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Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries
A witty and honest dive into modern parenting, one hilarious, heartfelt anecdote at a time, Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries is a parenting manual like no other. Lalitha Ramanathan shares stories of the comical conversations she has had with her young daughter, reminding parents that the journey is messy and magical but also tender and joyful. This laugh-out-loud book finds charm in chaos and helps overwhelmed parents feel less alone. Whether it’s tacklingtantrums and tech trouble, surviving school admissions and mediating friendship issues, balancing enrichment classes and office work, or coming up with imaginative answers to impossible questions – the author captures the drama that every parent can relate to and chuckle at.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 8, 2025
The book jacket describes this book as a parenting manual. My perspective differs. Lalitha’s brand of self-deprecating humour, the puns, the tongue-n-cheek moments elevate this book to something that’s far above the mundanity of being labelled. This isn’t a book that lectures you about being a “better parent.” It’s a conversation, a confession, a comforting hug wrapped in laughter. It’s a peek into the life of someone who wasn’t just blessed with a child but born anew as a mother herself.
The stories are candid and heartwarming, written with an honesty that makes you nod, smile, and often burst out laughing. I chuckled through most of it and even guffawed on a flight (alarming my poor co-passenger!). Every anecdote feels relatable. The frantic dashes to the stationery shop for last-minute project supplies, the holiday homework marathons, the pandemic-era frustrations, and those everyday tug-of-war moments yo-yoing between love and exasperation.
What truly elevates this book is Lalitha’s sharp, sparkling wit. Her sassy repartee, child-brand reasoning, emotional blackmail, and logical parley are pitch-perfect. She captures the universal rhythm of parenthood… its chaos, comedy, and contradictions, with an authenticity that’s hard to fake. I relived my daughters’ childhoods as I read, smiling at memories I didn’t realize I’d tucked away. Thank you, Lalitha, for those nostalgia seeped sepia-toned moments.
While the book will resonate with anyone who has ever been a child or raised one, it speaks especially to working parents who walk the tightrope between ambition and affection. Lalitha captures the heartbreak of leaving a feverish child to attend a meeting, the guilt of missed moments, and the sheer joy of watching their faces light up when you return. It’s a tender tribute to every parent doing their imperfect best.
Isn’t parenting the hardest job in the world? One size doesn’t fit all here. Heck, one size doesn’t even fit one family’s dynamic often. Parenting develops as the child grows and matures. This isn’t just a book about parenting. It’s a love letter to motherhood itself. Equal parts humour and heart, it’s a reminder that while our children grow up, we grow into ourselves as parents.
Lalitha has written something rare. She has written a book that makes you laugh till your sides ache and then quietly, unexpectedly makes you tear up. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finally did, I felt lighter, happier, and oddly reassured that none of us are alone in this grand, messy adventure called motherhood.
Heartfelt, hilarious, and utterly human! This relatable book is not a manual; it’s a mirror. Don’t miss it.
The stories are candid and heartwarming, written with an honesty that makes you nod, smile, and often burst out laughing. I chuckled through most of it and even guffawed on a flight (alarming my poor co-passenger!). Every anecdote feels relatable. The frantic dashes to the stationery shop for last-minute project supplies, the holiday homework marathons, the pandemic-era frustrations, and those everyday tug-of-war moments yo-yoing between love and exasperation.
What truly elevates this book is Lalitha’s sharp, sparkling wit. Her sassy repartee, child-brand reasoning, emotional blackmail, and logical parley are pitch-perfect. She captures the universal rhythm of parenthood… its chaos, comedy, and contradictions, with an authenticity that’s hard to fake. I relived my daughters’ childhoods as I read, smiling at memories I didn’t realize I’d tucked away. Thank you, Lalitha, for those nostalgia seeped sepia-toned moments.
While the book will resonate with anyone who has ever been a child or raised one, it speaks especially to working parents who walk the tightrope between ambition and affection. Lalitha captures the heartbreak of leaving a feverish child to attend a meeting, the guilt of missed moments, and the sheer joy of watching their faces light up when you return. It’s a tender tribute to every parent doing their imperfect best.
Isn’t parenting the hardest job in the world? One size doesn’t fit all here. Heck, one size doesn’t even fit one family’s dynamic often. Parenting develops as the child grows and matures. This isn’t just a book about parenting. It’s a love letter to motherhood itself. Equal parts humour and heart, it’s a reminder that while our children grow up, we grow into ourselves as parents.
Lalitha has written something rare. She has written a book that makes you laugh till your sides ache and then quietly, unexpectedly makes you tear up. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finally did, I felt lighter, happier, and oddly reassured that none of us are alone in this grand, messy adventure called motherhood.
Heartfelt, hilarious, and utterly human! This relatable book is not a manual; it’s a mirror. Don’t miss it.
September 24, 2025
This is a light, heartwarming read that every mom, whether expecting, working, single, or stay-at-home, can relate to. Lalitha shares funny and touching moments with her daughter, affectionately called “Munchkin,” in a way that feels real and comforting. The book moves from pregnancy planning to the ups and downs of raising a growing child, all through witty anecdotes, relatable parenting struggles, and sweet mother-daughter conversations. It also sneaks in some handy parenting tips without sounding too preachy. A perfect pick-me-up for overwhelmed parents looking for a laugh and a little reassurance. In fact, the charming exchanges between Munchkin and the author are the soul of the book, offering moments of laughter and quiet reflection all at once. These delightful dialogues, coupled with Lalitha’s keen observations, reveal the universal truth of parenting: it’s messy, magical, and crazy, but so worth it.
August 24, 2025
Parenting Unplugged is a heartwarming and comic collection of parenting stories that brim with innocence and laughter. The author brings a refreshing dose of honesty and humor to parenthood, making readers feel seen and understood. Her witty reflections turn everyday moments into laugh-out-loud memories, especially the chapters on food and festivals, which are among the funniest in the book. Whether it's juggling schoolwork, tantrums, or mythological mysteries, she reminds us that laughter is essential. Must read for Moms and Dads!
September 8, 2025
very effective, used it on my brother
November 3, 2025
I picked this book up only for the author Lalitha Ramanathan, a gifted writer. She makes one laugh with her posts and I am a huge sucker for laughs. Even in mundane writings, I love a flash of humour or a witty phrase and Lalitha's writing rarely lets me down. So, here I was holding her book and wondering if she was really worth me reading the book about parenting particularly after 'being there and done that' not once but twice albeit a long time ago.
Moreover, parenting as a role has undergone so much of a change. We have hands-on parenting these days and most of them spout out something that mundane that it rarely makes an impact in me having two adult children. Most modern parents see their children with only a halo around their heads and that really does not sit well with me. Having been a teacher and a parent, I know that children, like all of us, have shades in them that we actually need to keep an open mind about. And no child is an angel nor is one a devil. They are simply human!
So there I was looking longingly at other books on my TBR but at the same time owed my fellow-writer a review of her book. Initially, the going was slow. Well, a pregnancy, a delivery, feeding and schooling all told with her trademark humour, but nothing so remarkable to add value to any parents or mothers, I thought to myself at first. But as I continued, I found myself immersed in the very practical and sound account of parenting espoused by Lalitha without sounding sanctimonious and that is where I could relate a lot to my own parenting style. I loved her being there for her child but not hovering. I loved the tears and drama, laughs and games and taking the child along in life rather than molly-coddling the child from reality. I particularly appreciated teaching about finances, helping around with chores, teaching about bees and birds but keeping it simple, taking the child out for grocery shopping, being around for the homework but not helping the child do hers, and most importantly introducing the child to the world of books and boardgames and all the above stole my heart.
I also could relate to the mother opting to stay outside the operation room despite the heart breaking into pieces. The jig she did before the child was wheeled in was absolutely heart-felt. You don't care for others and all you want to do is make your child smile through the tears. It was all so real. I have been there through multiple sutures of my children ( they were terrible!) that despite my husband supposedly being the stronger one, I was the one holding their hands through their tears but not wanting to remain elsewhere other than by their side.
I was bowled over by her book for the simplicity of her writing and as she herself says, her book is not a 'how to parenting guide.'
It is not.
It does not say how to handle a colic or a tantrum. It does not say what to feed and how to make a child sleep. But it does say that parenting is a journey where both parents need to be on the same page for the child to grow up into a mature, independent person. And most important of all, handle life with humour for life does throw enough curve balls before we say, hey presto! And this is the place where this book scores over others.
Kudos to the writer for having invited us into her house as she wrote about her parenting journey. I might say, "hi munchkin! So, we meet again," when I actually meet her!
Moreover, parenting as a role has undergone so much of a change. We have hands-on parenting these days and most of them spout out something that mundane that it rarely makes an impact in me having two adult children. Most modern parents see their children with only a halo around their heads and that really does not sit well with me. Having been a teacher and a parent, I know that children, like all of us, have shades in them that we actually need to keep an open mind about. And no child is an angel nor is one a devil. They are simply human!
So there I was looking longingly at other books on my TBR but at the same time owed my fellow-writer a review of her book. Initially, the going was slow. Well, a pregnancy, a delivery, feeding and schooling all told with her trademark humour, but nothing so remarkable to add value to any parents or mothers, I thought to myself at first. But as I continued, I found myself immersed in the very practical and sound account of parenting espoused by Lalitha without sounding sanctimonious and that is where I could relate a lot to my own parenting style. I loved her being there for her child but not hovering. I loved the tears and drama, laughs and games and taking the child along in life rather than molly-coddling the child from reality. I particularly appreciated teaching about finances, helping around with chores, teaching about bees and birds but keeping it simple, taking the child out for grocery shopping, being around for the homework but not helping the child do hers, and most importantly introducing the child to the world of books and boardgames and all the above stole my heart.
