi Sharma co-authored the travel anthology 'Dutched Up', which The Wall Street Journal named one of the top travel books of 2015. Motherhood transformed her and inspired her to write 'I Made a Booboo', a humorous and heartfelt book about parenting.
She also authored the children's book 'Burger Planet'. In 2024, she will release two new books: 'Time to Come Home', a spiritual poetry collection, and 'Pizza Planet', a sequel to 'Burger Planet'.
Shivangi lives in Amsterdam with her family in a house full of books.
Instagram @shivangiwrite
She also authored the children's book 'Burger Planet'. In 2024, she will release two new books: 'Time to Come Home', a spiritual poetry collection, and 'Pizza Planet', a sequel to 'Burger Planet'.
Shivangi lives in Amsterdam with her family in a house full of books.
Instagram @shivangiwrite
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 6, 2016
The instances mentioned in the book are so relatable and I am sure anyone who is a parent and reads the book will say, “Oh! I went through this.” The cover is an instant pick me up and the language is simple. She has written it in a very hilarious way.The book opens with a test on parenting and ends with a cute little list of things to discuss with other parents.
May 23, 2018
A book that I just had to bring with me when I spotted it, especially when I read it and was just laughing so hard about what was written.
I don't have a kid, and not planning to get one either, not the natural way, though I may adopt a tiny human one day. But I still love reading parenting books. From the serious ones, to the funny ones, to the ones that combine both, as this one is both funny and serious.
It took me a bit longer to read than I would normally take for such a short book, for some reason I just kept being distracted while reading, at times I noticed I was zoning out. It was still funny, and still pretty great to read, but for some reason it just didn't click all the way with me. Sometimes that happens with books.
I loved how the author tells us all about parenthood and isn't afraid to tell us all the not so fun parts about it. That it is hard work, lots of stress, that you have practically no time for something else. That at times you wish your kid would just understand the basic of things. But that there is also so much love and that she is just so happy with having her kid and seeing him grow up.
It was fun to see her kid grow up, and see the advice and stories change. From newborn to toddler. There are tips, funny stories, conversations, games between her and her baby (the baby wins). There is poop, sleeping and the problems that come with it, eating, hugging (especially when snotty), there is lots of fun and hilarity. There are conversations with her husband, which I didn't like at times. All sorts of milestones are also talked about, like teething, crawling, talking, etc.
Especially later she talks how time just flew by. One moment her little boy was still much attached to her and now he is crawling/walking and doing a lot of things on his own (or trying at least).
Plus I liked that we also saw part of how she got pregnant (wow, so fast), and how she experienced the pregnancy and the birth of her kid (yep, welcome in my country that is exactly what I also hear/read about in other Dutch parenting books).
Btw, I do hope that she either just joked about it, or at least cleaned the seat/used something, but eww girl, don't chance your kid's diaper in a plane on their seat. That is just superdisgusting. :| Other people also need to use that seat. :|
She ends the book with an apology letter to her son, talking about the fact that he will probably read the book when he is old enough. I had quite a laugh at how that letter ends, again she thought she had time... but toddlers never rest.
There was also an appendix, the new mommy alphabet, with things like: K is for Keep Calm or N is for No or C is for Crying.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I don't have a kid, and not planning to get one either, not the natural way, though I may adopt a tiny human one day. But I still love reading parenting books. From the serious ones, to the funny ones, to the ones that combine both, as this one is both funny and serious.
It took me a bit longer to read than I would normally take for such a short book, for some reason I just kept being distracted while reading, at times I noticed I was zoning out. It was still funny, and still pretty great to read, but for some reason it just didn't click all the way with me. Sometimes that happens with books.
I loved how the author tells us all about parenthood and isn't afraid to tell us all the not so fun parts about it. That it is hard work, lots of stress, that you have practically no time for something else. That at times you wish your kid would just understand the basic of things. But that there is also so much love and that she is just so happy with having her kid and seeing him grow up.
It was fun to see her kid grow up, and see the advice and stories change. From newborn to toddler. There are tips, funny stories, conversations, games between her and her baby (the baby wins). There is poop, sleeping and the problems that come with it, eating, hugging (especially when snotty), there is lots of fun and hilarity. There are conversations with her husband, which I didn't like at times. All sorts of milestones are also talked about, like teething, crawling, talking, etc.
Especially later she talks how time just flew by. One moment her little boy was still much attached to her and now he is crawling/walking and doing a lot of things on his own (or trying at least).
