It seems like just yesterday my kids were fighting, whining, complaining, refusing to eat what we cooked, not going to sleep, pooping everywhere, leaving Legos out specifically for me to step on, and watching the same Disney movie 800 times in a row.…Wait, what was my point?
Oh yeah. Back when the kids were little, I really could have used some funny parenting books. Not that I had time to actually read anything, but I bet the covers would’ve at least given me a chuckle between diaper blowouts.
If I could travel back in time, I’d hand this list to my younger self. The fact that two of these books casually refer to children as a-holes should tell you exactly what theme we’re working with here. One of the books in this list is MINE (Not one of the a-hole ones. Yes, time-traveling Scott handing himself his own book would be an extremely “Back to the Future” paradox.)
These books are written by moms and dads who clearly adore their little gremlins, but aren’t afraid to admit that parenting sometimes feels like running a small, poorly funded circus. And the clowns are in charge.
If you’re in the trenches now, survived them years ago, or just need a warning for your parenting future, this list of funny books for parents is for you.
Table of Contents
Funny Books for Parents
Here’s the list, you guys! Are you excited?
| Title | Author | Year Published | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dad is Fat | Jim Gaffigan | 2013 | A hilarious look at raising five kids in a two-bedroom apartment while trying to maintain sanity. |
| Things My Son Needs to Know About the World | Fredrik Backman | 2019 | Backman writes tender, funny advice for his newborn son about life, love, and IKEA furniture. |
| Toddlers Are Aholes | Bunmi Laditan | 2015 | A brutally funny guide to surviving life with small children (aka tiny, lovable tyrants.) |
| Rage Against the Minivan | Kristen Howerton | 2020 | Howerton dismantles the myth of the “perfect parent” with humor, faith and a dose of reality. |
| From Dude to Dad | Chris Pegula | 2014 | A relatable and funny handbook for first-time dads navigating pregnancy and impending chaos. |
| Essays Out of Left Field | Scott Johnson | 2023 | Hello, it’s me. I just like to sneak my own book into lists. This one actually fits the theme! |
| I Heart My Little A-Holes | Karen Alpert | 2014 | Alpert captures the messy reality of parenting. It’s gross, exhausting, and somehow still wonderful. |
Funny Books about Parenting Summaries
Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan (2013)
- Full Title: Dad Is Fat
- Author Background: Stand-up comedian and father of five. Known for his clean, deeply self-depricating humor about food and family.
- Type of Book: Humor memoir + parenting observations.
- Summary: Gaffigan shares what it’s like to raise five kids in a two-bedroom apartment while trying to maintain sanity.
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because he says what every parent’s thinking but can’t say out loud. Typically because there’s a toddler screaming over them.
Want some more funny reads? Check out these collections of hilarious essays!
Want more funny books for Dads? Try these!
Rage Against the Minivan by Kristen Howerton (2020)
- Author Background: Therapist, mom of four, and writer behind the blog Rage Against the Minivan.
- Type of Book: Memoir + parenting reflection.
- Summary: Howerton tackles motherhood, identity, and faith with humor and honesty. She admits what every parent knows: perfection is impossible. But that’s OK, because the mess is where the good stuff happens!
- Why Parents Will Love It: It’s a therapy session and comedy show for any Mom or Dad thinking they’re failing at parenting (or spouse-ing.)
And some other hilarious memoirs here!
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman (2019)
- Full Title: Things My Son Needs to Know About the World
- Author Background: Swedish novelist best known for A Man Called Ove. Famous for balancing heartfelt stories, humor, and subtle life lessons.
- Type of Book: Essay collection + letters to his son.
- Summary: Backman writes funny “advice” to his newborn son about life, love, and why IKEA is a trap.
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because it captures that mix of deep love and total confusion every parent feels.
Toddlers Are Aholes: It’s Not Your Fault by Bunmi Laditan (2015)
- Full Title: Toddlers Are A**holes: It’s Not Your Fault
- Author Background: Blogger, writer, podcaster. Writes about faith and family.
- Type of Book: Satirical parenting guide.
- Summary: A brutally funny look at life with small children, told as if toddlers are tiny, lovable dictators who run the house (because they do).
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because finally, someone said it. It’s the therapy session you can laugh at instead of cry through.
Want some more funny books about motherhood? Check out this list!
From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy by Chris Pegula (2014)
- Full Title: From Dude to Dad: The Diaper Dude Guide to Pregnancy
- Author Background: Entrepreneur and creator of the Diaper Dude brand — one of the first to make fatherhood look (somewhat) cool.
- Type of Book: Practical guide + humor.
- Summary: Pegula offers a funny, straightforward manual for new dads trying to survive pregnancy, delivery, and the sudden realization that life has changed forever.
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because it makes first-time fatherhood feel less terrifying. And reminds guys that it’s OK to ask dumb questions.
Essays Out of Left Field: Life Lessons from a Midwestern Dad Who Talks About Sports Too Much by Scott Johnson (2023)
- Full Title: Essays Out of Left Field: Life Lessons from a Midwestern Dad Who Talks About Sports Too Much
- Author Background: Humor essayist, dad, and author of sarcastic reflections on parenting, sports, and middle age. And me.
- Type of Book: Essay collection + dad humor + life lessons.
- Summary: Johnson blends family stories, sports metaphors, and Midwest charm into a collection that’s kind of ridiculous, but also relateable.
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because I said so.
Want a free chapter? Grab it here
Check out more funny memoirs here!
I Heart My Little A-Holes: A Bunch of Holy Crap Moments No One Ever Told You About Parenting by Karen Alpert (2014)
- Full Title: I Heart My Little A-Holes: A Bunch of Holy Crap Moments No One Ever Told You About Parenting
- Author Background: Blogger behind Baby Sideburns, known for her unfiltered honesty and mom humor.
- Type of Book: Humor essays + confessional parenting stories.
- Summary: Alpert chronicles the craziness of parenthood. Diaper disasters and emotional meltdowns.
- Why Parents Will Love It: Because she says exactly what everyone else is thinking, then reminds you it’s all worth it (well, mostly worth it).
Check out my full review! (Coming soon)
Conclusion: Funny Books for Parents
Look, parenting is chaotic comedy. Our kids may give us the occasional urge to Google “boarding schools for toddlers.” But it’s also the good stuff: the hugs, the memories, the part where they eventually grow up and stop being tiny a-holes.
My children are not a-holes… anymore.
(Well, not usually. Teenagers have their own… seasons. Don’t worry – no chance they’ll read this.)
If you need a laugh or just a reminder that you’re not the only one raising lovable little gremlins, any book on this list will do the trick. Consider it your permission slip to hide in the bathroom for ten minutes and read something that doesn’t involve barnyard animals or talking trucks.
You’ve earned it.
Gimme some more funny books for parents! (Leave a comment below.)
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