"Go the (expletive) To Sleep . . . demeans children" and comparable to racist humor

[Eavesdrop]

"Go the F*** to Sleep" should be kept out of reach of children is because of its violent language and because of the way it demeans children.

"Imagine if this were written about Jews, blacks, Muslims or Latinos," says Dr. David Arredondo. He is an expert on child development and founder of The Children's Program, in the San Francisco metropolitan area, which provides consultation and training for those working with troubled youths.

It is hard to imagine this kind of humor being tolerated by any of the marginalized groups Arredondo cited. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/06/27/zacharias.kid.book/index.html 

[hopefulfaith]

I never thought it was written to ever be read to children, actually.  I think the reason it is so funny is that it is sort of the "bedtime book for adults" - sometimes what we're _thinking_ about when we put our very young children to sleep - but never to be read to them, of course.

I remember rocking my 13 month old and trying to lay him down, etc., when I was 9 months pregnant with #2.  The thoughts in that book were exactly what was going through my head, to be honest.

I think that's why it cracked me up.  ;)

[limette]

Is there an eye rolling smiley? It's a joke. Meant for adults who occasionally feel a little crazy when their toddlers won't go to sleep and allow their frazzled parents a little downtime.

[sunshinemum]

yeah I can totally identify with this! I thought it was very funny. There has been many a time in the parenting of 3 kids that I have muttered similar things under my breath!

[TiredX2]

I found the arguement in the cited article inane.

This is not a book FOR children.  It is not advocating violence against children.  There are enough problems in the world without borrowing more.

[tinuviel_k]

I saw this in a bookstore yesterday. I agree: it is not meant to read to KIDS. It is for adults and honestly I thought it was pretty funny.

[Storm Bride]

I didn't find the book all that funny, personally - but I don't agree with anything about the article in the OP. She's pulling together a bunch of random stuff and talking as though there are strong connections between them. The book is just a goofy joke for parents to read. That article is just ridiculous.

[ramama]

That is the most idiotic article I have ever read.  WTF are they talking about, and have they even read the book?

[childsplay]

The book rocks. With all the nicey-nice bedtime stories, gentle suggestions and advice - which are great, really, to a certain point - it's just nice to see that I'm not the only person in the world who has clenched her teeth in frustration and bit back on those exact words (many times).

The article didn't even make sense....

Maybe there'll be a sequel? - along the lines of "Stop bleepin whining!"  I would buy that too.

[bandgeek]

I thought the book was hilarious!  And I would never read it to my children.  That's just dumb. LOL

[mandalamama]

it's definitely not a book for kids! i came across the book on the web a few days after my daughter had a sleepover, it fit so well with my feelings that night, i couldn't stop giggling all day! i'm a Samuel L. Jackson fan, especially when he gets all biblical in "Pulp Fiction." the idea of him narrating a children's book is so ridiculous it's funny. my girl's pretty good at sleeping, add even one other kid and i try to be sooooo diplomatic, i wish Jackson would come knocking at my door to help me out *lol* just kidding!

[Rani]

Another example of people taking stuff WAY TOO SERIOUSLY....I  mean really, come on. I guess that Doctor just wanted some time in the spot light.

[journeymom]

Slightly off topic, but this seems goofy to me as well:

Parents often don't act in the way storybooks depict either. Putting kids to bed can be a challenge, and it may be an even bigger problem for this generation of parents because the sacred bedtime ritual of reading to children has gone away.

"I think it's pretty important to note that most kids in this country do not get read to at all when they go to sleep," Arredondo says.

Really? He can prove this? Regardless, I imagine that most of the small children all over the world go to sleep every single night without having been read to.  So for him to wag his finger at ...who, I'm not really sure... for not reading to their kids before sleep seems a little odd to me. 

[Adaline'sMama]

I love it. And I have to share this:


http://www.nerve.com/news/books/listen-samuel-l-jackson-narrates-go-the-fuck-to-sleep

It SO much funnier when read aloud by Samuel L Jackson.

My favorite line is "Hell no you cant go to the bathroom. You know where you can go? The f--k to sleep."

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by journeymom 

Slightly off topic, but this seems goofy to me as well:

Really? He can prove this? Regardless, I imagine that most of the small children all over the world go to sleep every single night without having been read to.  So for him to wag his finger at ...who, I'm not really sure... for not reading to their kids before sleep seems a little odd to me. 

That one made me nuts. I've never read to my kids at bedtime. (I mean it's never been a routine, not that I've never, ever done it.) I like to sing at bedtime, which is what my mom did with us. But, I do read to them at other times. The whole "sacred bedtime ritual" thing kind of bugged me. I'm an avid reader, as was my mom. DH reads for pleasure (although he's not as fanatic about it as I am), as does ds1. DD1 and ds2 are both showing signs of enjoying reading, although they're still not totally into it. Reading at bedtime isn't "sacred". I think it's a lovely ritual, and I think it's a very positive thing. But, that part of the article made it sound as though putting kids to bed without a story is almost on a par with abuse or neglect. It was weird.

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by Adaline'sMama 

I love it. And I have to share this:


http://www.nerve.com/news/books/listen-samuel-l-jackson-narrates-go-the-fuck-to-sleep

It SO much funnier when read aloud by Samuel L Jackson.

My favorite line is "Hell no you cant go to the bathroom. You know where you can go? The f--k to sleep."

Yes, it is. 
 

[A&A]

Upon seeing the title, I knew instantly it was a book I wouldn't touch in a million years, let alone pay a dime for.  Joke or no joke, it's demeaning, both to our children and to the work of parenting. 

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by limette 

Is there an eye rolling smiley? It's a joke. Meant for adults who occasionally feel a little crazy when their toddlers won't go to sleep and allow their frazzled parents a little downtime.

I agree. No way would I read it to kids. But it was humorous to hear Samuel L. Jackson read it. It's funny in the same way shows like South Park are funny. I think the author of the article is missing the point.

[sarafi]

Originally Posted by childsplay 

\

Maybe there'll be a sequel? - along the lines of "Stop bleepin whining!"  I would buy that too.

SIL just bought me this as a "new baby" present. I think I would have like the whining book better  Funny idea, obviously not meant for children, I threw it away as I have children who can read and don't want them seeing it.
 

[Alenushka]

I think it is hilarious book. If you think it is intended to be read to kids, you need counseling from a local comedian to find your sence of humor.

This book is safe way for parent to express their frustration. Just like this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFANzZTdYM