Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy

by Gwenna Laithland

Join the millions of fans who love Momma Cusses, TikTok’s #1 Parenting Unexpert!

There are lots of experts out there who will tell you they have the magic recipe to raising perfect humans. Gwenna Laithland is not one of them. She’s one of us. Frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Her relatable representation of parenthood validates our experiences. In Momma Cusses, Gwenna uses her signature style of snark and sarcasm to explain her interpretation of responsive parenting vs. reactive parenting and outline the steps she takes to raise her kids. Whether you are a parent or someone who has had a parent, we all need to
learn how to handle our emotional spirals responsively.

Now we can all be in it together by tackling some of the hilarious yet all-too-real scenarios Gwenna outlines in her book, including:

YOU WILL LOSE YOUR SH*T:
Mom guilt vs. mom shame

ARE YOU YELLING OR ARE YOU JUST BEING LOUD?:
Get in control of your emotions

THE BIG FEELS LOOP-DE-LOO:
Get in control of their emotions

Accessible, digestible, and rooted in reality, Momma Cusses helps readers with navigating family dynamics and cultivating emotional resilience for everyone.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Humor, Adult, Memoir

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

Gwenna Laithland was born and raised in Oklahoma, the only child of a military family with both parents serving in the United States Air Force. She has absolutely no idea what she is doing most of the time but is pretty confident she is doing an okay job. She still lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Jackson, their three children and two spoiled dogs.

Reviews

[Gwenna Laithland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure it's okay to like your own book. So take that for what it's worth. The author enjoyed her own book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momma Cusses felt like a heart to heart from a relatable (albeit slightly inappropriate) responsive momma mentor. I’m gonna be honest, I’d buy the book just for the forward written by her oldest daughter - it’s the words every cycle breaker longs to hear straight from the mouth of the firstborn who got both “versions” of her mother: reactive and responsive. The letter from her firstborn was so moving and exactly what every parent who is trying this new thing called responsive parenting wants to hear.

The book has profanity - truly, with a name like “Momma Cusses” you could hardly expect anything less, but it’s worth saying that Gwenna is fluent in four letter words and she doesn’t shy from utilizing them to their fullest extent- but unlike what I grew up with - this profanity laced parenting book doesn’t weaponize their delivery. They just exist - I don’t love profanity as I find it triggering, but I will say it was nice to see that they can be used in ways that do not demean, belittle or otherwise demoralize another human being of their dignity.

I really appreciated that Gwenna remained true to herself and her mission throughout the whole. It was very clearly her voice I heard in my head as I read and at no point did she try to own another voice. You know exactly what you’re getting into with her after the first 1.5 chapters and she delivers and over delivers: this book is packed with responsive parenting takeaways learned by Gwenna and self reflection on her journey to becoming more responsive, chapter after chapter disabling the triggers to debilitating mom shame, and she leaves you with the sense that she’s in it with you and walking alongside you and that you can do it. Also cheeky humor. Lots of hilarity. I appreciated the silliness. Spoiler alert, you must read to the very last. I guffawed. Millennials forever. 😆

I’d like to thank St. Martins Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Gwenna Laithland, St Martins Press, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I have been following Gwenna Laithland on TikTok for a while now and absolutely love her content. If you’re like me and you haven’t read a lot of parenting books, this is the one to read. I loved it! It not only offers up great advice and anecdotes, but it made me feel seen as a parent. There is a section on “mom guilt” that I needed to hear and to know that it’s okay. Parenting is hard and it’s a lot of adapting to your child’s ever changing needs. “Momma Cusses” reminds the reader of that and to give themselves a little bit of grace. I highly recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a parenting book that’s realistic and isn’t clinical. Also, I’m not sure if an audiobook is in the works for this book, but I would absolutely listen to one, especially if it was narrated by Gwenna Laithland!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[༚˳⁺✧˚Jennifer ˚✧⁺˳༚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Gwenna did such a good job with this book, her whole personality shines through it just like her work on Tiktok and Youtube. Her parenting perspective is refreshing and honest, in a way that can relieve a lot of guilt from stressed parents that are just trying their best to raise good little humans. I found her advice to be helpful and gentle, while also being realistic and something that could be practically implemented.

