Reasons My Kid is Crying by Greg Pembroke: A Review

I was excited to receive my copy of Greg Pembroke's Reasons My Kid is Crying.  As a busy dad, the author was faced with the problem many, if not all, parents have, of his kid crying for any and all reasons, rational or not.  When faced with the choice to cry alongside his tantruming 3 year old, or laughing about it, Mr. Pembroke chose laughter.  He posted a few pictures of his child mid-tantrum, along with the reason he was crying: he had broken his cheese in half.  Within weeks, parents were sending him pictures of their children along with the reasons why they were crying.  Mr. Pembroke complied the best of these into Reasons My Kid is Crying.  The book is described as a glimpse into the tribulations of parenting that is part documentary, part therapy, and completely hilarious.

I really expected to enjoy this book.  I mean, what parent hasn't experienced their child crying for ridiculous reasons?  For my kids, it always seemed like they were most likely to get upset if I did exactly what they wanted.  It's always nice to know you're not the only one.

The book itself is beautiful, with full page photos, and is organized into several sections.  I found the content to be a bit tiresome, though.  I mean, the first few were funny, but it got old fast, and I didn't like seeing pictures of all of those crying kids.  Plus?  A lot of the reasons the kids were crying sounded pretty valid to me!  I think that I'm just past that stage.  My kids still cry for irrational reasons, but at least now I can talk them down.  Sometimes.

That said, I do think this book can be a lifeline for a parent in the throes of toddlerhood.  There comes a point in every parent's life where all you can do is laugh or cry, and this book goes a long way toward encouraging laughter.  It will also encourage parents who feel isolated and alone to know that this is something every parent and child experience.

This would make a great baby shower gift, but not for a first child--I'd say wait until the first baby is at least 12-18 months old.  Don't want to scare the newbies ;)

For more information, check out these resources:

Reasons My Kid Is Crying Press Release

Facebook Link

Twitter Link

Reasons My Kid Is Crying Book Trailer

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

I received this book for free through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.