Plus I liked that we also saw part of how she got pregnant (wow, so fast), and how she experienced the pregnancy and the birth of her kid (yep, welcome in my country that is exactly what I also hear/read about in other Dutch parenting books).
Btw, I do hope that she either just joked about it, or at least cleaned the seat/used something, but eww girl, don't chance your kid's diaper in a plane on their seat. That is just superdisgusting. :| Other people also need to use that seat. :|
She ends the book with an apology letter to her son, talking about the fact that he will probably read the book when he is old enough. I had quite a laugh at how that letter ends, again she thought she had time... but toddlers never rest.
There was also an appendix, the new mommy alphabet, with things like: K is for Keep Calm or N is for No or C is for Crying.
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 8, 2016
There are many books which tell you do’s and dont’s of parenting. One glance at the book will give you similar thoughts. But I made a Booboo is nothing of that kind. It is the journey of authoress to her parenthood.
“It takes you some time to adjust to the fact that your newborn doesn’t look like the chubby bubbies you see in Pampers commercials.”
Read my entire review here: www.new-asian-writing.com/book-review...
“It takes you some time to adjust to the fact that your newborn doesn’t look like the chubby bubbies you see in Pampers commercials.”
Read my entire review here: www.new-asian-writing.com/book-review...
April 8, 2016
This book was so much fun! Not only was it well-written but also hilarious and touching. It also included great parenting advice- for example throw away the parenting books (sound advice I wish I'd listened to it with my first). And it will have you nod your head in agreement at least every page.
April 15, 2016
For someone who writes on positive parenting approaches for the modern day parent, I must admit, I hardly read parenting books. In fact, the only one I have read so far is by a celebrity who calls herself a the name that tickles you just to say it out loud; and that too because there was nothing else available for a three hour flight!
So when I received a copy of I Made A BooBoo! by Shivangi Sharma for a review, I didn’t know what to expect. I was probably looking for some pointers maybe, a few quizzes, a lot of Do’s and Don’t’s, with a few real life and hypothetical situations thrown in, some gyaan….I don’t know. But what I did find, was something extremely unique, that was also, amazingly familiar!
In fact, to call this book a parenting book, according to me, is a misnomer. This is more a coming of age story of a mother; and from one mother to another – something that every mother needs to relive!
They say when a baby is born, a mother is born too. But while it is the birth of the baby that we all celebrate and rave about; we don’t always notice the woman, who was just a girl a few hours back; marveling at the miracle she has birthed. As the baby spends his initial days getting to know the world and the people around him; his mother too, spends all her time and energy getting to know her little bundle of joy. And if you were presented with a collection of all the magical moments that the mother is awarded since the birth of her baby, I Made A BooBoo! by Shivangi Sharma would be what you would have.
There is a mom in this book who is just like you and me. She is clueless initially, and learns on the job as she transforms into a hands-on mom! There is also a dad in this book who is all too familiar to us. He is a good sport, the typical “fun-dad” who is his little son’s favourite! The fact that he gets on his wife’s nerves is a different matter altogether :)
But the star of the book is the baby; who is nothing like your baby or mine; and yet, everything like them! This book is also a coming of age book for this star baby, who starts out as a clueless infant who only knows that somehow he controls the strings of the household; and eventually turns into a handsome two year old who, in the process, teaches his mom and us readers a very important message that life is all about living in the moment!
Reading this book felt like looking at an album that contains the first two years’ worth of memories of your child. Only this album is not in the form of pictures, but in words! Mesmerizing, pertinent and touching words – that, are bound to bring out the fondest of your memories and in case you are just planning for a baby, words that would make you aware of the whole parenting process with such sincerity and candidness, that it will be like watching a 3D movie!
In this book, the author describes the changes in a woman’s life in the process of becoming a mother. It is a story every parent can relate to; and is an honest and beautiful attempt at capturing and portraying in words the myriad emotions that a mother faces as she acquaints herself with life with her little one!
I have never been a fan of non-fiction and I treated this book too like a story; but as I read this book, I found myself forgetting the fact that it is the author’s story. It felt like she had described the first two years I spent with my own son! I have marveled at the pace at which the book progressed and I have found myself being drawn into the story like any other fiction I had read. I have had tears in my eyes as I read certain sections of this book and I have also laughed out loud in public (as I waited outside my little one’s gym class) as I read the author’s humourous take on tricky situations that parents almost always find themselves into.
