Gummi Bears Should Not Be Organic

February 1, 2015
A tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving modern motherhood. Though mommy blogger, stand-up comedian and TV sketch writer/producer Wilder-Taylor (I'm Kind of a Big Deal: And Other Delusions of Adequacy, 2011, etc.) seems resigned to concede that she's a hyperprotective "overparent," she is getting better at loosening the reins on her three children to "get out of their way and let them live a little." The author's latest comedic assault on complacent child-rearing primarily skewers typical parental scenarios, all of which she harbors serious opinions about and isn't shy about oversharing. Resisting the label of "tiger mom," Wilder-Taylor taps into her vulnerability to the normative ideal of momdom: Is it really "overparenting" if she toasts a bagel for her more-than-capable 10-year-old daughter? Even so, the author doesn't much care and admits to adapting her own "parenting nonstyle" with much success, cheerleading others to join her. With an entertaining mixture of sarcastic snippets, self-aggrandizing admittances and clever witticisms, Wilder-Taylor creatively echoes the cares and concerns of many parents whose toddlers are perfectly flawed-yet popular culture may insist that it's due to some parental failure or oversight. She uses comedy and hard truths to soften the blow and to bond with exasperated moms and dads on the ever changing landscape of healthy eating habits (hence the title declaration), the illusion of the utopian family dinner, schoolteacher negotiations, the varied "momversations" about being "doubly blessed" with twin daughters, or the importance of sharing and reading. While mostly charming, more conservative readers may feel the author's gratuitous use of expletives and often gut-punching wisdom unnecessary. Wilder-Taylor encourages all "overworked and undercaffeinated" parents to laugh at themselves and, with her snarky brand of self-help, even makes them "feel a skosh less crazy." A snappy, potty-mouthed guidebook for stressed-out mommies.

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March 15, 2015
The demand for parenting advice is never ending, and the pushback against much of it is just as strong. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (2011), by Amy Chua, aka Tiger Mom, is the best example, a best-seller even as it is almost universally maligned online. In her latest outing, Wilder-Taylor (Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, 2006) aims barbs at parents of so-called gifted children, packers of gourmet school lunches, type-A organizers of school functions, and anyone who mocks Barbie, yet embraces American Girl. This is an author with lots and lots of opinions, and in the midst of the mudslinging, Wilder-Taylor pokes fun at herself and her kids and reveals embarrassing moments in her marriage. She seems to channel Chelsea Handler too much (designating any child who doesn't shoplift a pussy seems excessive), and the continuous grab for laughs can fall flat, but many exhausted parents will identify with her love for yoga pants and television. Everyone needs a break, and Wilder-Taylor provides one, big time.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)