"Go the F**k to Sleep" by Adam Mansbach is a book for parents of young children who are in desperate need of sleep, but can never seem to get it. The book was published in 2011 and quickly became an international bestseller. It is a humorous look at the difficulties of bedtime and trying to get a young child to sleep.
The book is written in poetry form and follows the struggles of a parent trying to get their child to go to bed. In a humorous manner, it illustrates the frustrations parents can have when trying to get their children to sleep. Through the book, parents can find comfort in the knowing that this is an issue that many parents face. What sets this book apart from other books about parenting is Mansbach's humorous and relatable writing style.
The book starts with the idea that putting a child to bed isn't as easy as it sounds. In fact, parents may have tried things like singing lullabies to no avail. The book gives some out of the box ideas on how to try to get a child to sleep, such as talking to trees and imaginary dragons.
The book also covers ideas on how to help young children cope with the idea of getting to sleep earlier, such as playing calming music or reading them a story. The author also touches on common misconceptions around sleep such as believing that children need less sleep than they actually do.
The final chapter of the book offers some final solutions on how to help children stay calm and fall asleep. These tips can help parents create an environment that supports sleep. The author encourages parents to try specific tactics depending on the child, such as letting them choose which book to read or why not to turn off the lights and allow children to drift off naturally.
Throughout the book, Mansbach encourages parents to be patient and understanding, and to remember that their children are just as exhausted as they are. He also stresses that sleep is important for both physical and mental health.
Although "Go the F**k to Sleep" is humorous, it is important to note that the book is more than just a funny look at parenting. It is a reminder for parents to be persistent and consistent in their parenting efforts. It provides invaluable tips on how to create a sleep-friendly environment for children and how to help them cope with their feelings of fatigue. Ultimately, it is a reminder to be understanding and loving, to enjoy the moments and cherish the sleep that eventually comes.