A book you read is only as good for you as much as you can relate to it they say; and that is why, this book I am sure, will stay with me for a long time to come. What makes this book special is the fact that this is a story that every mother can recount. The sleepless nights, the clueless first few months, the dilemma of joining back work or not, the guilt of a parent, the thrill of being a parent, the responsibilities of being a parent, the experience of living abroad with a baby, the experience of raising a baby all by yourself, the experience of travelling with your baby, the different ways in which a “mom” parents a child and a “dad” parents one are described beautifully by the author in words that are simple, lucid, and moving! I am sure you will find yourself nodding your head many a times when you read about an experience you have shared with the author and also laughing at situations which somehow seem funny now that your baby is all grown up, but had you clamouring for peace when you actually faced them!
As parents, we all think it is our duty to teach our children the right things, the right values; but it is actually the little ones, who teach us the real meaning of life, the purest form of love and to see humour in every situation, no matter how bad!
This book poignantly hammers the message home that ‘all your work, all your debate about working or staying at home, all your guilt about leaving your baby at daycare – all those worries that seem like a big deal today, will look trivial when you look back when both you and your baby are older and you have learnt from your baby the true meaning of life!’
At the end of it, the biggest takeaway of this book for me, is the lesson that life has a pace of its own and parenting even more so. So don’t rush through parenting. The days may seem long now, but don’t forget, the years are short; and before you know it, your little bundle of joy will grow up and all you will be left with will be memories. So cherish these memories, live in the moment and enjoy what you have!
An excellent and fun book I would recommend for all moms to read. You will find yourself in there, I am sure; and also someone very close to your heart!
So when I received a copy of I Made A BooBoo! by Shivangi Sharma for a review, I didn’t know what to expect. I was probably looking for some pointers maybe, a few quizzes, a lot of Do’s and Don’t’s, with a few real life and hypothetical situations thrown in, some gyaan….I don’t know. But what I did find, was something extremely unique, that was also, amazingly familiar!
In fact, to call this book a parenting book, according to me, is a misnomer. This is more a coming of age story of a mother; and from one mother to another – something that every mother needs to relive!
They say when a baby is born, a mother is born too. But while it is the birth of the baby that we all celebrate and rave about; we don’t always notice the woman, who was just a girl a few hours back; marveling at the miracle she has birthed. As the baby spends his initial days getting to know the world and the people around him; his mother too, spends all her time and energy getting to know her little bundle of joy. And if you were presented with a collection of all the magical moments that the mother is awarded since the birth of her baby, I Made A BooBoo! by Shivangi Sharma would be what you would have.
There is a mom in this book who is just like you and me. She is clueless initially, and learns on the job as she transforms into a hands-on mom! There is also a dad in this book who is all too familiar to us. He is a good sport, the typical “fun-dad” who is his little son’s favourite! The fact that he gets on his wife’s nerves is a different matter altogether :)
But the star of the book is the baby; who is nothing like your baby or mine; and yet, everything like them! This book is also a coming of age book for this star baby, who starts out as a clueless infant who only knows that somehow he controls the strings of the household; and eventually turns into a handsome two year old who, in the process, teaches his mom and us readers a very important message that life is all about living in the moment!
Reading this book felt like looking at an album that contains the first two years’ worth of memories of your child. Only this album is not in the form of pictures, but in words! Mesmerizing, pertinent and touching words – that, are bound to bring out the fondest of your memories and in case you are just planning for a baby, words that would make you aware of the whole parenting process with such sincerity and candidness, that it will be like watching a 3D movie!
In this book, the author describes the changes in a woman’s life in the process of becoming a mother. It is a story every parent can relate to; and is an honest and beautiful attempt at capturing and portraying in words the myriad emotions that a mother faces as she acquaints herself with life with her little one!
I have never been a fan of non-fiction and I treated this book too like a story; but as I read this book, I found myself forgetting the fact that it is the author’s story. It felt like she had described the first two years I spent with my own son! I have marveled at the pace at which the book progressed and I have found myself being drawn into the story like any other fiction I had read. I have had tears in my eyes as I read certain sections of this book and I have also laughed out loud in public (as I waited outside my little one’s gym class) as I read the author’s humourous take on tricky situations that parents almost always find themselves into.
A book you read is only as good for you as much as you can relate to it they say; and that is why, this book I am sure, will stay with me for a long time to come. What makes this book special is the fact that this is a story that every mother can recount. The sleepless nights, the clueless first few months, the dilemma of joining back work or not, the guilt of a parent, the thrill of being a parent, the responsibilities of being a parent, the experience of living abroad with a baby, the experience of raising a baby all by yourself, the experience of travelling with your baby, the different ways in which a “mom” parents a child and a “dad” parents one are described beautifully by the author in words that are simple, lucid, and moving! I am sure you will find yourself nodding your head many a times when you read about an experience you have shared with the author and also laughing at situations which somehow seem funny now that your baby is all grown up, but had you clamouring for peace when you actually faced them!
