“How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls” by Andrew McKinney

How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls: And The Lessons I Learned

Andrew McKinney
AM Press (2022)
ISBN: 978-1777996406
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views (12/2022)

“How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls: And The Lessons I Learned” by Andrew McKinney is a hilarious and refreshing memoir. Insightful and open-minded, this heartfelt read looks at parenting from the perspective of a family man who has been in the conduits of childrearing. The memoir recounts the interesting journey of the author in raising his three teenage girls, Jacquelyn, Meaghan, and Gloria.

The account starts with McKinney flying home from Zurich, where he had just attended a series of company meetings for the top executives. A Hollywood movie, “Uncle Buck” that had been playing on his aero tab depicts a teenage girl who puts her erratic behavior behind and reconciles with his mother, all in seven days. McKinney believes he knows better. Being a father to three teenage girls hasn’t been a walk in the park for him and his beautiful wife, Karen. From using coded language meant to throw him off to metamorphosing into new unpredictable behaviors, the kids never stop to amuse him.

Like any other responsible parents, McKinney and his wife try to introduce a set of rules in the house, which includes establishing phone limits during nighttime. Happy that the situation is under control, McKinney sets off to bed on this particular night after tucking the girls’ phones to safety. A few moments later, he can’t believe it when a frightening, belly-crawling creature turns up at the foot of his bed. Has their house been broken into? He is in for a rude shock when a rather familiar face pops up in front of him!

The author has done an exemplary job showcasing the beautiful side of parenthood while adding humor to the challenges therein. He manages to be hilarious while keeping it candidly clean. This twenty-eight-chapter read whose first-hand insight and wisdom stand priceless and unmatched is a great addition to the shelves of aspiring parents while entertaining those who have already been there. It is full of spirited and whip-smart lessons that offer great help in formulating a winning strategy for successful parenthood. The characters, who are the author’s family members, are equally hilarious, tender, and honest, making this an enjoyable read from beginning to end. Clever additions such as witty quotes, and platitudes not only add candor and poise to the work but also creates humor in ways that will make readers chuckle, smile, and even laugh out loud.

How I Lost My Hair-Raising Teenage Girls: And The Lessons I Learned by Andrew McKinney is an essential five-star guidebook that will help maintain positive parenting and develop a connection with children while instilling invaluable insight about their developing brains making one easily understand their actions. Great work Author McKinney!