Dummy: The Comedy and Chaos of Real-Life Parenting Hardcover – 20 April 2017

As a winging it as I go along parent, I've probably made a few decisions a few people are surprised by. For example, if my now 4-yr-old daughter asks a question, I believe she's old enough to know the answer and if she wants to try my alcohol-based drink, I'll let her take a sip - often to hilarious face pulling. Champagne at my ex-boyfriend's wedding was an especially funny one. I believe it's put her off for at least the next 14 years. This book is the literal celebration of decisions like these. Often amusing, but also quite sensible too, in the long run at least. With tears of hilarity and mirth, but also sense and sensibilities, with your child tucked under your arm as you stumble through decisions like what clothing to choose and decision-making processors of stumbling along with that the majority of us go with. They're not always right or wrong, but they'll do nicely at the end of the end of the day as you fall into an exhausted heap... Nice one mate.

Like many people who probably bought this book, I’ve followed Man vs. Baby for a while. Firstly I’d say to anyone who reads the blog, but isn’t sure if they’d want to read the book . . . Trust me, you need to read this. Matt goes into so much more depth and with diagrams, charts and more pop culture references than one of those crappy top 100 moment tv shows, this book is a constant turn pager.Whether you and your partner are expecting, are new parents or like me, have a child well into their teens, you can relate to this book and Matt’s experiences, failures, triumphs and fears. Laugh out loud moments, heart warming moments as well as oh dear Matt, what were you thinking moments are all mixed together side by side in this lifting tale of just how much one man grew from a man child into a man who loves his child more than anything in the world.I met Matt recently at a book event in Manchester and he’s just as down to earth and funny in real life as he is online and in the book. He was asked what he thought Charlie (his son) would think when/if he reads the book when he’s older and I’d just like to say to Matt that if Charlie does read the book then tell him to read the last chapter first because there will be no doubt at all just how much he’s loved by his Dad. Oh and Matt, If you do take up my suggestion to write a follow up book about desperately trying to find Barbara I’ll be looking for a mention in the acknowledgments lol You also still owe me a badge ;p

I bought this for my hubs as a Father’s Day present. He hasn’t had a chance to read it and frankly he’ll have to tear it from my sweaty palm. Matt’s rendition and reflection on being a parent is uncannily like he’s been in our (and every other parent’s) front room, watching it unfold. I strongly suggest the NHS consider issuing a copy to each new parent alongside the info on registering a birth- it will an invaluable resource, be it your first or last. Plus, bonus points, it works on Mummy’s pelvic floor as she tries not to piss herself laughing.Good work Mr Coyne!

I've not laughed this hard since the first time I heard Billy Connelly tell the Spain diarrhoea story! Seriously laugh out loud and get starred at kind of book. As the father of a 2 year old I had forgetton / blanked out most of these things .... probably not a good idea to have read it 2 weeks before the birth of the twins!! The flashbacks .... you weren't there man you weren't there!!!!

Dummy: Parenting for the Inept and the Clueless is a hilarious and heart warming parenting book that, in my humble opinion, should be provided on the NHS to all new parents.Unlike 99% of the other parenting books I've read Dummy doesn't take itself too seriously, it doesn't pretend to have all the answers and it won't make you feel like your making a hash of things; and that is the kind of book new parents need to read.Matt Coyne has a fantastically approachable style that make this a swift and fun read. Also despite being a comedy book it is surprisingly informative and most importantly reassuring. The main thrust if the book being 'You might not be getting everything right but no-one else is and that is fine.'If you only read one parenting book make it this one.

The first half of the book is an absolute blinder with lots of laugh out loud, trying to gag a giggle moments. The second half is merely quite humorous and feels as if the author ran out of steam a little. Still a great read over all... but as a father of 3 children, I did find myself thinking: "Just you wait until you have to deal with more demands from little people."Get this for summer. Unless you're offended by bad language in which case avoid like the plague.

A hilariously honest, and incredibly accurate account of parenthood, particularly the first year of your first baby.Reading this book is like reading your own diary of those horrifyingly overwhelming first few months (if you had been able to see straight enough to write one).The worry, the tired wars, the judgements, the 6 million pieces of conflicting advice, the old ladies, the colossal amount of nappies, the baby groups, the equipment required for such a small human, the milestones and of course the love.What I found most appealing about this book though is that it is a different perspective. Without meaning to sound sexist or gender bias, when it comes to talking about parenthood, Men can sometimes take a backseat. It’s so refreshing to read such an honest account, from a Dad’s perspective, and it is absolutely one that each and every father will relate to.Sod the parenting books, this is the only book you need to read, to help you feel a little less alone in the absolute shitstorm that is your first baby!

Absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud which was unfortunate as i tended to read it at night during that stage when my boy had fallen asleep, but not enough to stop him screaming like a banshee when I had the audacity to put him in his bed. Yeah thanks for that matt.Seriously though I wish I had read this sooner. My boy is 1 now and it was way more reassuring than any of the parenting books I read. The only problem has been keeping my eyes open long enough to read a book!Looking forward to reading his next book.