I got an audiobook copy of this ARC and I think Gwenna did a beautiful job narrating. I always prefer a self-narrated book, especially from an influencer with lots of experience in this kind of work.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Swann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relatability of this book is off the charts. I was laughing out loud at both the words she used and the scenarios she described. Spot on!!!

Now, I didn’t get any knowledge or lessons out of this book, but my kids are older so that’s not why I picked it up. I really like Gwenna on social media and wanted to check out her book. So funny and real and unfiltered. I loved listening to it!

Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy to read and review.

[Karli · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Being a kid is harder than we remember. Being a parent is harder than we expected."

There are so many parenting books out there- I have read my fair share of them - but I have never read one as entertaining as Momma Cusses.

Gwenna is known for her relatable, honest, sometimes irreverent style. Her book is no different. If you are familiar with Gwenna from TikTok or any of her other social platforms, you probably already know what you are getting yourself into. But if you are not already a Gwenna fan, you can still find great information here, and I would even go so far as to say you'll likley be a fan of her by the end.

This book is narrated by Gwenna herself, and she does a truly fantastic job. It's like having a parenting discussion with your best friend; you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll question the sanity of a person who mixes their peanut butter and jelly with absolutely no regard for distribution of flavors.

The style of parenting Gwenna is exploring in this book is not a new fresh-out-of-the-box idea, thousands of books have been written on responsive parenting (I mean probably. It's not like I went and counted.) But Gwenna does a great job making the ideas feel approachable and realistic.

If you are a parent and you feel overwhelmed by all the parenting-related content out there, Momma Cusses is a great resource. Parenthood can feel isolating, it's nice to know you aren't experiencing it alone.

It's not about raising kids, its about raising humans

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc
Anticipated publication March 5, 2024

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momma Cusses by Gwenna Laithland

Thank you so much NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St.Martins Essentials for the gifted copy and the chance to review it honestly.

First of all the foreword totally got me choked up. Abbi did a phenomenal job narrating. Gwen a also did a fantastic job narrating her book baby. This book is ridiculously relatable for the mother that I am. I 100% relate to this parenting style and as soon as I started reading it, I recommended it to all of my mom friends. It reminded me that I’m only human and trying to do better is better than not trying at all. As parents we try to be “perfect” but we really do forget that’s just not achievable because we are human and we do make mistakes. I really really enjoyed this read! 10/10 recommend and I’ll be keeping it on my shelves forever. If you don’t have time to read it physically, the audiobook is amazing!

Happy reading!

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momma Cusses by Gwenna Laithland is a refreshingly honest and humorous take on parenting, offering a relatable perspective that validates the experiences of frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted parents everywhere. Laithland's snarky and sarcastic writing style makes for an entertaining read as she explores the concept of responsive parenting versus reactive parenting and shares her own personal journey in raising her children.

The book addresses the emotional rollercoaster that parents often find themselves on, providing practical guidance on how to handle the challenging moments of parenthood with grace and resilience. Laithland tackles topics such as mom guilt versus mom shame, controlling one's emotions, and helping children navigate their own emotions. Through a series of hilarious yet all-too-real scenarios, she creates a sense of camaraderie among readers, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

One of the strengths of Momma Cusses is its accessibility. Laithland's writing is easy to understand and digest, making it suitable for both experienced parents and those who have experienced parenting from the other side. She does not claim to have all the answers or offer a perfect recipe for raising children but instead provides a genuine, down-to-earth perspective that resonates with readers.

In addition to its humor and relatability, the book also delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of cultivating emotional resilience. Laithland encourages readers to approach parenting responsively, demonstrating empathy and understanding towards their children's emotions and needs.

