Go The F*uck To Sleep

By now, I'm sure most of you have heard of the book "Go the F*** To Sleep," by Adam Mansbach, the bedtime story intended solely for the amusement of parents. If not, check out the link at your own risk.

The other day, a former classmate of mine posted an article on Facebook with a quote from a critic stating the following [read entire article from the CNN Opinion page here]:

"Sadly, his book accurately portrays the hostile environment in which too many children grow up... Sometimes the biggest bully in the neighborhood lives in the same house you do. Sometimes it's your parent."

Okay, seriously... who is this person? And has she never heard of comedy? Or anything humorous?

Many people chimed in on the argument giving strong reasons for why they believe the book to be funny or not so funny.

My first response:

"I actually thought the book was very, very funny. Of course, I wouldn't utter a word of it to Aiden. But just as [another person who commented before] said, it helps parents get through an all too real and downright exhausting time in parenthood. And it is a book meant for adults. My mom friends and I have been bonding over this book (and a glass of wine!) because it just speaks volumes. I think this lady is totally taking the book out of context here..."

My friend, and I love her dearly, stated:

"While it may be funny for parents who had a normal childhood and are raising their children in a loving home, I find it hard to imagine that anyone who suffered psychological abuse as a child would find it funny as an adult [I suffered psychological abuse as a child and still found it funny, so that point is shot to sh*t]. I can't help but think of the kids that I counsel when I read the excerpts from this book -- for some, this is their reality and it does real damage. I just wonder if there is another way for parents to bond and experience some release [NOPE! Well, yes, a glass of wine, but I said that already]... I hear what you ladies are saying, but personally I think it crosses a line [Really? REALLY?!]."

Another friends' response? And I love her too! Here it is:

"I see what everyone is saying, however I'm not sure about the purposes of the book. I mean, I didn't read the book or even the article [Then why are you commenting? Shut the f*ck up and go the f*ck to sleep.], but just reading the name of the book reminded me of all the times I heard those words as a child and all of the kids I work with who heard these words. I know that majority of parents are probably doing the best that they can and laughing at the book because they know how frustrating parenting can sometimes be [NOW you're speaking my language!], but yea... I keep thinking about the kids whose parents have no restraints and speak to their kids like this without any second thoughts."

My second response:

"Unfortunately, I've heard those words many, many times as a child. I get it. It isn't funny for kids who experience this type of psychological trauma on a nightly basis. Neither is a McDonald's commercial for kids who are starving.  Or an ice cream commercial. 

I've never used those words on Aiden nor ever intend to. However, I can still see the humor that is the Author's intention. It really isn't meant to be taken so seriously. And it is how some parents feel when night after night after FREAKIN' night they have a hard time getting their child (or children!) to sleep after a very long day of work, school, LIFE! It happens. Sometimes parenthood kicks your ass and sometimes parents just really want their kids to go the f*ck to sleep. Trust me. I know. I'm one of them.

Maybe I'm weird, but I can understand how some parents -- some very TIRED parents -- could and would say to their other adult friends, "Why can't my kid just go the f*ck to sleep." Parents have to be able to find the humor in certain situations. Sometimes humor is the only thing that'll get them through a particular trying stage."

Now, I'm totally curious. What are your thoughts on the book? Share 'em in the comments.

{Disclaimer: This post was not meant to be taken so seriously. If you don't get the humor, well, you're a lame. Hey, what can I say? Sh*t happens. 


Just kidding.


Sorta.}