Product Description

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 importantly, enjoying it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8834 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Review
'This book is a great antidote to the prevailing tendency to make a science of everything, even the most natural things, like raising children. Libby Purves has faith in people. As you read her book, your faith in yourself comes flooding back.' Amazon reader, 2002

About the Author
Libby Purves is a well-known author of books on childcare and family life, as well as eight bestselling novels, which have been translated into many different languages worldwide. With a background in journalism, she joined Radio 4's Today programme in 1974 and went on to present Today from 1977-81. She now presents Midweek and The Learning Curve, both also on Radio 4, as well as being a major columnist for the Times and writing for several other publications. In 1999 she was awarded the OBE for services to journalism and was Columnist of the Year. She is married with two children.

Customer Reviews

How to reassure an imperfect mother
I borrowed this book from the library and renewed it so many times that I had to buy it in the end. It kept me amused during my pregnancy and reassured during the first year of my baby's life. Now after number 2 child, I enjoy reading it again and smiling knowingly at all the stages of new parenthood. It doesn't preach, just dishes out good sensible advice in bite sized sections. Libby Purves accepts every baby and mother is different and offers several solutions to the age old challenges of trying to survive the first year of motherhood. Well worth the money.

The best, down-to-earth parenting book THAT WORKS!
Of all the books on parenting I read when I was pregnant with my first child, this was far and away the most realistic, the most useful and the most entertaining to read. Full of useful tips on real-life parenting - not the textbook claptrap of "perfect mother" books. I would recommend this book to any new parents, old parents, grandparents, carers, next-door-neighbours... anyone who has dealings with babies, toddlers and young children. An essential weapon in the parental armoury!

Not Guilty
You already know how to look after your baby, and Libby Purves has written the only baby-care book I know of that acknowledges this and encourages mothers - and fathers - to rely on their common sense, supplemented with a range of crafty tips that will reduce your stress levels by 100%. Other 'baby manuals', however sympathetic their tone seems, manage to leave parents with a sense of guilt and inadequacy because they aren't keeping the humidity in the baby's room at the right level, or measuring the temperature of baby's milk correctly.

This book is a great antidote to the prevailing tendency to make a science out of everything, even the most natural things, like raising children. Libby Purves has faith in people. As you read her book, your faith in yourself comes flooding back.