I also could relate to the mother opting to stay outside the operation room despite the heart breaking into pieces. The jig she did before the child was wheeled in was absolutely heart-felt. You don't care for others and all you want to do is make your child smile through the tears. It was all so real. I have been there through multiple sutures of my children ( they were terrible!) that despite my husband supposedly being the stronger one, I was the one holding their hands through their tears but not wanting to remain elsewhere other than by their side.
I was bowled over by her book for the simplicity of her writing and as she herself says, her book is not a 'how to parenting guide.'
It is not.
It does not say how to handle a colic or a tantrum. It does not say what to feed and how to make a child sleep. But it does say that parenting is a journey where both parents need to be on the same page for the child to grow up into a mature, independent person. And most important of all, handle life with humour for life does throw enough curve balls before we say, hey presto! And this is the place where this book scores over others.
Kudos to the writer for having invited us into her house as she wrote about her parenting journey. I might say, "hi munchkin! So, we meet again," when I actually meet her!
September 11, 2025
-Not an Angel, But a Dragon's Mother-
Review of 'Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries'
Quote Alert
"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥, 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬."
(A Funny, Light-Hearted Book Not Just For Parents!)
Want to be a parent? Looking for an extensive guide on holistic upbringing, baby and mother diet, how to keep track of baby's landmarks and your lactation problems? Then look elsewhere. THIS BOOK IS NOT THAT BOOK. Nothing serious or academic about it. Because babies are messy and (most of) the mothers are hysterical. This is what the author has served in her part-memoir, part hilarious narration of the dramatic turn her life took after she became a mother.
This is a book where you must enter without all your preconceived notions about mothers being superheroes and babies being angels. You won't find any angels or flying mommies reveling in the bask of their multitasking. Here the baby is being compared to a dragon: "We didn't realise the implications of birthing a dragon
till we tried to book an appointment with the gynaecologist."
And you didn't realise you would read this line in a book that would have 'parenting' in its title. The baby is not called so because the said baby is a howling creature, no sir. Then why? Well, pick up the book to know more. I won't tell you everything here.
But I must warn you. This trip is going to be bloody. Not papercuts but you might sustain some superficial gashes from the razor sharp wit of Lalitha Ramanathan. She takes no prisoners. Nobody is spared, not herself, nor her baby, nor the baby's father. She begins with the usual overbearing demands of aunties and grandmas: 'when are you giving us the good news?' Later she shares her grueling labour of long hours, the insomnia of the baby, her constant crying and a pediatrician doubling up as psychiatrist.
One of the most funny parts is where the author and new mother shares her exasperation with people who likened the baby to the father (only):
"Compliments are such double-edged swords. In hindsight, I should have renamed this chapter- The one where I gave birth to Daddy's little clone. From the ultrasound imaging to the present day, my little one is a replica of her father. She inherits my dynamic temperament, but that's a story for another day."
In another part, the author expresses relief for the presence of helpers: "God could not be everywhere, so he made mothers. Mothers could not be everywhere,so they reached out to helpers. I owe my career to these brave women who left their families behind to come to Singapore to earn better livelihoods."
But the book is not just all fun. There is a lot of heart in here too. Read the book to find out more. Because it's not just for parents. It's for everyone who loves a hearty dose of good humour.
Review of 'Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries'
Quote Alert
"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥, 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫; 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬."
(A Funny, Light-Hearted Book Not Just For Parents!)
Want to be a parent? Looking for an extensive guide on holistic upbringing, baby and mother diet, how to keep track of baby's landmarks and your lactation problems? Then look elsewhere. THIS BOOK IS NOT THAT BOOK. Nothing serious or academic about it. Because babies are messy and (most of) the mothers are hysterical. This is what the author has served in her part-memoir, part hilarious narration of the dramatic turn her life took after she became a mother.
This is a book where you must enter without all your preconceived notions about mothers being superheroes and babies being angels. You won't find any angels or flying mommies reveling in the bask of their multitasking. Here the baby is being compared to a dragon: "We didn't realise the implications of birthing a dragon
till we tried to book an appointment with the gynaecologist."
And you didn't realise you would read this line in a book that would have 'parenting' in its title. The baby is not called so because the said baby is a howling creature, no sir. Then why? Well, pick up the book to know more. I won't tell you everything here.
But I must warn you. This trip is going to be bloody. Not papercuts but you might sustain some superficial gashes from the razor sharp wit of Lalitha Ramanathan. She takes no prisoners. Nobody is spared, not herself, nor her baby, nor the baby's father. She begins with the usual overbearing demands of aunties and grandmas: 'when are you giving us the good news?' Later she shares her grueling labour of long hours, the insomnia of the baby, her constant crying and a pediatrician doubling up as psychiatrist.
One of the most funny parts is where the author and new mother shares her exasperation with people who likened the baby to the father (only):
"Compliments are such double-edged swords. In hindsight, I should have renamed this chapter- The one where I gave birth to Daddy's little clone. From the ultrasound imaging to the present day, my little one is a replica of her father. She inherits my dynamic temperament, but that's a story for another day."
In another part, the author expresses relief for the presence of helpers: "God could not be everywhere, so he made mothers. Mothers could not be everywhere,so they reached out to helpers. I owe my career to these brave women who left their families behind to come to Singapore to earn better livelihoods."
But the book is not just all fun. There is a lot of heart in here too. Read the book to find out more. Because it's not just for parents. It's for everyone who loves a hearty dose of good humour.
September 8, 2025
PARENTING UNPLUGGED
THE DRAMA MAMA DIARIES
There are so many how-to parenting books out there that one could easily ask: one more? But this is unlike all the others that I have read before. It is so beautifully personal, so vividly detailed and so wonderfully written that I was happy I picked it up! And above all, it is packed with laughs!
Really, humour is Lalitha Ramanathan’s middle name. Or should be! While chronicling her daughter’s growing years, she lightens up every episode that it all seems like a breeze. Of course, parenting isn’t easy, nor does she claim it to be. There are challenges, some tough ones, some wins, some compromises, and she documents them sincerely. But, as she says, a strong sense of humour was vital for her to survive them. And, happily for us, it feeds her prism as she looks behind, colouring her account.
Lalitha cautions that this is not a parenting manual, nor that there can be a complete or foolproof one. For every child (and every parent, for that matter) is uniquely different. Much of parenting is simply learning-on-the-job and there are many lessons that a mother learns every step of the way. While breast-feeding and getting used to pump un-self-consciously when at work. Balancing demands of both motherhood and career. Out-smarting other ‘dragon moms’ to secure one of a good school’s limited seats for her precious daughter. Veering her towards saving the environment when young itself. Freeing her from gender stereotypes. Sparing her from the fears and inhibitions that stamped her own childhood. Holding out against the pet-peeve for a pet. Grappling with screen addiction especially in the pandemic years. And the poignant lessons from illnesses, especially the one during the surgery for tonsils. Lalitha’s naturally sparkling intelligence, robust common-sense, motherly love and generous dollops of humour steer her through them all so well that they only reaffirm her joy of motherhood.
This was such a wonderful read. Lalitha’s writing is contemporary, with many topical references and a sprinkling of allusions to current trends in fashion, food and fun. It is friendly too, chatty at times as she creates an intimate space between her and the reader. At its heart it is honest, there is no posturing nor any preaching. There are minute insights from every experience, beautiful nuances to her mother-daughter relationship, and a lovingly critical eye towards her husband. There are many snappy dialogues and some tender conversations. Munchkin, as she refers to her daughter, is blessed with her mother’s funny bone and is equally pun-tastic in her feisty rejoinders. And Lalitha’s Rapunzel beats the original hands down!
My young-parenting days are long behind me, but I was reminded of many of the hiccoughs I went through then. With a smile. Some giggles. And many laughs. This Drama Mama is right up there in my list of good reads. Don’t miss it, guys! You’ll thanks me. Oops! Thank Lalitha!
THE DRAMA MAMA DIARIES
There are so many how-to parenting books out there that one could easily ask: one more? But this is unlike all the others that I have read before. It is so beautifully personal, so vividly detailed and so wonderfully written that I was happy I picked it up! And above all, it is packed with laughs!
Really, humour is Lalitha Ramanathan’s middle name. Or should be! While chronicling her daughter’s growing years, she lightens up every episode that it all seems like a breeze. Of course, parenting isn’t easy, nor does she claim it to be. There are challenges, some tough ones, some wins, some compromises, and she documents them sincerely. But, as she says, a strong sense of humour was vital for her to survive them. And, happily for us, it feeds her prism as she looks behind, colouring her account.
Lalitha cautions that this is not a parenting manual, nor that there can be a complete or foolproof one. For every child (and every parent, for that matter) is uniquely different. Much of parenting is simply learning-on-the-job and there are many lessons that a mother learns every step of the way. While breast-feeding and getting used to pump un-self-consciously when at work. Balancing demands of both motherhood and career. Out-smarting other ‘dragon moms’ to secure one of a good school’s limited seats for her precious daughter. Veering her towards saving the environment when young itself. Freeing her from gender stereotypes. Sparing her from the fears and inhibitions that stamped her own childhood. Holding out against the pet-peeve for a pet. Grappling with screen addiction especially in the pandemic years. And the poignant lessons from illnesses, especially the one during the surgery for tonsils. Lalitha’s naturally sparkling intelligence, robust common-sense, motherly love and generous dollops of humour steer her through them all so well that they only reaffirm her joy of motherhood.