Overall, Momma Cusses is an enjoyable and insightful read for parents seeking a humorous and relatable take on the challenges of raising children. It offers a fresh perspective on responsive parenting, reminding readers that it's okay to make mistakes and that they are not alone in their parenting journey. Whether you're a parent or someone who has had a parent, this book provides valuable insights into handling the emotional ups and downs of family life.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad parents never wonder if they are doing a good job! Just by picking up this book shows that you are a good parent and want to be an even better parent.

I've been watching Gwenna on Tik Tok for years. I've always been struck by her humorous, but practical parenting tips.

This book was a fantastic read. I didn't feel the judgy-mcjudginess that I feel while reading other parenting books. Her tone was of a close friend sharing their secrets to another close friend. Can I be besties with Gwenna?

This is not a hoity toity book. Thank goodness! Not only will you get usable advice, you will also be entertained.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lexie Frare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book!

Full disclosure: I do not have children. I was interested in this book both as a teacher who has seen a big uptick in behavior problems post pandemic AND someone in their mid-thirties still on the fence about having children.

Teacher perspective: Gwenna says ‘you cannot responsive parent a child that is not your own’. While I completely agree, I also know that many of the skills she talks about including self-regulating as the adult, boundary setting, repetition and consequences are all things I am constantly adjusting in my classroom every year. I have thought a lot about my own responses to bad behavior AND how I can create boundaries and rituals in my classroom that help to show expectations.

As a thirty-something thinking about parenting: I actually found this book oddly comforting. I know… weird. I have been in therapy for a long time. A lot of responsive parenting is about reparenting yourself. The language in this book is similar (although not nearly as dry) as the work I do in therapy. I feel like I understood the basics of this book on an emotional level. However, I feel like it could be really mind-blowing for folks who are new to thinking about their own emotions. (In a good way)

Overall, this book is incredibly clever, easy to read and honest. It is everything you would expect from Gwenna. I gave it four stars because I found it be LONG winded. I think she could have trimmed at least 50 pages off this book and get the same point across.

I would highly recommend this book for parents who are looking to get the most out of parenting for THEMSELVES!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book when my kids were young. Loved the humor and practical advice.

[sammi_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised when I got this and looked up Gwenna Laithland to find I was already following her. I love parenting reels on Facebook (I am old and don't fully understand TikTok.) I wasn't sure what the book would be like- pure entertainment? Capitalizing on a popular influencer but mostly fluff? This exceeded my expectations. I'm going to hang on to it and recommend it out to fellow parents because it was humorous, useful and written for real parents actually living their imperfect lives with chaos. Some parenting books just don't seem practical for "real" people. This was different.

I've always hated most things I encounter about gentle parenting. I loved the take on it here, calling it responsive parenting instead. The examples of how to handle certain situations seemed less floofy and more real-world things you can easily say to a child. It's an approachable way to use these techniques.

I really loved the calming suggestions at the end and the feelings wheel midway. The questions for how to approach child-rearing with your partner were also perfect. All three of those tools really stood out, but I found most of this book both practical and anecdotal. It was easy to read, understand and apply.

I had a lot of positive reactions while reading this and can whole-heartedly recommend it as a great field guide (she didn't want to call it a parenting book) to Gwenna's methods. It doesn't put too high of expectations on kids or parents and discusses that there's so many ways to parent and react.

Thank-you so much St. Martin's Press, Gwenna Laithland and St. Martin's Essentials for my free advanced reader copy. It's one not to miss when it releases early this March. My review is unbiased; it was just a happy surprise as to how much it worked for me.

[Mama K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay for me. Some things made me outright guffaw;others I felt went a bit too far. I do, however, greatly appreciate her being real and honest about how difficult it is to be a parent.
I'm a Jenny Lawson fan. So perhaps I unconsciously expected similarity.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chrissy Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as parenting books go this is the most enjoyable one I’ve ever read.
Written by a non parenting expert who constantly reminds you that you are the only expert for your child- I gained a lot of perspective about my relationship with parenting and a lot of reassurance that nobody is a perfect parent- and that’s okay. The author is relatable, but so well spoken that they can put scenarios and feelings into words that you might struggle with articulating.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Gwenna Laithland, St Martin's, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of Momma Cusses! The thoughts expressed in this review reflect my honest opinion.

