Stop the yelling, lose the guilt, and become a calmer, happier parent.
Drawing on evidence-based practices, here is an insight-packed and tip-filled plan for how to stop the parental meltdowns. Its compassionate, pragmatic approach will help listeners feel less ashamed and more empowered to get their, ahem, act together instead of losing it.
“Using a powerful combination of humor and reality checks, Naumburg helps parents unpack their unique stressors (we all have them) and find ways to stay calm even the most frustrating of family moments.” (Katie Hurley, LCSW, author of No More Mean Girls and The Happy Kid Handbook)
“By the end not only are you laughing out loud, but you’ve gained a sense of self-compassion and a concrete action plan.” (Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD, author of The Tantrum Survival Guide)
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Cat Jackson –
You need this book
No one needs me to review this book. It has all the stars and positive affirmations it deserves. But it was so impactful and important to my family that I needed to say these words.I grew up in a yelling, somewhat abusive household. It was not constructive or collaborative. It was autocratic. I wanted to break the cycle so I preemptively bought this book to give me tools to ensure I wouldn’t continue the yelling. Well let me tell you, not only was this book funny, accurate, honest, unpretentious and fun, it was friggin helpful. It gives insights and tools. Like a therapist you didn’t even know you needed.My kids are 3 and 1 and I’m confident I have the tools I need, BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK to create a life for them without fear or yelling. I’m keeping this as a textbook to read over and over. To reference when I’ve had a tough day. We all have touch days. This books makes that ok and shows you how to create a healthy, loving, safe environment for kids…..and for parents (aka humans)
ColleenG –
Refrshing Insight and Actionable Strategies
I LOVED this book. I tried reading another book about parenting a challenging child and it was long, the strategies weren’t really conducive to real life and it put a lot of the onus on the child, which, as this author says, is problematic since relying on a five year old who doesn’t have a developed prefrontal cortex to behave well enough to keep you sane is a terrible idea.I went into the book thinking it was going to have tips for getting my kids to listen, but the book focuses on parents themselves, which turned out to be exactly what I needed. The author is so spot on with her idea that we can’t control our child’s behavior, and we can only control our reaction to it. The concept of waiting until you’re calm to mete out life lessons or discipline is much more effective. I loved that all of the strategies for getting your sh*t together are doable and mostly free.The book is short and the tone is conversational, humorous and compassionate. It was surprisingly fun and easy to read. I feel like less of a horrible parent and, so far, the author’s strategies and advice have been successful. Obviously, it’s an ongoing process but I’m incredibly grateful I found this book and would recommend it to any parent, regardless of your child or situation.
Nurse mama here, my kiddos love this! –
Great Mom Read.
Great mom read. If you’re a mom of multiples, a mom with anxiety, or difficulty regulating your own emotions while your kiddos are also unregulated…this is a great book to capture self awareness. It gives real time situations and examples, and strategies and coping skills along with different approaches to use with your kids. Is it the fixer of all book? No. However, it is reassuring to know us moms aren’t alone even in the hardest of times in parenting and motherhood.
Reader and Shopper –
Great Advice, Other Than Don’t Multitask
It’s overall a very good book, but be ready to get nothing done with your kid around. The biggest advice is in this book is “don’t multi-task” but… the dishes have to get done, you know? In any case, I found the tone hilarious! This book made me crack up a few times. The book is very encouraging as well, so that you feel BETTER after reading a chapter. I do still multi-task with my kid around, I just give him something to do while I do the chores he can’t help me with. I do recommend this book, it’s great!
Audrey Shepherd –
The only mindful parenting book you’ll ever need.
If I had to recommend a single parenting book, this would definitely be it. It held me accountable without shaming me in the process. It also simplified cornerstone concepts of human psychology and physiology that need to be earnestly understood—especially when parenting for the first time. With a fun and humorous tone, the book guided me and encouraged curiosity about those concepts. I’ve read and re-read it several times, and each time I learn something new. 10/10 recommend.
K. Rope –
So easy and helpful!
This book is so, so good and helpful, like really helpul. Parenting can be so much harder than you expected it to be, and there is so much stress that comes with it. And this compassionate, totally non-judgmental guide is what every parent in the thick of it needs. What’s kind of amazing is that it is both really helpful for parents who are managing everyday stresses and minor meltdowns with their kids (how many times do i have to ask you to put on your shoes?!!!!) but also, I imagine, for parents who face real challenges with their tempers, maybe because they had parents who lost it with them. Her open-minded acceptance of how we can all lose our shit along with her totally doable plan to do less of it I think can really help any parent, wherever they fall on the spectrum of losing their temper. At the very least, you will come away learning how to better handle your stress. And at the very most, perhaps this could help a parent who really is struggling with a toxic temper to feel supported enough to make a change. On top of all that, it’s just so easy and enjoyable to read. It’s short. The author is funny and relatable, and you just kind of gobble it up. This is definitely becoming one of my go-to parenting book recommendations!
Laulachacha –
Great Boo
This is a book I like to keep and jump back into once in a while. Educational and encouraging. Loved it.
bianca –
Not for me
Bought this book because of the raving reviews but I was a little disappointed. I found the book so repetitive and hard to get through. I was trying to push through and finish it but I gave up about half way.The humor is great and there a relatable chapters but overall I did not find it very helpful.
Meowmix –
I can’t recommend this one enough. Bought for a friend too. Trying to lose my stuff less in general and this is what the book is for! I’m about half way through and really appreciate the writing, simplicity, and empathy from “being there”… Highly recommended for everyday life. Great if you have kids.
Amazon Customer –
very good
RJ –
Enjoyed reading the book. Has some practical tips
Hayley Severn –
Bought after seeing a recommendation from actress Mayim Bialik.Haven’t finished the book yet but what I have read has been great and very insightful.I already feel like I’ve been well informed and learnt a lot.Would recommend this to any parent who feels they need a new perspective on parenting or if you patience wears a little thin.
Amazon Kunde –
The book criticises other parenting books for being too “blah blah” as parents do not have time for long books and so on, but this book is no less “blah”. Author tries to be funny, but, FOR MY TASTE, she does not succed. I find language in the book disrespectful for kids.I liked how the author organises information. That is important to me, i cannot stand chaotic books – this one is very well organised!