As parents, we all think it is our duty to teach our children the right things, the right values; but it is actually the little ones, who teach us the real meaning of life, the purest form of love and to see humour in every situation, no matter how bad!
This book poignantly hammers the message home that ‘all your work, all your debate about working or staying at home, all your guilt about leaving your baby at daycare – all those worries that seem like a big deal today, will look trivial when you look back when both you and your baby are older and you have learnt from your baby the true meaning of life!’
At the end of it, the biggest takeaway of this book for me, is the lesson that life has a pace of its own and parenting even more so. So don’t rush through parenting. The days may seem long now, but don’t forget, the years are short; and before you know it, your little bundle of joy will grow up and all you will be left with will be memories. So cherish these memories, live in the moment and enjoy what you have!
An excellent and fun book I would recommend for all moms to read. You will find yourself in there, I am sure; and also someone very close to your heart!
January 13, 2020
Excellent piece of writing! Shivangi succeeded in writing a lighthearted, funny piece about a rather difficult and challenging part of our lives: parenting! The book is a great read for those who are planning to become parents, for it gives a realistic description of what is yet to come, without sounding scary, or listing up an encyclopedia on "do's and don'ts; But also for those who already have a bundle of joy in a shape of a kiddo, and would enjoy a trip back the memory lane with all the firsts, seconds and 'repeatables'.
It's a super light, funny read- highly advisable!
It's a super light, funny read- highly advisable!
April 20, 2016
I chose to read Shivangi Sharma’s “I made a Booboo” first because the blurb promised to take me down the memory lane when my baby was born. The title of book was unusually funny and reminded me of the movie ‘Baby’s Day Out’.
I started reading the book enthusiastically because being a mother I kind of knew what to expect from the caricature on the book cover….and I could identify with the world turning all topsy-turvy with the arrival of the baby. As I read along a constant smile played on my lips…it seemed the author had peeped into my bedroom to spy before writing the account.
The pregnancy jitters and apprehensions in first few pages resonated with my condition and I guess most of the mothers will identify with the story too. Once our bundle of joy arrives in the world, it makes sure we learn patience with its own set of rules of sleeping and waking up. But may be because I followed my mother and grandmother’s advices to the word, my daughter adapted within two months of her birth, the schedule I set for her feeding, bathing and sleeping….the first two months however had been similar to the author’s experience with sleepless nights making me look more haggard instead of a happy woman.
Though I left my job only few months into my pregnancy and never looked back but I can relate to the guilt pangs of the author. It is because of that guilt that I let my baby have all my time exclusively for herself even ignoring time meant for husband and disregarding his needs.
Author has used humor well in describing the routine of a new mother and managed to not become a preachy-here-is-what-you-should-do self-help guide on bringing up a baby kind of book.
After few pages however the account of the author post-pregnancy though hilarious becomes monotonously predictable and I got bored halfway through the journal. Relating a few episodes is fine but the book goes on and on about similar events and is repetitive. It should have been a shorter book to keep my kind of readers engaged.
Many new mothers will find themselves in the same shoes as the author and enjoy reading the account as if it was their own. Readers with grown up kids will also reminisce and laugh on the similar events…
A light perk you up kind of read.
I started reading the book enthusiastically because being a mother I kind of knew what to expect from the caricature on the book cover….and I could identify with the world turning all topsy-turvy with the arrival of the baby. As I read along a constant smile played on my lips…it seemed the author had peeped into my bedroom to spy before writing the account.
The pregnancy jitters and apprehensions in first few pages resonated with my condition and I guess most of the mothers will identify with the story too. Once our bundle of joy arrives in the world, it makes sure we learn patience with its own set of rules of sleeping and waking up. But may be because I followed my mother and grandmother’s advices to the word, my daughter adapted within two months of her birth, the schedule I set for her feeding, bathing and sleeping….the first two months however had been similar to the author’s experience with sleepless nights making me look more haggard instead of a happy woman.
Though I left my job only few months into my pregnancy and never looked back but I can relate to the guilt pangs of the author. It is because of that guilt that I let my baby have all my time exclusively for herself even ignoring time meant for husband and disregarding his needs.
Author has used humor well in describing the routine of a new mother and managed to not become a preachy-here-is-what-you-should-do self-help guide on bringing up a baby kind of book.
