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Traig, Jennifer. (2019). **Act Natural: A Cultural History of Misadventures in Parenting.**
**New York: Harper Collins Publishers.**

Reviewed by: Naima Faisal Abdalla, MacEwan University

Jennifer Traig's book, "Act Natural: A Cultural History of Misadventures in Parenting," skillfully weaves historical analysis with personal anecdotes to comprehensively understand the evolution of parenting practices. This scholarly yet engaging work examines eruditely how cultural forces have shaped prevailing ideologies about child-rearing throughout various periods and societies. It navigates this complex topic meticulously, illuminating its often-comical aspects and paradoxical elements inherent within received wisdom on parental guidance. "Act Natural," the book's title, beckons one to critically examine societal expectations and norms that have dictated parenting methodologies. Traig, with precision and insight, prompts a nuanced exploration of historical misadventures in parenting; she invites reflection upon contemporary approaches to raising children. The author employs a combination of methods to provide a rich and nuanced exploration of the subject matter. She uses humour to weave personal anecdotes, historical research, and pop culture references into an informative yet entertaining narrative. Traig comprehensively and engagingly examines the evolution of parenting norms, from medieval child-rearing methods to the peculiar advice in vintage parenting manuals; we embark on a journey through this scholarly yet accessible volume. Our exploration traverses the cultural landscape of parenthood through a timeless and evolving experience, leaving us with a profound appreciation for its inherent intricacies.
In "Act Natural," Jennifer Traig skillfully blends humour into her examination of the nu-
merous tragic events that have dotted history. Possessing a sharp eye for absurdity and an acute
wit, Traig guides readers through a delightful journey of laughter and insight. The book skillfully
navigates the often-comical contradictions embedded in historical parenting advice, revealing the
amusing missteps and peculiar recommendations that have shaped child-rearing generations. From
outdated suggestions of heavy drinking during labour, as suggested by Patricia Cloyd Carter, to
the comically impractical notions of past generations, Traig's exploration of historical parenting
advice offers readers a good laugh and a thought-provoking journey through the absurdities of
cultural expectations. Additionally, she critically examines limited historical books on parenting
of the past, offering engaging explanations for their inherent silliness. The book's strength lies in
Traig's capacity to address serious topics: she infuses them with refreshing doses of humour. It is
navigating sensitive subjects such as the pressure to breastfeed in public, the anxiety-inducing
competitive parenting world, and an ever-present fear of mistakes. This approach transforms po-
tentially dry historical analysis into an engaging exploration: a humorous yet universal understand-
ing of parenthood's often perplexing experiences. The book thus becomes more than merely in-
formative; it entertains through its infusion of humour. The relatable bridge connects readers
across time and culture through the shared experience of navigating the unpredictable terrain of
raising children.

One of the book's strengths is examining the shifting landscape of parenting trends across
different cultures and periods. Traig adeptly dissects the societal influences that have shaped par-
enting philosophies, from the rigid disciplinary methods of yesteryear to the more permissive
styles of today. Tracing the roots of parenting advice to ancient civilizations, Traig reveals that cultural expectations and counsel for raising children were as baffling - often contradictory - as todays. She leads readers on a historical journey starting with the Victorian era when strict rules and rigid societal norms governed childcare practices. Continuing onward, she dissects the intricacies of early parenting manuals and charts out how they gave way to the "natural parenting" movement- an advocate for more instinctual, interactive approaches towards nurturing. Tracing the evolution of parenting advice, the author illuminates outdated practices' humourous aspects and incites readers to scrutinize our understanding of parenthood shaped by broader cultural forces.

Additionally, Traig examines how technology and the digital age influence parenting; she delves into issues like balancing screen time, grappling with helicopter parenting's rise, and tackling the complications of monitoring children's online activities. Throughout her book, she underscores the absurdity and rituals of many parenting fads; she often highlights - with a keen eye for societal undercurrents - parents' propensity to go to outrageous lengths in their quest for their children's well-being. Traig critically and astutely examines the paradoxical nature of modern parenting, where technological advancements simplify and complicate the roles of parents. Acting as a cultural compass by navigating twists and turns in parenting trends, "Act Natural" propels changes by identifying underlying societal currents. The book's exploration of the cultural history surrounding parenting misadventures prompts readers to introspect their current child-rearing methods; it spurs them to scrutinize societal expectations' impact on these approaches.

Traig's narratives, interlaced with historical and cultural analysis, add a sensitive and relatable layer to the book: they cover parental history via her personal anecdotes while also provid-
ing literary critique. This method entails meticulously examining narrative structure and language usage, primarily rhetorical tactics used to effectively portray Traig's point. Traig's deliberate choice to infuse her writing style with humour and wit engages readers effectively, engagingly communicating information. Her experiences enable readers to identify with the universality of parenting issues, finding common ground amidst time-traveling challenges and delights. By blending historical context into personal narratives, Traig creates a captivating read and nurtures profound comprehension of the human experience within parenthood. "Act Natural" functions as a retrospective and a mirror: it reflects our shared humanity in the misadventures and triumphs of parenthood across generations.

"Act Natural" goes beyond a simple inventory of parenting misadventures to present an introspective meditation on the enduring essence of parenthood. Traig uses humour to encourage readers to face and embrace the challenges and joys that come with child-rearing journeys. In this regard, by encouraging reflection on cultural norms shaping our understanding of effective parenting practices, the book actively invites us to reflect on these universal struggles and victories shared by all parents. Traig deftly achieves a delicate balance between amusement and contemplation in the book producing an entertaining read as well as a poignant exploration of enduring aspects of the human experience of parenting.

Traig's target audience includes parents and other caregivers who can identify with the difficulties and rewards of being a parent, as well as sociologists and anthropologists with various theoretical backgrounds. It's also an excellent teaching and reference tool for postsecondary students studying parenting-related topics in any subject.
Jennifer Traig's "Act Natural: A Cultural History of Misadventures in Parenting" con-
cludes with a delightful and enlightening offering that presents the challenges and triumphs of
raising children from a fresh perspective. Traig, through her unique blend of humour and astute
observations, encourages readers to ponder the constantly evolving cultural expectations associ-
ated with parenting, simultaneously valuing authenticity and embracing imperfections as defining
features that render each family distinct. Her analysis employed an approach rooted in cultural
studies to scrutinize the precise contexts where specific parenting practices have evolved. Exam-
ining how culture shapes and is shaped by diverse societal aspects, this approach underscores the
critical importance of historical research within Traig's book. She scrutinizes current trends and
past historical patterns, strategically integrating them into her exploration of parenting practices
across different periods. Additionally, the author expertly blends personal anecdotes and experi-
ences with expansive cultural analysis: this provides readers with an engaging narrative and offers
them insights into the broader context of parenting culture. "Act Natural: A Cultural History of
Misadventures in Parenting" is an informative and engaging book; indeed, it warrants recommen-
dations for first-time parents and those intrigued by all things related to parenthood.