Shari Marshall’s The Funny Side is a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud collection of parenting stories that shine a hilarious spotlight on the chaos, messes, and unexpected joys of raising children. From the very first page, Marshall makes it clear—this isn’t a parenting guide. Instead, it’s a warm, witty, and refreshingly honest look at the ups and downs of life as a mom. The book is structured as a series of anecdotes, touching on everything from potty training and toddler streaking to those unfiltered, mortifying things kids blurt out in public. With chapters like Are We Responsible for Our Children’s Behavior? and Penis, Vagina, and Non-Sensical Things I’ve Learned, you know you’re in for a ride.

As a parent (and a grandparent), I found myself nodding, chuckling, and, at times, outright laughing at Marshall’s stories. She captures those wild, unpredictable parenting moments with such vivid humor that I felt like I was right there with her, reliving my own experiences. Take, for example, her battle with her toddler’s fascination with nudity—one I know all too well. When her son learned the word privacy, only to immediately abandon all concept of it by streaking through the house, I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard. Then there’s her mortifying moment at Disneyland when her young son, in what could only be described as an innocent-yet-highly-suspect act, placed his tiny hand right on Ariel’s chest during a photo op. Priceless. These are the kinds of stories every parent collects over the years but often tries to forget until someone else dares to share theirs.

Beyond the humor, Marshall also sneaks in moments of deep relatability. Her struggles with early motherhood, especially with her premature baby’s fragile start in life, tugged at my heartstrings. She doesn’t sugarcoat the exhaustion, self-doubt, or overwhelming love that comes with raising kids. And then there are those little victories, like when her son finally figures out the mechanics of peeing standing up. That balance between hilarity and heartfelt truth is what makes this book stand out.

If you’re a parent, a grandparent, or even just someone who enjoys a good laugh about the beautiful disaster that is raising children, this book is for you. The Funny Side is perfect for exhausted moms who need reassurance that they’re not alone, dads who could use a reminder that yes, this happens to everyone, and even soon-to-be parents who have no idea what they’re getting themselves into. Shari Marshall has written a book that lets us laugh at the madness, embrace the mess, and appreciate the fact that no parent has it all figured out.

Pages: 114 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DZ44G97D