Clever Reading: Daddy Needs A Drink by Robert Wilder

I am the Queen of reading parenting books, most often written by other Mothers who write about their experiences. This was the first time I’ve read one by a Dad! It was very interesting to gain some perspective from the Father’s side of the parenting spectrum. I really enjoyed this book and literally laughed out loud reading several of the chapters!

Robert Wilder enlightens us with his parenting stories in a relaxed style as if you were having a casual conversation over coffee. I liked this book because it was not bogged down with lessons in child rearing, which I found refreshing; he simply relays the funny or touching experiences that we all have as new and more experienced parents. One thing that I’ve really come to enjoy is spending time with other parent friends and sharing our own funny or embarrassing stories with each other. There were many incidents in Robert’s book that I could relate to, such as a chapter on buying school supplies (“Supply Me”) or his chapter about choosing baby names and keeping them secret from other family or friends (”Hoarding Names”). That one really hit home with me! He also includes some more tender moments with his children. He clearly has enjoyed his fathering adventures as he has watched his daughter (Poppy) and son (London) grow into amazingly clever little people. Highlights included London’s use of a particular “choice” word at different social events or outings, the challenge of high maintenance moms, singing and driving simultaneously to keep his daughter asleep, and a hilarious episode on X-rated broadcasts via the baby monitor!

Another funny chapter is called “Papa Pia”. Wilder’s skillful writing allows you to vividly imagine the scene as he recalls changing his newborn’s exploding diaper on the sink in the Men’s Room! As you can imagine, the whole thing turns into a total disaster, conjuring up unforgettable memories for most Dads and Moms who have experienced something similar in their early child-rearing years.

In the chapter titled “Kidalgo” Wilder describes his children as seasoned air travelers and although well behaved they can still suffer the wrath of a nearby adult who is simply upset once they realize a child has been seated behind them. He humorously points the lights and air towards the discriminating couple in the row ahead to annoy them. In the end, he gets his revenge by being complemented by the flight attendant for having such well-behaved children. That, with a thank you and a swift kick to the seats in front of him!

Overall, the male perspective used to convey these humorous anecdotes creates a refreshingly unique and enjoyable summer read. I would highly recommend it.

Find Daddy Needs a Drink: An Irreverent Look at Parenting from a Dad Who Truly Loves His Kids–Even When They’re Driving Him Nuts by Robert Wilder in paperback on Amazon here.

NOTE: I’ve been a lover of books all my life and I try to still get in a book every so often even when time seems to not want to permit it! We read to the kids every night and for those of you who read to your kids yet still don’t have time to read for yourself, remember that it sets a great example for your kids to see you take a moment, pick up a book and read. Practice what we preach, right? It will do everyone good!

Chana Lynn, small business web designer and mother of two girls, Julia and Samantha. She resides in Raleigh, NC.