After few pages however the account of the author post-pregnancy though hilarious becomes monotonously predictable and I got bored halfway through the journal. Relating a few episodes is fine but the book goes on and on about similar events and is repetitive. It should have been a shorter book to keep my kind of readers engaged.
Many new mothers will find themselves in the same shoes as the author and enjoy reading the account as if it was their own. Readers with grown up kids will also reminisce and laugh on the similar events…
A light perk you up kind of read.
March 20, 2016
The review might be biased since I am a mother. Yes I mean it! Every mother will relate to this book lest they are blessed with obedient, well behaved and soft children.
Shivangi shares her experience as a first time mother- the mistakes, the blunders, which are funny, interesting and frustrating at the same time.
Every single word reminded me of how I tackled my first child. Starting with finding answers from google about child behavior and failing miserably, being embarrassed by the tantrums the throw in public, and what not. I am short of words while writing the review since I don't know how to assess the book. I am not writing much. Just the following words describe the book.
The book targets, 1. every mother who had a hyperactive/ highly active child, deprived of sleep
2. Every wannabe mothers who think that I will not bring up my child like this while seeing a naughty, disobedient brat.
3. Every pregnant ladies or going to be pregnant ladies who think that the vitual mother community will help you raise your child.
4. Everyone in the male species who think that looking after a child is easy job.
5. Every man who have helped his wife handle their child.
The above category is irrespective of age
Shivangi shares her experience as a first time mother- the mistakes, the blunders, which are funny, interesting and frustrating at the same time.
Every single word reminded me of how I tackled my first child. Starting with finding answers from google about child behavior and failing miserably, being embarrassed by the tantrums the throw in public, and what not. I am short of words while writing the review since I don't know how to assess the book. I am not writing much. Just the following words describe the book.
The book targets, 1. every mother who had a hyperactive/ highly active child, deprived of sleep
2. Every wannabe mothers who think that I will not bring up my child like this while seeing a naughty, disobedient brat.
3. Every pregnant ladies or going to be pregnant ladies who think that the vitual mother community will help you raise your child.
4. Everyone in the male species who think that looking after a child is easy job.
5. Every man who have helped his wife handle their child.
The above category is irrespective of age
April 5, 2016
Numerous anecdotes,suggestions and the writer’s take on the topic of ‘pregnancy and making a booboo’ makes this book a wonderful and a breezy read! With so much of stress and negativity surrounding every woman’s pregnancy phase-thanks to the information overload on the Internet,this book comes as a freshly baked cookie,that can be savoured by expectant mothers, new mothers and of course ‘fathers’ aswell. Savour it with a hot cup of coffee,lest you spill it while ROFL (blame it on this humourous book)
The complete review of this book can be read on
https://polkajunction.wordpress.com/2...
The complete review of this book can be read on
https://polkajunction.wordpress.com/2...
April 5, 2016
I dont usually like reading parenting books but this one I couldnt just put down. written in a lucid and funny vein; the author talks about her experiences and keeps the reader hooked till the end. it's not preachy, rather it's hilarious. a must read for new moms, moms to be and old moms like me to relive the wondrous joys and horrors of sleepless nights.
a delightful read. im waiting for her next book.
a delightful read. im waiting for her next book.
May 15, 2016
WWOHHH.... I never thought the experience of having a baby and taking care of the baby can be explained in such a hilarious way. When I started reading the book from the first page till the last page there was a smile on my face. As i started to read I felt as if i am re living the moment of being a new mom and re living those stupid moments when you don't know what to do. This book is not only for mothers but should also be read by fathers.
June 8, 2016
I doubt there is a single mother (or even father) who would not be amused and touched by this book. It was both hilarious and deep, and even though there is no trace of preaching it makes one rethink motherhood a bit. I also really enjoyed the author's writing style which is light and really expressive in a nice way. I just hope Shivangi Sharma comes with another book soon (no pressure, though) because she indeed is a gifted writer.
July 12, 2016
The book is amazing. Completely humorous, witty, truthful yet emotional in various aspects. It will make you laugh and at the same time make you ponder upon various things which we forget in our daily race. An experience that every mother can relate to and cherish their own sweet memories while going through the pages of the book.
May 21, 2016
Babies change everything. They turn life upside down, change your priorities - and your sleep routines..... Shivangi Sharma explains just how much your idea of parenting changes when an actual baby is thrown into the mix - in, at times, an amusing way. This book is real, heartfelt and entertaining all at the same time.
September 28, 2016
This was a really lovely read. The author has a great sense of humour and lots of it was relatable. However it was more like publishing a diary with whatever thoughts came to mind rather and could've had more consistency in narration to make it a smoother read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews