Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11709 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Synopsis
A fresh new look brings this parenting classic up-to-date for a new generation of mothers and mothers-to-be. Taking an irreverent and humorous look at the trials and tribulations of motherhood, Radio 4's Libby Purves has created an invaluable survival guide so that even the most unpromising madonna can cope with the baby years. This is a parenting book with a difference- rather than a serious tome laying down the law, Libby Purves' lighthearted book shamelessly describes how to cut the corners and bend the rules that never mattered much anyway. Forget the other parenting books that hide the real truth- this is the true battle manual for mothers on the front line! This timeless guide to coping with motherhood has been revised, bringing it up-to-date for a whole new generation of mothers and mothers-to-be. Based on Libby Purves' own experience of domestic havoc with two babies and on the wit and wisdom of fifty like-minded mothers, this motherhood companion guide is full of down-to-earth tips and hilarious anecdotes. Topics covered include pregnancy, preschoolers, sibling fights, fraught outings, nannies and careers.

This is an invaluable guide to being an imperfect mother- and, more.

Customer Reviews

great book .. but remember its not a bible!
i loved this book - an entertaining read, full of good advice, the best being trust yourself. so do! she doesn't always get it right, but she isn't far wrong most of the time. and she doesn't judge you. calmed me down when i was getting worried, which is the most i could have wanted from any book.. worth a read..

excellent but with a caveat
This is a great book and I loved it, but I wouldn't take it as gospel. I think she pushes breastfeeding a bit too much - it didn't work for me and I wish I had given it up after 6 weeks rather than making my first 3 months of motherhood a misery for myself and my baby. After a lifelong struggle with depression Libby Purves' son committed suicide at 23, which may or may not be relevant.

incredible
This is the best peranting book i've bought or read by far (and i've pretty much read everthing i can lay my hands on being a serious addict). when i first read it i had this warm glow for weeks - and paradoxically, i think i probably became the 'perfect' mother. i still reach for it when my two start to get me down, even though they're really a bit old now, but the humour is so true to life, i never tire of it. A real shame she didn't go on to write about older toddlers, and the school aged child book was a bit disappointing...still, i can still reach for this one.