This was such a wonderful read. Lalitha’s writing is contemporary, with many topical references and a sprinkling of allusions to current trends in fashion, food and fun. It is friendly too, chatty at times as she creates an intimate space between her and the reader. At its heart it is honest, there is no posturing nor any preaching. There are minute insights from every experience, beautiful nuances to her mother-daughter relationship, and a lovingly critical eye towards her husband. There are many snappy dialogues and some tender conversations. Munchkin, as she refers to her daughter, is blessed with her mother’s funny bone and is equally pun-tastic in her feisty rejoinders. And Lalitha’s Rapunzel beats the original hands down!
My young-parenting days are long behind me, but I was reminded of many of the hiccoughs I went through then. With a smile. Some giggles. And many laughs. This Drama Mama is right up there in my list of good reads. Don’t miss it, guys! You’ll thanks me. Oops! Thank Lalitha!
January 9, 2026
Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries, published by Om Books International, is Lalitha Ramanathan’s first published non-fiction memoir. Spanning 264 pages, this book chronicles the author’s personal parenting journey, right from conception till the time Munchkin (yes, that’s how she refers to her baby girl) turns nine. It is a deep dive into the chaotic world of first-time parents with all its attending confusion, uncertainty, panic, self-blame and occasional despair. But it also gives us absolutely heartwarming moments of parental love, spousal support, the warmth of extended family and friends, and above all, Munchkin’s delightful antics that would bring a happy smile to any woman feeling overwhelmed by the sudden weight of motherhood.
The book is a series of anecdotes which Lalitha has meticulously preserved and shared with her readers, in all their honesty and candour — kudos to both her memory and her documenting skills. The language and the tone are conversational; the subjects discussed, completely relatable; and the book makes an immediate and organic connect with the reader, right from the opening lines. The pithy subheads in each chapter give us a sneak peek into what is to follow.
From a working mother’s travails of feeding and the perpetual dilemma between professional and domestic obligations, to the joy of watching Munchkin achieve her milestones, to inspiring in her a love for reading, gently guiding her in her various pursuits (academic and otherwise), limiting her screen time and reliance on gadgets, Lalitha took me on a happy stroll down memory lane as I recalled and relived my days as a bumbling, young first-time parent.
The benchmark of this memoir, I feel, is the author’s penchant for wrapping commonplace incidents in delightfully funny expressions. People and their predicaments come dunked in tongue-in-cheek humour, wise quips, clever repartees, irony, and self-deprecating wit, served with a side of sarcasm, at times. And in this, Lalitha has put her natural flair for punning to its best possible use.
However, this book is not only about bright sunny days and humorous adventures. Our heart goes out to the child and her anxious parents when the former falls sick and requires surgery. Haven’t we all spent sleepless nights, keeping vigil over our ailing children and beseeching the universe for their immediate recovery? This episode and its heart-wrenching narration tugged at my heart, in particular.
Also, each chapter ends with a summary of the contents where Lalitha has succinctly thrown in nuggets of advice, experience, caution and wisdom – tested and timeless takeaways that hold good for parents across the globe.
I recommend this book not as a parenting manual — because each child, I believe, is different and unique and so is each parent — but to anyone who enjoys an honest, heartwarming read brimming with emotion, insight and endearing witticism.
The book is a series of anecdotes which Lalitha has meticulously preserved and shared with her readers, in all their honesty and candour — kudos to both her memory and her documenting skills. The language and the tone are conversational; the subjects discussed, completely relatable; and the book makes an immediate and organic connect with the reader, right from the opening lines. The pithy subheads in each chapter give us a sneak peek into what is to follow.
From a working mother’s travails of feeding and the perpetual dilemma between professional and domestic obligations, to the joy of watching Munchkin achieve her milestones, to inspiring in her a love for reading, gently guiding her in her various pursuits (academic and otherwise), limiting her screen time and reliance on gadgets, Lalitha took me on a happy stroll down memory lane as I recalled and relived my days as a bumbling, young first-time parent.
The benchmark of this memoir, I feel, is the author’s penchant for wrapping commonplace incidents in delightfully funny expressions. People and their predicaments come dunked in tongue-in-cheek humour, wise quips, clever repartees, irony, and self-deprecating wit, served with a side of sarcasm, at times. And in this, Lalitha has put her natural flair for punning to its best possible use.
However, this book is not only about bright sunny days and humorous adventures. Our heart goes out to the child and her anxious parents when the former falls sick and requires surgery. Haven’t we all spent sleepless nights, keeping vigil over our ailing children and beseeching the universe for their immediate recovery? This episode and its heart-wrenching narration tugged at my heart, in particular.
Also, each chapter ends with a summary of the contents where Lalitha has succinctly thrown in nuggets of advice, experience, caution and wisdom – tested and timeless takeaways that hold good for parents across the globe.
I recommend this book not as a parenting manual — because each child, I believe, is different and unique and so is each parent — but to anyone who enjoys an honest, heartwarming read brimming with emotion, insight and endearing witticism.
October 12, 2025
As a new mom to a spirited three-year-old girl, I picked up Parenting Unplugged on a particularly long day, the kind that starts with a toddler tantrum and ends with reheated coffee and unfinished emails. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but a few pages in, I found myself smiling, nodding, and thinking, this woman gets it.
Lalitha’s writing has that quality of feeling deeply personal yet universally relatable. She doesn’t sugarcoat the chaos of parenting; she dives right into it, the guilt, the exhaustion, the laughter, and those fleeting moments of wonder that make it all worthwhile. Her words are tender, witty, and wonderfully real. It’s as if she’s whispering truths, you’ve always felt but never had time to articulate. Or think what’s the big deal?
Her writing style is conversational and crisp, with a rhythm that swings effortlessly between humour and emotion. One minute, you’re laughing at her hilarious observations about toddler logic, and the next, you’re wiping away a tear at a raw, honest reflection on motherhood’s invisible weight.
I loved the quirky and clever chapter titles. Waking Up to the World, Woke and Wise, Dramatically Speaking, A Mama’s Confession and others. Each one clever and evocative, setting the tone for stories that follow with both sparkle and substance.
As a working mother, many of Lalitha’s stories hit close to home. I’ve been that mom pumping milk between conference calls, huddled awkwardly in toilets, praying no one knocks on the door. I’ve battled the guilt of leaving my feverish daughter behind because an “important meeting” couldn’t be missed. Lalitha captures those very struggles with warmth and humour, never judging, never preaching, just holding space for every messy, beautiful contradiction of being a parent.
Her reflections on juggling ambition and affection, or the mental gymnastics involved in finding reliable childcare, feel especially close to home. Whether in Singapore or India, finding a good helper feels like winning the lottery, rare, unpredictable, and occasionally miraculous. I recollected my struggles with a nanny who vanished after the third month.
By the time I finished Parenting Unplugged, I felt seen, comforted, and oddly reassured. This isn’t a parenting manual; it’s a mirror, one that reflects back our chaos, courage, and love in all their imperfect glory. Lalitha’s voice stays with you long after the last page, warm, funny, and quietly wise.
Because I totally agree with Lalitha, we parents will make this imperfect world a little more perfect, one quirky parenting anecdote at a time.
Pick this up, today!
Lalitha’s writing has that quality of feeling deeply personal yet universally relatable. She doesn’t sugarcoat the chaos of parenting; she dives right into it, the guilt, the exhaustion, the laughter, and those fleeting moments of wonder that make it all worthwhile. Her words are tender, witty, and wonderfully real. It’s as if she’s whispering truths, you’ve always felt but never had time to articulate. Or think what’s the big deal?
Her writing style is conversational and crisp, with a rhythm that swings effortlessly between humour and emotion. One minute, you’re laughing at her hilarious observations about toddler logic, and the next, you’re wiping away a tear at a raw, honest reflection on motherhood’s invisible weight.
I loved the quirky and clever chapter titles. Waking Up to the World, Woke and Wise, Dramatically Speaking, A Mama’s Confession and others. Each one clever and evocative, setting the tone for stories that follow with both sparkle and substance.
As a working mother, many of Lalitha’s stories hit close to home. I’ve been that mom pumping milk between conference calls, huddled awkwardly in toilets, praying no one knocks on the door. I’ve battled the guilt of leaving my feverish daughter behind because an “important meeting” couldn’t be missed. Lalitha captures those very struggles with warmth and humour, never judging, never preaching, just holding space for every messy, beautiful contradiction of being a parent.
Her reflections on juggling ambition and affection, or the mental gymnastics involved in finding reliable childcare, feel especially close to home. Whether in Singapore or India, finding a good helper feels like winning the lottery, rare, unpredictable, and occasionally miraculous. I recollected my struggles with a nanny who vanished after the third month.
By the time I finished Parenting Unplugged, I felt seen, comforted, and oddly reassured. This isn’t a parenting manual; it’s a mirror, one that reflects back our chaos, courage, and love in all their imperfect glory. Lalitha’s voice stays with you long after the last page, warm, funny, and quietly wise.
Because I totally agree with Lalitha, we parents will make this imperfect world a little more perfect, one quirky parenting anecdote at a time.
Pick this up, today!