I have followed Gwenna Laithland's Instagram account, @mommacusses, for a few years now, and it's one of my favorite accounts to follow. Gwenna presents awesome parenting advice, along with anecdotes from her own experience as a mother, with a biting sense of humor. Her videos are funny and relatable, and they make me smile every time they come up in my Instagram feed. When I learned that she was writing a parenting book, I jumped to request an advance copy!

However, as Gwenna herself reminds the reader several times throughout the text, she is not an experienced writer. Although the book Momma Cusses features the same great advice and funny content that she displays on Instagram and TikTok, it flows much more naturally in that medium. The tangents, asides, and stories-with-an-eventual-point are easier to follow and the humor shines more clearly when one can see and hear Gwenna conveying them. In writing, her approach comes across as long-winded and scattered.

My favorite aspect of Momma Cusses was not actually the parenting advice at the end of the stories, but the stories themselves. Gwenna notes at the beginning of the book that her book isn't intended to be a memoir, but that she needs to share some of her own story in order to explain her insight. However, the stories are what bring life to this book. The advice that Gwenna shares, while solid, is better expressed in her videos or in parenting books written by the likes of Janet Lansbury or Faber and Mazlish. I found myself zoning out in the sections that gave advice because I'd heard it all before, and better expressed in these other contexts, but I was glued to the page when Gwenna shared her own stories.

As a parenting book, this is only okay. While there's nothing wrong with the content, if a friend asked for a gentle/responsive parenting book recommendation, this is not one of the titles that I would jump to suggest. I do hope that Gwenna keeps writing, though. While her technique could be improved, she has a story to tell and I do believe it will be a great one!

[Caitlin (CMAReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the free book.
I absolutely adore Laithland's page on Instagram, and I was so excited to get an early chance to read this book. As someone who strives to be a responsive parent, but wasn't parented this way, it can sometimes be hard to find a resource that is relatable. The standard 'scripts' can feel so awkward at times. When I found the page @mommacusses I was so excited. Here was someone trying their best to be a responsive parent and talked in a relatable way. Laithland's voice throughout this book was what I've come to know and love from her. There's sarcasm and humor. But there is also really great and easily digestible parenting advice here. Each chapter breaks down a different parenting topic or struggle and is talked through in simple terms. She also isn't afraid of sharing about her own shortcomings and what it looks like when you mess up, too. This is a book I will return to again and again, and I can't wait to get a physical copy to mark up while reading.

[Lindsay Lacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very informative and surprisingly charming book that outlines responsive parenting. Told in a humorous yet relatable memoir type style, this book gives readers a look into how one momma raises her littles and the styles that work and didn’t quite work out for her. As a soon to be first time mom, I found seeing examples of parenting to be both informative and thought provoking and very helpful when I consider how I might want to approach things with my own little. Definitely worth the read and thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay starting off I am not a parent. I want to be a mom one day in the future though. I did teach for two years for a while though. I picked up this book because I have run across Gwenna on YouTube and was extremely interested in her book.

Gwenna has an amazing personality and listening to her audiobook made me smile and laugh while at work and I did truly enjoy this book.

She is honest and truthful about her own personal experience. She tells you multiple times that you are the best parenting experience for your own child. Which I think is such an important fact that many people seem to forget.

I can’t wait to see what else Gwenna does as the years continue.

Thank you net galley, the publishers and Gwenna for the arc

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this and listening to Gwenna narrate her book was like being lovingly parented on how to parent the whole time, which honestly could make it 5 stars for that alone.

I absolutely loved the introduction from her daughter. It would be interesting to hear her perspective one day when she’s Gwenna’s age. The beginning felt a little fluffy, but I didn’t mind as it moved along. There is a lot of valuable information in this book and it was so easy to digest. Momma Cusses would be an excellent place to start for someone who hasn’t read any other parenting books.

