CTRL + MUM: The Parent Trap You Walked Into Willingly: Parenting books often promise guidance, solutions, and perfectly packaged advice — but Rajani Tewari’s CTRL + MUM: The Parent Trap You Walked Into Willingly breaks every one of those conventions, and does so brilliantly. With warmth, self-deprecating humor, and an unflinching dose of truth, Tewari captures the messy, beautiful, and often contradictory reality of being a modern-day parent. This is not a “how-to” guide; it’s a “you’ll-get-through-it” story — part memoir, part mirror, and wholly relatable.
A Refreshing Take on Parenthood
From the very first chapter, Tewari sets the tone with wit and authenticity. There’s no sugar-coating or forced optimism here — just a refreshingly candid narrative that acknowledges both the exhaustion and the joy of parenting. CTRL + MUM feels like a conversation with a friend who gets it, someone who laughs at the chaos but also admits to crying in the bathroom at 2 a.m. because life feels like a never-ending balancing act.
What makes the book stand out is its refusal to glorify or simplify motherhood. Tewari doesn’t shy away from addressing the guilt, frustration, and self-doubt that come with raising children in today’s hyperconnected, performance-driven world. Yet, instead of leaving readers overwhelmed, she transforms these moments into sources of laughter, empathy, and self-reflection.
The Balance of Humor and Heart
Tewari’s writing style is sharp, witty, and delightfully self-aware. Her humor doesn’t feel forced — it flows naturally from the absurdities and ironies of daily life as a parent. Whether she’s recounting a tantrum in the middle of a grocery store or describing the silent judgment of other parents at a school event, the anecdotes hit close to home. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud, nodding in agreement, and occasionally pausing to wipe away a tear.
Yet beneath the humor lies a deep emotional resonance. Tewari’s honesty about the mental and emotional toll of parenting — the feeling of losing one’s identity, the struggle to “do it all,” and the constant self-questioning — brings authenticity and depth to her storytelling. She navigates these emotional landscapes with empathy and grace, reminding readers that it’s okay to be imperfect and human.
The Child’s Voice: A Touch of Tenderness
One of the most delightful elements of CTRL + MUM is the inclusion of the child’s “diary entries.” These sections, sprinkled throughout the book, add a charming and intimate perspective that perfectly complements Tewari’s narrative voice. Through these entries, readers glimpse the innocence, humor, and occasional wisdom of a child observing the world — and their parent — in their own unique way.
This clever structural choice not only breaks up the narrative rhythm but also enriches the emotional texture of the book. It transforms what could have been a one-sided reflection into a heartfelt dialogue between mother and child, making the reading experience even more immersive and poignant.
A Universal Story Told with Heart
While CTRL + MUM is grounded in the specifics of modern Indian parenting — the cultural expectations, the societal pressures, the relentless comparison — its themes are universally resonant. Whether you’re a new mother juggling career and childcare, a father trying to navigate the emotional complexities of family life, or even an adult child reflecting on your own upbringing, there’s something in this book that will strike a chord.
Tewari writes not just for mothers but for anyone who has ever loved deeply, struggled honestly, and learned to laugh through the chaos. Her storytelling transcends gender and generational boundaries, offering insights into the shared human experience of care, connection, and resilience.
The Strength of Simplicity
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of CTRL + MUM is its simplicity. The prose is unpretentious, the pacing is fluid, and the voice is genuine. Tewari doesn’t rely on lofty language or complex metaphors to make her point; her strength lies in her ability to find meaning in everyday moments. It’s this simplicity — paired with her humor and vulnerability — that makes the book so impactful.
The title itself, CTRL + MUM, is a clever nod to the illusion of control that every parent tries to hold onto. Like the computer shortcut it references, it’s about resetting, restarting, and sometimes just holding things together long enough to get through the day. Tewari’s exploration of this metaphor throughout the book adds a subtle, thoughtful layer to an otherwise lighthearted narrative.
Final Verdict
Rajani Tewari’s CTRL + MUM: The Parent Trap You Walked Into Willingly is more than a parenting book — it’s a survival memoir, a heartfelt confession, and a comforting reminder that none of us are doing it perfectly, and that’s perfectly fine. With its blend of humor, honesty, and emotional depth, it stands out as one of the most relatable and entertaining takes on modern motherhood.
Tewari doesn’t preach or prescribe; she invites. She invites readers to laugh at the chaos, forgive themselves for the guilt, and cherish the tiny, messy, miraculous moments that make parenting worthwhile. In doing so, she offers what every parent needs most — not advice, but understanding.
Verdict: Raw, real, and refreshingly funny — CTRL + MUM is a must-read for anyone who has ever tried to balance love, life, and the elusive art of control.