September 26, 2025
#natashareads #thedramamamadiaries
There are parenting books that claim to have all the answers—and then there’s Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries, which does something far better: it makes you feel seen. Like that one friend who always tells it like it is—funny, honest, occasionally inappropriate, and absolutely delightful.
From the moment Lalitha declares herself ‘Drama Mama,’ you know you’re about to meet a kindred spirit. Whether she is secretly hoarding sanitary pads like a smuggler evading customs, fielding awkward questions about breastfeeding from purple-faced colleagues and managers, or trying to pump milk in office bathrooms with all the dignity of a covert spy mission and soundtrack of a bee high on sugar, every chapter hits home. And hard. And because it delivers laugh-out-loud moments with a side of quiet wisdom.
It’s funny because it’s true. Maybe your baby wasn’t born in the Year of the Dragon, or you didn’t break your Wi-Fi router with your violin practice (allegedly, I hear ya, because thankfully I did not hear *that* episode). But the essence—the juggling, the Googling, the guilt, the gurgles, the gassy smiles, and the noxious farts—it all feels achingly familiar. Even the questions are the sort you think only your kid had ever asked… until you read this and realise: we are all in the same wonderfully weird boat, which is one wave away from crashing.
There’s no smug advice here. Just one mom, talking about the trying times of her daughter’s bedtime regime amongst other nuggets, and turning everyday chaos into comic gold, and by the end, you’re laughing, tearing up a little, and maybe still looking for the elusive Cadbury chocolate bar you hid behind the frozen peas when something made you emotional. (All of us do it.)
By the end of Parenting Unplugged, you are not just rooting for Drama Mama—you are grateful she wrote it all down. Because in a world of filters and picture-perfect momfluencers, this unplugged, unfiltered, and unapologetically Indian voice is the warm hug (and eye-roll) we all need.
After all, parenting isn’t perfect. But if you can laugh your way through it (preferably with snacks and beverages) you’re doing just fine.
There are parenting books that claim to have all the answers—and then there’s Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries, which does something far better: it makes you feel seen. Like that one friend who always tells it like it is—funny, honest, occasionally inappropriate, and absolutely delightful.
From the moment Lalitha declares herself ‘Drama Mama,’ you know you’re about to meet a kindred spirit. Whether she is secretly hoarding sanitary pads like a smuggler evading customs, fielding awkward questions about breastfeeding from purple-faced colleagues and managers, or trying to pump milk in office bathrooms with all the dignity of a covert spy mission and soundtrack of a bee high on sugar, every chapter hits home. And hard. And because it delivers laugh-out-loud moments with a side of quiet wisdom.
It’s funny because it’s true. Maybe your baby wasn’t born in the Year of the Dragon, or you didn’t break your Wi-Fi router with your violin practice (allegedly, I hear ya, because thankfully I did not hear *that* episode). But the essence—the juggling, the Googling, the guilt, the gurgles, the gassy smiles, and the noxious farts—it all feels achingly familiar. Even the questions are the sort you think only your kid had ever asked… until you read this and realise: we are all in the same wonderfully weird boat, which is one wave away from crashing.
There’s no smug advice here. Just one mom, talking about the trying times of her daughter’s bedtime regime amongst other nuggets, and turning everyday chaos into comic gold, and by the end, you’re laughing, tearing up a little, and maybe still looking for the elusive Cadbury chocolate bar you hid behind the frozen peas when something made you emotional. (All of us do it.)
By the end of Parenting Unplugged, you are not just rooting for Drama Mama—you are grateful she wrote it all down. Because in a world of filters and picture-perfect momfluencers, this unplugged, unfiltered, and unapologetically Indian voice is the warm hug (and eye-roll) we all need.
After all, parenting isn’t perfect. But if you can laugh your way through it (preferably with snacks and beverages) you’re doing just fine.
October 5, 2025
Lalitha Ramanathan’s Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries stands out as a delightful fusion of wit, warmth, and wisdom. It belongs to that rare breed of parenting books that neither preach nor prescribe, but instead, invite readers to laugh, reflect, and perhaps exhale a little amidst the daily storms of child-rearing.
Ramanathan writes with an honesty that instantly disarms the reader. Through a collection of short, anecdotal essays, she chronicles the rollercoaster ride of motherhood—from handling tantrums and navigating the digital jungle of gadgets, to answering her daughter’s hilariously profound questions about life.
What makes her narrative compelling is its authenticity: the author doesn’t try to present a polished or “Pinterest-perfect” version of parenting. Instead, she embraces the spills, the meltdowns, and the small victories that define real family life.
Ramanathan celebrates the simple joys of childhood and the emotional elasticity of parents who love fiercely even when exhausted. Her anecdotes remind readers that imperfection is not failure—it’s family life at its most genuine.
Why You Should Read This Book:-
🌻Every parent will recognize themselves in these stories—the chaos, the contradictions, and the constant negotiations that define raising children today.
🌻In a world where social media glorifies flawless parenting, Ramanathan reassures us that laughter and love matter far more than perfection.
🌻Her writing is humorous without being frivolous, reflective without being heavy-handed—a balance few parenting books achieve.
🌻The book subtly explores how Indian parents navigate modernity and tradition, offering cross-cultural readers a window into contemporary family life in India.
🌻It’s a joyful reminder that parenting isn’t about control—it’s about connection, creativity, and finding humor in the unexpected.
Parenting Unplugged : The Drama Mama Diaries is not a manual but a companion - one that laughs with you, not at you. Lalitha Ramanathan's voice is witty yet warm making this a must read for parents (and even non-parents) who appreciate the art of finding beauty in everyday chaos.
Must read♥️♥️
Ramanathan writes with an honesty that instantly disarms the reader. Through a collection of short, anecdotal essays, she chronicles the rollercoaster ride of motherhood—from handling tantrums and navigating the digital jungle of gadgets, to answering her daughter’s hilariously profound questions about life.
What makes her narrative compelling is its authenticity: the author doesn’t try to present a polished or “Pinterest-perfect” version of parenting. Instead, she embraces the spills, the meltdowns, and the small victories that define real family life.
Ramanathan celebrates the simple joys of childhood and the emotional elasticity of parents who love fiercely even when exhausted. Her anecdotes remind readers that imperfection is not failure—it’s family life at its most genuine.
Why You Should Read This Book:-
🌻Every parent will recognize themselves in these stories—the chaos, the contradictions, and the constant negotiations that define raising children today.
🌻In a world where social media glorifies flawless parenting, Ramanathan reassures us that laughter and love matter far more than perfection.
🌻Her writing is humorous without being frivolous, reflective without being heavy-handed—a balance few parenting books achieve.
🌻The book subtly explores how Indian parents navigate modernity and tradition, offering cross-cultural readers a window into contemporary family life in India.
🌻It’s a joyful reminder that parenting isn’t about control—it’s about connection, creativity, and finding humor in the unexpected.
Parenting Unplugged : The Drama Mama Diaries is not a manual but a companion - one that laughs with you, not at you. Lalitha Ramanathan's voice is witty yet warm making this a must read for parents (and even non-parents) who appreciate the art of finding beauty in everyday chaos.
Must read♥️♥️
October 6, 2025
When I began Parenting Unplugged, I thought I’d be reading amusing parenting escapades. Instead, I found a deeper reflection of motherhood that is honest, messy, and full of warmth. Lalitha Ramanathan writes not as someone who has answers, but as someone who lives through the chaos and lets you feel seen.
The book is not a guide or a set of rules. It is a collection of moments: early-morning school admission lines, tantrums, work deadlines clashing with parenting, social expectations, and laundry piles. These are not polished scenes; they are raw and true. And that truth makes the laughter and frustration land more personally.
Lalitha’s tone is her biggest strength. She balances humour and vulnerability, admitting guilt, fatigue, and fear without letting them envelope the entire story. She writes about wanting to do better, failing, and still trying. Many readers have already mentioned how they recognised themselves in her pages and I believe that recognition matters more than perfection.
At its best, the book teaches through experience: how small acts like choosing rest, setting boundaries, accepting help, might not change everything, but they change something. I wish there were more of those parts: more reflection, more steps or suggestions for parents who want to shift patterns, not just share stories.
Still, repetition sometimes weighs in the middle. When similar worries return in slightly different forms—overwork, image, comparison—it can feel like the same echo rather than new revelation. Nonetheless, the narration is so enjoyable, it is almost comforting.
This is a book for parents who juggle many roles and feel the pull of expectation. It won’t solve all your dilemmas, but it gives you comfort, camaraderie, and the permission to be imperfect. It offers relief in knowing you are not alone.
What lingers, in the end, is not the chaos but some moments like the child’s smile, the heartfelt apology, the exhaustion met with resilience. Parenting Unplugged gives space for those moments and reminds you that being a parent is more about showing up than getting everything right.
The book is not a guide or a set of rules. It is a collection of moments: early-morning school admission lines, tantrums, work deadlines clashing with parenting, social expectations, and laundry piles. These are not polished scenes; they are raw and true. And that truth makes the laughter and frustration land more personally.
Lalitha’s tone is her biggest strength. She balances humour and vulnerability, admitting guilt, fatigue, and fear without letting them envelope the entire story. She writes about wanting to do better, failing, and still trying. Many readers have already mentioned how they recognised themselves in her pages and I believe that recognition matters more than perfection.
At its best, the book teaches through experience: how small acts like choosing rest, setting boundaries, accepting help, might not change everything, but they change something. I wish there were more of those parts: more reflection, more steps or suggestions for parents who want to shift patterns, not just share stories.
Still, repetition sometimes weighs in the middle. When similar worries return in slightly different forms—overwork, image, comparison—it can feel like the same echo rather than new revelation. Nonetheless, the narration is so enjoyable, it is almost comforting.
This is a book for parents who juggle many roles and feel the pull of expectation. It won’t solve all your dilemmas, but it gives you comfort, camaraderie, and the permission to be imperfect. It offers relief in knowing you are not alone.
What lingers, in the end, is not the chaos but some moments like the child’s smile, the heartfelt apology, the exhaustion met with resilience. Parenting Unplugged gives space for those moments and reminds you that being a parent is more about showing up than getting everything right.
January 2, 2026
Parenting Unplugged, The Drama Mama Diaries is primarily a collection of the author, Ms. Lalitha Ramanathan's anecdotes on birthing and parenting her daughter along with her husband in Singapore. Infusing the book with her brand of humor, the book is a light-hearted chronicle of her challenges and learnings as she brings her daughter up.
I am not a parent yet, but I could relate to Ms. Ramanathan as she prepares for childbirth and faces the ensuing difficulties and experiences while shaping her daughter's early life. I could resonate with her doubts, fears, and happy moments as she confronts parenting head-on, ably assisted by her amiable, supportive husband.
Using short subsections within each chapter works wonders as it significantly enhances readability, making you glide through the pages. I could connect with Ms. Ramanathan's character and feel her emotions throughout. The book covers almost all aspects of modern parenting and expertly delves into the various burning issues in the world, like inclusivity, woke culture, climate change, sexual education, regulating screen time, etc.
I also liked the idea of employing humor to lighten the narrative and make it a fun read for parents. However, unfortunately, the humor didn't work for me throughout the book. The jokes felt forced, bordering on PJ (poor joke) category, and they became tiresome after a while.
I think, for me, the best chapter of the book was A Tale of Troublesome Tonsils. It is exceptionally written, and I could feel the palpable tension and emotions of both the mother and daughter as they confronted the fear and agony of surgery. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
The writing is top-notch. Ms. Ramanathan possesses an extensive vocabulary and wields it confidently throughout the book. The book is well-edited, too, as I couldn't find any grammatical or punctuation errors.
Overall, Parenting Unplugged is a well-written, unique book, which is, I'm sure, unlike other parenting manuals. It is honest, relatable, and enlightening, not only for parents but also for non-parents like me.
3.8 stars from my side.
I am not a parent yet, but I could relate to Ms. Ramanathan as she prepares for childbirth and faces the ensuing difficulties and experiences while shaping her daughter's early life. I could resonate with her doubts, fears, and happy moments as she confronts parenting head-on, ably assisted by her amiable, supportive husband.
Using short subsections within each chapter works wonders as it significantly enhances readability, making you glide through the pages. I could connect with Ms. Ramanathan's character and feel her emotions throughout. The book covers almost all aspects of modern parenting and expertly delves into the various burning issues in the world, like inclusivity, woke culture, climate change, sexual education, regulating screen time, etc.
I also liked the idea of employing humor to lighten the narrative and make it a fun read for parents. However, unfortunately, the humor didn't work for me throughout the book. The jokes felt forced, bordering on PJ (poor joke) category, and they became tiresome after a while.
I think, for me, the best chapter of the book was A Tale of Troublesome Tonsils. It is exceptionally written, and I could feel the palpable tension and emotions of both the mother and daughter as they confronted the fear and agony of surgery. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
The writing is top-notch. Ms. Ramanathan possesses an extensive vocabulary and wields it confidently throughout the book. The book is well-edited, too, as I couldn't find any grammatical or punctuation errors.
Overall, Parenting Unplugged is a well-written, unique book, which is, I'm sure, unlike other parenting manuals. It is honest, relatable, and enlightening, not only for parents but also for non-parents like me.
3.8 stars from my side.
September 4, 2025
Parenting Unplugged is a book that chronicles the journey of parenthood in a brilliant and hilarious way.
Meet Lalita AKA Drama Mama whose world revolves around her precious Munchkin. Lalita represents every mother trying to find her way in the phase of motherhood, often doubting herself, rejoicing in the little joys that make the journey memorable, and occasionally struggling through the tough phases which come with the package of parenting. The father is always there in the picture, lending his silent and strong support and lightening up moments with his cool sense of humor.
In this book Lalita has shared wonderful insights about parenting by writing about her experiences with her daughter. Their conversations are priceless, ranging from innocent questions to hilarious arguments and ultimately to the bigger questions of life. I feel millennials find it difficult to address topics on menstruation, good-touch-bad-touch and other sensitive matters which need to be addressed to children at the right age and the right time. Through her conversations, Lalita addresses these issues, normalising them and highlighting the importance of educating our kids about such issues which are often overlooked.
Every chapter ends with a poignant insight that makes you pause and think over it for a while. And when a book makes you think, you know the author has achieved her purpose.
Lalita's excellent sense of humor shines throughout the book. Be it puns, or smart one-liners, or amused musings, she has impeccable timing and a brilliant sense of humor. I have read many of her works and with every work, I feel she has reached the peak here. Unfailingly and everytime, Lalita comes up with another stunner that amazes me yet again. This is one writer who is going to leave her unique and brilliant mark on the world!
I will end this by saying that this is a book that recommends itself because a). It's written by Lalita, and b). Her name itself is a recommendation to everyone who has ever read her works and know what an amazing writer she is.
Meet Lalita AKA Drama Mama whose world revolves around her precious Munchkin. Lalita represents every mother trying to find her way in the phase of motherhood, often doubting herself, rejoicing in the little joys that make the journey memorable, and occasionally struggling through the tough phases which come with the package of parenting. The father is always there in the picture, lending his silent and strong support and lightening up moments with his cool sense of humor.
In this book Lalita has shared wonderful insights about parenting by writing about her experiences with her daughter. Their conversations are priceless, ranging from innocent questions to hilarious arguments and ultimately to the bigger questions of life. I feel millennials find it difficult to address topics on menstruation, good-touch-bad-touch and other sensitive matters which need to be addressed to children at the right age and the right time. Through her conversations, Lalita addresses these issues, normalising them and highlighting the importance of educating our kids about such issues which are often overlooked.
Every chapter ends with a poignant insight that makes you pause and think over it for a while. And when a book makes you think, you know the author has achieved her purpose.
Lalita's excellent sense of humor shines throughout the book. Be it puns, or smart one-liners, or amused musings, she has impeccable timing and a brilliant sense of humor. I have read many of her works and with every work, I feel she has reached the peak here. Unfailingly and everytime, Lalita comes up with another stunner that amazes me yet again. This is one writer who is going to leave her unique and brilliant mark on the world!
I will end this by saying that this is a book that recommends itself because a). It's written by Lalita, and b). Her name itself is a recommendation to everyone who has ever read her works and know what an amazing writer she is.
November 18, 2025
You may be expecting it to be a regular parenting book that provides gyaan about parenting, let me tell you, you are wrong.
"Parenting Unplugged" by Lalitha Ramanathan is a witty and heartfelt collection that explores the everyday chaos of modern parenting through relatable, LOL-worthy anecdotes. The book spotlights the messy, chaotic yet magical journey of raising children, capturing both the hilarity and tenderness that come with the role of being parents.
A sparkling wit and honest storytelling distinguish Lalitha's writing. The book features comical conversations with her daughter, highlighting scenes parents everywhere will recognize—tantrums, school admissions, friendship dramas, tech troubles, and imaginative answers to impossible questions. It offers a fresh approach, celebrating the simple joys of childhood and the resilience of parents who learn to laugh amidst exhaustion and chaos.
Instead of presenting it as a strict parenting guide, this book unfolds as a humorous survival manual for the stressed parent’s soul. Lalitha’s lively prose is peppered with emotional depth, empathy, and a playful narration. She reminds the reader that every parenting experience—whether mediating playground disputes or prepping for nerve-wracking school interviews—is both unique and challenging.
The charm of this anecdote-like diary lies in its celebration of imperfect parenting and everyday wins. Lalitha’s sass and childlike reasoning shine throughout, helping parents feel seen, understood, and less alone. The book is ideal for parents seeking comfort, camaraderie, and plenty of giggles, but it has candid moments and heartfelt reflections that offer something for any reader who enjoys honest, engaging narrative non-fiction.
Being in this field (Parenting!) for 10+ years now, some incidents have come as repeated humor, but reading this book is a reminder to the readers that while raising small humans may feel impossible at times, there is always room for humor and heart, making it even more relatable.
The cover is fresh, pleasant, and inviting.
"Parenting Unplugged" by Lalitha Ramanathan is a witty and heartfelt collection that explores the everyday chaos of modern parenting through relatable, LOL-worthy anecdotes. The book spotlights the messy, chaotic yet magical journey of raising children, capturing both the hilarity and tenderness that come with the role of being parents.
A sparkling wit and honest storytelling distinguish Lalitha's writing. The book features comical conversations with her daughter, highlighting scenes parents everywhere will recognize—tantrums, school admissions, friendship dramas, tech troubles, and imaginative answers to impossible questions. It offers a fresh approach, celebrating the simple joys of childhood and the resilience of parents who learn to laugh amidst exhaustion and chaos.
Instead of presenting it as a strict parenting guide, this book unfolds as a humorous survival manual for the stressed parent’s soul. Lalitha’s lively prose is peppered with emotional depth, empathy, and a playful narration. She reminds the reader that every parenting experience—whether mediating playground disputes or prepping for nerve-wracking school interviews—is both unique and challenging.