As someone who *has* read a fair amount of parenting and relationship books written by therapists and doctors it was actually very refreshing to hear most of the same information but in a way you’d hear talking over drinks with a friend instead of from a scientific journal. It pulls everything full circle and turns the information relatable and therefore memorable. However, I never want to hear the phrase “meat sack” for anyone’s skin ever again lmao

Thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with parenting Gwenna ❤️

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The term "responsive parenting" is the author's attempt to trick readers into accepting her advice on "gentle parenting" because of the negative stigma surrounding the concept of "gentle parenting." Which she overly reiterates is not "permissive parenting." In the Afterword, she openly states she does not address anything other than parenting mainstream kids. So if you go into this book thinking this will be something new and helpful and you have special needs kids, 2e (twice exceptional) kids, and/or already have a firm grasp on gentle parenting....save your time for something else. That being said, a lot of this information would have been helpful before I had kids when I knew nothing about what to expect. The demographic target audience for this book seems quite niche, but if you are a first time millennial parent, it might be right up your alley!

[Angé · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Easy to read and relatable. I enjoy parenting books that keep it real with humour. I am adopting responsive parenting. I was a self identified gentle parent and it worked for me but somehow felt contrived at times. Responsive parenting sits better and actually feels kinder to me. Also love her names for the body like meat vessel haha.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a parent so I don't know what that's like. This was still interesting to me and I learned a lot. I have a better idea on how to avoid becoming my parents. Even if I don't currently have children, I think reading this can help with just being a better person.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting & Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy

I Picked Up This Book Because: I love the author’s social media and curiosity.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
Dates Read: 1/20/24 - 1/22/24
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Gwenna Laithland


I will start this by saying I do not have children so my opinion is very light. I do, however, work in a middle school and have 14 nieces and nephews. Yes, my friends' kids are my nieces and nephews. So I am interested in how to support children and their parents in different ways. Gwenna is so down to earth and relatable. She does not pretend to be perfect and readily acknowledges that things that work for her and her family may not work for yours. She gives a good number of suggestions for you to try and is encouraging in saying if they don’t work try something else. I liked the style of writing and the TLDR sections at the end of each chapter. I found having a summative take away at the end of each chapter helpful. This is one of those books you will read multiple times because being a responsive parent is a journey and you may want to go back and check in on techniques or have reminders.

The Random Thoughts:

The endless nicknames for children are hilarious.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% worth a read or listen!

[Elise A Peculiar Mademoiselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud, cry, and contemplate so much. The way that Gwenna writes makes the typical boring parenting book accessible to so many more parents. I have already recommended this to every parent I know, especially those who are in the trenches with toddlers. This will also be a go to gift for parents.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent! It spoke right to the things I struggle with/need guidance on as a parent, and it’s clear, concise, no fluff. Will listen to this more than once! Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC!

[Kelsey Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was simultaneously funny, concise, and informative with helpful parenting suggestions /reminders and child development details. Sadly, in the case of toddler parents like me, at least partly the answer to some of my current issues or concerns is “that’s pretty much typical, try this, do the best you can, they’ll eventually grow up and stop doing that or at least will go to school and won’t do it where you see/hear it 24/7/365,” so there’s that.

[Michelle Ramponi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute and refreshing take on motherhood and raising little kids. We’re all just out here doing the best we can, and Gwenna Laithland is right there with us. Snarky, sarcastic, funny, and down to earth, Momma Cusses is perfect for fans of I’ll See Myself Out and You Are a F*cking Awesome Mom!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to listen to an advance audiobook narrated by Gwenna herself. Each chapter contains a TL;DR summary if you choose to skip the chapter (don't), or if you have screeching spawn needing attention while you're listening to the book and maybe might have missed a sentence or two before finding that pause button. Repetition is key in parenting, especially when trying to undo habits and try to do better. The too-long, didn't read summaries are perfect. I've already pre-ordered a physical copy