The charm of this anecdote-like diary lies in its celebration of imperfect parenting and everyday wins. Lalitha’s sass and childlike reasoning shine throughout, helping parents feel seen, understood, and less alone. The book is ideal for parents seeking comfort, camaraderie, and plenty of giggles, but it has candid moments and heartfelt reflections that offer something for any reader who enjoys honest, engaging narrative non-fiction.
Being in this field (Parenting!) for 10+ years now, some incidents have come as repeated humor, but reading this book is a reminder to the readers that while raising small humans may feel impossible at times, there is always room for humor and heart, making it even more relatable.
The cover is fresh, pleasant, and inviting.
November 22, 2025
Parenting Unplugged: A Refreshing, Real-Life Peek to Motherhood's Chaos and Joy
In her remarkable book, Parenting Unplugged, author Lalitha Ramanathan achieves something truly necessary in the saturated genre of parenting advice: she pulls the plug on perfection. This is not a manual filled with lofty theories, but a witty, grounded, and deeply human look at the beautiful, bewildering, and often hilarious reality of modern motherhood.
Ramanathan's writing is crisp and instantly hooked with humor, making this book an absolute pleasure to read. She deftly navigates the nuances of everyday life—from the silent rage over misplaced socks to the sudden, overwhelming triumphs of a child’s simple milestone.
What sets this book apart:
Unflinching Relatability: Ramanathan touches the pulse of every daily struggle. You'll find yourself nodding vigorously while reading chapters dedicated to the "lunchbox dilemma," the chaos of school mornings, or the existential crisis of bedtime. These universal motherhood struggles and triumphs are rendered with such honesty that every episode feels like a conversation with your wisest, funniest friend.
The Power of Reflection: Amidst the humorous chaos, Ranathan provides powerful moments of reflection. She reminds readers that the noise, the spills, and the scheduling acrobatics are, in fact, the essential threads of a rich and meaningful life. She offers perspective without judgment.
A Balance of Light and Dark: The book maintains a perfect balance—it acknowledges the moments that push a mother to her limit, yet celebrates the fierce, unconditional joy that makes it all worthwhile.
Parenting Unplugged is an indispensable companion for any mother who needs validation that the mess is normal, the struggles are shared, and the triumphs are sweeter because of the chaos. If you are looking for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective look at raising tiny humans, look no further.
Highly recommended.
-Harshita Udani
Book Reviewer/Publisher/ Founder
In her remarkable book, Parenting Unplugged, author Lalitha Ramanathan achieves something truly necessary in the saturated genre of parenting advice: she pulls the plug on perfection. This is not a manual filled with lofty theories, but a witty, grounded, and deeply human look at the beautiful, bewildering, and often hilarious reality of modern motherhood.
Ramanathan's writing is crisp and instantly hooked with humor, making this book an absolute pleasure to read. She deftly navigates the nuances of everyday life—from the silent rage over misplaced socks to the sudden, overwhelming triumphs of a child’s simple milestone.
What sets this book apart:
Unflinching Relatability: Ramanathan touches the pulse of every daily struggle. You'll find yourself nodding vigorously while reading chapters dedicated to the "lunchbox dilemma," the chaos of school mornings, or the existential crisis of bedtime. These universal motherhood struggles and triumphs are rendered with such honesty that every episode feels like a conversation with your wisest, funniest friend.
The Power of Reflection: Amidst the humorous chaos, Ranathan provides powerful moments of reflection. She reminds readers that the noise, the spills, and the scheduling acrobatics are, in fact, the essential threads of a rich and meaningful life. She offers perspective without judgment.
A Balance of Light and Dark: The book maintains a perfect balance—it acknowledges the moments that push a mother to her limit, yet celebrates the fierce, unconditional joy that makes it all worthwhile.
Parenting Unplugged is an indispensable companion for any mother who needs validation that the mess is normal, the struggles are shared, and the triumphs are sweeter because of the chaos. If you are looking for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective look at raising tiny humans, look no further.
Highly recommended.
-Harshita Udani
Book Reviewer/Publisher/ Founder
September 12, 2025
Parenthood embodies the metaphor "You can't have your cake and eat it too." As a parent, you constantly worry about the ingredients you add, how well you mix them, and whether the cake will rise to meet your expectations.
In her book "Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries," Lalitha Ramanathan offers a candid glimpse into the parenting journey without coming across as a tutorial.
Humour is clearly Lalitha's forte, and this book is no exception. Every page brings a reason to smile, prompting you to nod in recognition as you think, "I’ve been there; I’ve felt that."
The author shares her experiences, including her breastfeeding journey, navigating the school admission process, and dealing with surgery—each segment of her story feels like a rollercoaster ride. Yet, her words reinforce the idea that "a pinch of humour makes life better."
Lalitha discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, managing persistent mom guilt, and emphasises that seeking help is perfectly okay.
Each chapter concludes with two crisp and comforting lines that drive home the message: "Every mother is doing her best."
The book also highlights the little one's sense of humour—after all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Every interaction between the drama mama and her munchkin evokes smiles, showcasing how this mother expertly guides her child while keeping things engaging.
After a long and demanding day, this book serves as comfort food for the soul.
Wishing Lalitha Lalitha Ramanathan and her munchkin all the best in their future endeavours!


In her book "Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries," Lalitha Ramanathan offers a candid glimpse into the parenting journey without coming across as a tutorial.
Humour is clearly Lalitha's forte, and this book is no exception. Every page brings a reason to smile, prompting you to nod in recognition as you think, "I’ve been there; I’ve felt that."
The author shares her experiences, including her breastfeeding journey, navigating the school admission process, and dealing with surgery—each segment of her story feels like a rollercoaster ride. Yet, her words reinforce the idea that "a pinch of humour makes life better."
Lalitha discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, managing persistent mom guilt, and emphasises that seeking help is perfectly okay.
Each chapter concludes with two crisp and comforting lines that drive home the message: "Every mother is doing her best."
The book also highlights the little one's sense of humour—after all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Every interaction between the drama mama and her munchkin evokes smiles, showcasing how this mother expertly guides her child while keeping things engaging.
After a long and demanding day, this book serves as comfort food for the soul.
Wishing Lalitha Lalitha Ramanathan and her munchkin all the best in their future endeavours!


November 23, 2025
A refreshing and rib-tickling read
Parenting unplugged
Oh no! Not another parenting book! Haven’t we had enough about how to deal with troublesome brats from colicky babes to terrible teens for the last hundred years? ( Ok, since Spock’s seminal work published in 1946 which is about 80 years ago)?
Hold your horses! Lalitha Ramanathan’s ‘Parenting Unplugged’ is not your everyday childcare book! It’s a rollicking good read about this mother’s experiences while bringing up her ‘Munchkin.’ The book is in the form of the different experiences she went through, with imaginative chapter titles like ‘ ‘Yummy in Tummy, Thanks to Mummy’ or ‘Squirmy Situations and Tricky Talks.’ Told with heart and humour, I read this book with a big grin on my face as I wisely nodded and said, ‘Yes, I’ve been through this too.’
Are there parenting tips here? There’s no ‘gyan’ imparted to us, but the whole tenor of the book is that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when bringing up a child, and that it’s bloody hard work, but also lots of fun!
My parenting days are far behind me, but I could immediately relate to many of the episodes she presents. But what I liked best about this book was the sheer humor and aplomb with which it’s related. This is a book that will have you chuckling to yourself and also, if you’re a new mom or even a mom of seven kids, that you can never get it right or perfect, and, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if you don’t. ‘Parenting Unplugged’ is a true celebration of motherhood.
Parenting unplugged
Oh no! Not another parenting book! Haven’t we had enough about how to deal with troublesome brats from colicky babes to terrible teens for the last hundred years? ( Ok, since Spock’s seminal work published in 1946 which is about 80 years ago)?
Hold your horses! Lalitha Ramanathan’s ‘Parenting Unplugged’ is not your everyday childcare book! It’s a rollicking good read about this mother’s experiences while bringing up her ‘Munchkin.’ The book is in the form of the different experiences she went through, with imaginative chapter titles like ‘ ‘Yummy in Tummy, Thanks to Mummy’ or ‘Squirmy Situations and Tricky Talks.’ Told with heart and humour, I read this book with a big grin on my face as I wisely nodded and said, ‘Yes, I’ve been through this too.’
Are there parenting tips here? There’s no ‘gyan’ imparted to us, but the whole tenor of the book is that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when bringing up a child, and that it’s bloody hard work, but also lots of fun!
My parenting days are far behind me, but I could immediately relate to many of the episodes she presents. But what I liked best about this book was the sheer humor and aplomb with which it’s related. This is a book that will have you chuckling to yourself and also, if you’re a new mom or even a mom of seven kids, that you can never get it right or perfect, and, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if you don’t. ‘Parenting Unplugged’ is a true celebration of motherhood.
August 28, 2025
My husband calls me a Baby Magnet.... movie halls, trains or aircrafts I would have an infant, a toddler or a pre-teen, wailing, throwing tantrums or just bored and noisily playing on a mobile while I clench my teeth in annoyance. I have often wondered why couldn't parents handle their offsprings in a better way. I have refrained from voicing my opinions but I observe and note down my thoughts.
I picked up Parenting Unplugged by Lalitha Ramanathan to unravel the mysteries of Parenting. Having no children of my own, my interest on this subject was purely based on my curiosity. How do parents and children survive each other in these times. I strongly believe we were better kids and our parents were better equipped.
Lalitha's book was indeed an eye-opener, the witty anecdotes and personal challenges had me laughing, thinking and worrying. How challenging is child rearing and these small humans are brilliantly smarter! Lalitha and her munchkin navigate everyday propelled by love and solidarity. The chaos, the mess, the contentment, the exhilaration and the drama of parenting is depicted in a honest, humorous and heartwarming manner by the author. Some parts of the book made me emotional. Largely the author and her book have given me answers to some of the burning questions that I have wanted to ask the parents of the kids who occupy a seat beside me in public places I venture.
I am sure new parents would learn a trick or two from this book.
I picked up Parenting Unplugged by Lalitha Ramanathan to unravel the mysteries of Parenting. Having no children of my own, my interest on this subject was purely based on my curiosity. How do parents and children survive each other in these times. I strongly believe we were better kids and our parents were better equipped.
Lalitha's book was indeed an eye-opener, the witty anecdotes and personal challenges had me laughing, thinking and worrying. How challenging is child rearing and these small humans are brilliantly smarter! Lalitha and her munchkin navigate everyday propelled by love and solidarity. The chaos, the mess, the contentment, the exhilaration and the drama of parenting is depicted in a honest, humorous and heartwarming manner by the author. Some parts of the book made me emotional. Largely the author and her book have given me answers to some of the burning questions that I have wanted to ask the parents of the kids who occupy a seat beside me in public places I venture.
I am sure new parents would learn a trick or two from this book.
October 2, 2025
What happens when you get a book on parenting when your child is an adult, and way past the parenting stage? Well, here's what I did. I hit my head against the wall and wished this book had come sooner! Or I’d been born later.
A laugh riot that effortlessly hides the pain (happy pain, of course, but still hurts) of raising children, especially the oversmart, technology-genetised Gen Z.
This book brought to the fore an irrevocable truth. Our parents had it easy! 😛 My mother would be staring me down from up above now, saying, “You think!”
Jokes aside, parenting is a huge responsibility, especially in today's times, considering the limitless access to resources that children have, more often than not, resources that we as parents would happily restrict. While it's great to have limitless access to everything at one end of the spectrum, the other end is rife with risks. Today’s parents have their tasks cut out for them.
Parenting Unplugged gives new-age parents some great advice peppered with sparkling wit and riotous parent-child interactions that hit all the right spots in my heart, mind, and soul.
Having the author as a friend for a while now means I know her little one has got the right genetic material to slay hearts, both emotionally and intellectually, in the future.
Thanks, Lalitha, for the amazing book. May you write many, many more, giving readers a hearty time.
A laugh riot that effortlessly hides the pain (happy pain, of course, but still hurts) of raising children, especially the oversmart, technology-genetised Gen Z.
This book brought to the fore an irrevocable truth. Our parents had it easy! 😛 My mother would be staring me down from up above now, saying, “You think!”
Jokes aside, parenting is a huge responsibility, especially in today's times, considering the limitless access to resources that children have, more often than not, resources that we as parents would happily restrict. While it's great to have limitless access to everything at one end of the spectrum, the other end is rife with risks. Today’s parents have their tasks cut out for them.
Parenting Unplugged gives new-age parents some great advice peppered with sparkling wit and riotous parent-child interactions that hit all the right spots in my heart, mind, and soul.
Having the author as a friend for a while now means I know her little one has got the right genetic material to slay hearts, both emotionally and intellectually, in the future.
Thanks, Lalitha, for the amazing book. May you write many, many more, giving readers a hearty time.
November 6, 2025
I have read the author's work in the past years and I am happy to grab her debut book. An amazing writer who, when holding the pen, words automatically weave into a story. Humour is her forte, for which one glance at the pen and that will seal the deal.
Parenting, as difficult as it is, is equal enough putting in words. Her dedication and hard work really stand out. From the beginning, on becoming a parent starts the journey.
As a mother, she relates to every woman. Many instances feel the connection. Every incident makes the reader feel the actual emotion.
The conversations between the mom and the daughter duo steals the limelight. Parenting is different for everyone; there aren't defined rules. Every mommy creates her own. Even before something happens, a mother's instincts kick in, and yes, many times it is to be trusted.
A mother needs to pave through many. There is madness, joy, tears, craziness, fear, guilt, and much more. But she needs to swim against the tide. The author beautifully portrays all of them.
Every chapter gives a new perspective and is meticulously crafted. A lovely parenting guide that never gets preachy at any moment, instead only holds true to read more. Not just for to be parents, this book is a must-read to enjoy a heartfelt read.
The smile that started at the beginning never faded, even after closing the book. I really look forward to a sequel.
Parenting, as difficult as it is, is equal enough putting in words. Her dedication and hard work really stand out. From the beginning, on becoming a parent starts the journey.
As a mother, she relates to every woman. Many instances feel the connection. Every incident makes the reader feel the actual emotion.
The conversations between the mom and the daughter duo steals the limelight. Parenting is different for everyone; there aren't defined rules. Every mommy creates her own. Even before something happens, a mother's instincts kick in, and yes, many times it is to be trusted.
A mother needs to pave through many. There is madness, joy, tears, craziness, fear, guilt, and much more. But she needs to swim against the tide. The author beautifully portrays all of them.
Every chapter gives a new perspective and is meticulously crafted. A lovely parenting guide that never gets preachy at any moment, instead only holds true to read more. Not just for to be parents, this book is a must-read to enjoy a heartfelt read.
The smile that started at the beginning never faded, even after closing the book. I really look forward to a sequel.
October 26, 2025
I picked up Parenting Unplugged : The Drama Mama Diaries on a whim, and loved it.
Lalitha Ramanathan's book is an absolute delight, a hilarious, yet relatable, take on what life throws up at constant intervals at a mother and her daughter, whom she lovingly calls 'munchkin'. She breezily takes you through the challenges that define motherhood with episodes that allude to her feisty reactions to some rough and tough, some tender, some intimate as well as a few critical encounters. The amazingly beautiful nuances of the mother daughter relationship is navigated with humour as the author traverses through her parental journey from toddler to adolescence interspersed with expressive dialogues. Each experience brings with it insights and I especially Iiked the way she grappled with the problem of excessive screen addiction during the pandemic and the real fear of surgery for tonsills. I just love Lalitha's unique style of writing. There is no preaching, just an honest dose of humourous realism.
As a grandmother, I am long past the throes of parenthood, but I could relate nostalgically with most of the journey and I strongly recommend this wonderful read dotted with humour and realism.
Lalitha Ramanathan's book is an absolute delight, a hilarious, yet relatable, take on what life throws up at constant intervals at a mother and her daughter, whom she lovingly calls 'munchkin'. She breezily takes you through the challenges that define motherhood with episodes that allude to her feisty reactions to some rough and tough, some tender, some intimate as well as a few critical encounters. The amazingly beautiful nuances of the mother daughter relationship is navigated with humour as the author traverses through her parental journey from toddler to adolescence interspersed with expressive dialogues. Each experience brings with it insights and I especially Iiked the way she grappled with the problem of excessive screen addiction during the pandemic and the real fear of surgery for tonsills. I just love Lalitha's unique style of writing. There is no preaching, just an honest dose of humourous realism.
As a grandmother, I am long past the throes of parenthood, but I could relate nostalgically with most of the journey and I strongly recommend this wonderful read dotted with humour and realism.
October 11, 2025
"Parenting Unplugged" is a refreshing and heartfelt read that traces the author’s journey from pregnancy to raising her little munchkin.
Let me tell you — if you’re already a mother or a mother-to-be, you’ll surely find it relatable. I can attest to that because, well, "I’ve been there and done that." Not that I’ve ever been a pregnant dad (pun intended!), but I’ve seen my wife go through the same phase, and she’s just as deeply attached to our little one as the author is.
Whether it’s being (positively) obsessed with the baby or experiencing emotional ups and downs at almost every stage of motherhood, the author captures it beautifully.
The author also touches upon a wide range of topics covering nearly every aspect of her daughter’s growing years. I found most of them relatable, while a few weren’t — simply because I haven’t yet reached that stage with my own little one. But I’m sure I’ll connect with those parts eventually, as will any parent with a child of that age.
What I especially loved is how the author addresses every discussion and challenge with such a light and engaging tone that you can’t help but enjoy reading it.
I’d definitely recommend this book to all new-age parents.
Let me tell you — if you’re already a mother or a mother-to-be, you’ll surely find it relatable. I can attest to that because, well, "I’ve been there and done that." Not that I’ve ever been a pregnant dad (pun intended!), but I’ve seen my wife go through the same phase, and she’s just as deeply attached to our little one as the author is.
Whether it’s being (positively) obsessed with the baby or experiencing emotional ups and downs at almost every stage of motherhood, the author captures it beautifully.
The author also touches upon a wide range of topics covering nearly every aspect of her daughter’s growing years. I found most of them relatable, while a few weren’t — simply because I haven’t yet reached that stage with my own little one. But I’m sure I’ll connect with those parts eventually, as will any parent with a child of that age.
What I especially loved is how the author addresses every discussion and challenge with such a light and engaging tone that you can’t help but enjoy reading it.
I’d definitely recommend this book to all new-age parents.
October 14, 2025
Parenting Unplugged is a refreshingly real, witty, and heartwarming take on modern motherhood. Lalitha Ramanathan beautifully captures the chaos, laughter, guilt, and love that come with raising children without the sugar-coating or perfection we often see on social media. Through her essays and anecdotes, she takes readers through the messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious realities of being a parent in today’s world.
🧸The book balances humor with honesty, one moment you’re laughing out loud, and the next, you’re nodding along in quiet recognition. Lalitha’s storytelling feels like listening to your funniest, most relatable friend who gets exactly what you’re going through.
✨ What I loved:
✔️ The relatable humor and candid honesty
✔️ How it celebrates imperfect parenting showing that love matters more than rules
✔️ The easy, conversational tone that makes it perfect for a light yet thoughtful read
✔️The warmth and empathy that shine through every chapter
🧸If you’re a parent (or have parents!), Parenting Unplugged will make you laugh, reflect, and feel seen, a delightful reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
🧸The book balances humor with honesty, one moment you’re laughing out loud, and the next, you’re nodding along in quiet recognition. Lalitha’s storytelling feels like listening to your funniest, most relatable friend who gets exactly what you’re going through.
✨ What I loved:
✔️ The relatable humor and candid honesty
✔️ How it celebrates imperfect parenting showing that love matters more than rules
✔️ The easy, conversational tone that makes it perfect for a light yet thoughtful read
✔️The warmth and empathy that shine through every chapter
🧸If you’re a parent (or have parents!), Parenting Unplugged will make you laugh, reflect, and feel seen, a delightful reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
November 16, 2025
Parenting Unplugged is the parenting book new parents need
Full disclosure, my kids are out of their teens, so I am not the typical target audience for Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries. But here is the thing, this book will resonate with all parents irrespective of how old your kids are. The author is honest to a fault and more than willing to share her misgivings, which makes the book endearing in so many ways.
I love the way Lalitha Ramanathan writes. She is witty, even a tad cheeky, like all parents have to be, to survive. She writes from the heart and that is what makes this book so very unique. This is not a parenting book that preaches. On the contrary, she uses each experience to grow as a parent and an individual.
Every page of the book makes a connection with the reader, it makes you smile and nod along, because you know parenting is a humbling process. And at the end of the day, we are all human, and there is only so much energy and resources we have at our behest. And we all slip up, and that’s okay. I truly enjoyed reading every page, and every anecdote shared by the Drama Mama!
Full disclosure, my kids are out of their teens, so I am not the typical target audience for Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries. But here is the thing, this book will resonate with all parents irrespective of how old your kids are. The author is honest to a fault and more than willing to share her misgivings, which makes the book endearing in so many ways.
I love the way Lalitha Ramanathan writes. She is witty, even a tad cheeky, like all parents have to be, to survive. She writes from the heart and that is what makes this book so very unique. This is not a parenting book that preaches. On the contrary, she uses each experience to grow as a parent and an individual.
Every page of the book makes a connection with the reader, it makes you smile and nod along, because you know parenting is a humbling process. And at the end of the day, we are all human, and there is only so much energy and resources we have at our behest. And we all slip up, and that’s okay. I truly enjoyed reading every page, and every anecdote shared by the Drama Mama!
December 24, 2025
Parenting unplugged
Author: Lalitha Ramanathan
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: 254
This quasi memoir, quasi parenting non-fiction is a unique collection of reflections and conversations. What makes it interesting are the nuggets of wisdom, the author throws up while ruminating on her own or her child’s behavior.
Navigating the challenges of an Indian lady in Singaporean society she has challenges galore.
From trying to teach her child mandarin to volunteering 80 hours a week to ensure her child’s admission in a school of their choice, life’s curved balls are presented in a fact-of-the-matter way, gently wrapped in sarcasm.
From the need for privacy and hygiene for lactating mothers, to being validated by family has been handled in a matter of fact way.
The tongue in cheek approach to parenting employing common sense, regales readers on one hand, while motivating those who question their skills.
The diction is spot on, as is the ability to see daily life through a lens of humour.
Certainly a book for new parents and cynical oldies alike. Some will definitely be relieved, while others will just end up smiling!
Author: Lalitha Ramanathan
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: 254
This quasi memoir, quasi parenting non-fiction is a unique collection of reflections and conversations. What makes it interesting are the nuggets of wisdom, the author throws up while ruminating on her own or her child’s behavior.
Navigating the challenges of an Indian lady in Singaporean society she has challenges galore.
From trying to teach her child mandarin to volunteering 80 hours a week to ensure her child’s admission in a school of their choice, life’s curved balls are presented in a fact-of-the-matter way, gently wrapped in sarcasm.
From the need for privacy and hygiene for lactating mothers, to being validated by family has been handled in a matter of fact way.
The tongue in cheek approach to parenting employing common sense, regales readers on one hand, while motivating those who question their skills.
The diction is spot on, as is the ability to see daily life through a lens of humour.
Certainly a book for new parents and cynical oldies alike. Some will definitely be relieved, while others will just end up smiling!
October 13, 2025
Having read so many of Lalitha’s writings, I had great expectations from her book “Parenting Unplugged: The Drama Mama Diaries”, and it not only did not disappoint, it exceeded all my expectations. What a cheerful and unique way of documenting your parental journey! There were so many places where I had to laugh out loud. Lalita’s narration is typically full of humour, but make no mistake, behind all the fun, there is a lot of sharp and sane advice in there too for both new parents as well as parents-to-be. It will remind veteran parents of their own journey. They will be able to relive and relate to so many of the episodes and see the humour and the wisdom in the stories. I was able to enjoy this book so much even though I have no kids of my own, so I can well imagine how much parents will appreciate it. This book is an ideal gift, and I know a couple or two who seem to be struggling under the weight of parenthood and would do well reading it! Here comes their dosage of sweet medicine!
October 15, 2025
Parenting Unplugged is a refreshing take on modern parenting that blends humor, honesty, and heart in the most delightful way. Lalitha Ramanathan garu brings real-life anecdotes to life with a light, witty tone that makes you smile, laugh, and sometimes even tear up.
What makes this book truly stand out is its authenticity. It doesn’t preach or position itself as a “how-to” manual instead, it feels like a conversation with a wise, relatable friend who’s been through it all. The insights on parenting are beautifully interwoven with storytelling, making it both informative and emotionally engaging.
The readability is excellent; the chapters flow naturally, and the narrative quality keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a new parent, seasoned one, or simply someone who enjoys heartfelt storytelling, this book is a gem.
A perfect blend of laughter, relatability, and heartwarming moments, this is one parenting book you’ll want to revisit and share with others.
What makes this book truly stand out is its authenticity. It doesn’t preach or position itself as a “how-to” manual instead, it feels like a conversation with a wise, relatable friend who’s been through it all. The insights on parenting are beautifully interwoven with storytelling, making it both informative and emotionally engaging.
The readability is excellent; the chapters flow naturally, and the narrative quality keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a new parent, seasoned one, or simply someone who enjoys heartfelt storytelling, this book is a gem.
A perfect blend of laughter, relatability, and heartwarming moments, this is one parenting book you’ll want to revisit and share with others.
October 17, 2025
Mummmm… what an absolutely enlightening reading experience that was! 🤯 I honestly felt like I was having a heart-to-heart with a fellow mommy friend — you know, the kind who trips over the same Lego pieces of life as you do. We cried, panicked, and overanalyzed the same old buzzing diaper situations 🤣 #MomLifeAdventures
And oh, “Never Google your symptoms”? Yeah, that rule stayed exactly where it belonged — in the book! We Googled it all, obviously, and ended up diagnosing ourselves with everything from sleep deprivation to alien possession 👽 #DrGoogleKnowsBest
So many “One Point Lessons” (that I’ll probably forget by tomorrow), pure “Mommy Instincts” (aka panic with confidence), and that surreal feeling like I co-authored the first draft… without ever meeting the author, of course 😌 #GhostCoAuthor #MomEdition
Now I’m fully prepared for the unpredictable… or at least I think I am. Bring it on, chaos! 💪 #MomModeActivated #SarcasmAndSnuggles #ParentingProMax
And oh, “Never Google your symptoms”? Yeah, that rule stayed exactly where it belonged — in the book! We Googled it all, obviously, and ended up diagnosing ourselves with everything from sleep deprivation to alien possession 👽 #DrGoogleKnowsBest
So many “One Point Lessons” (that I’ll probably forget by tomorrow), pure “Mommy Instincts” (aka panic with confidence), and that surreal feeling like I co-authored the first draft… without ever meeting the author, of course 😌 #GhostCoAuthor #MomEdition
Now I’m fully prepared for the unpredictable… or at least I think I am. Bring it on, chaos! 💪 #MomModeActivated #SarcasmAndSnuggles #ParentingProMax
December 31, 2025
When you read the blurb of the book, you might think that the book is full of parenting gyaan and it would be useful to new parents, but as you turn the pages, you realise that the book is filled with anecdotes about the journey of a parent, and how each day becomes a life lesson. The book is wonderfully penned and I loved that the book is not just a drab writing of events as they occur, but Lalitha uses sarcasm, puns and PJs to keep you interested in the book. Another aspect of the book that works in its favour is that it is not just about parenting hacks. It talks about the experiences lived and experienced, specially with a young human. There were instances where I have laughed for minutes at a stretch because some of the puns did relate a lot. The banter between Lalitha and her better half also is interestingly captured and there are moments where their conversations become the highlight of the chapter. The writing is gripping, storytelling captivating and the puns on-your-face.
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