How Not to Raise a Perfect Child

by Libby Purves (Author), Libby Purves (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $3.25

  A perfect child:

  * Dresses neatly and practises the violin before breakfast

  * Comes top of the class and is captain of everything

  * Is unfailingly obedient and sweet-tempered

  * Is a perfect credit to its perfect mother

  A real child:

  * Prefers shoelaces undone and mismatched socks

  * Shouts 'Bum!' at Granny

  * Turns breakfast and bedtime into a battleground

  * Is the normal offspring of imperfect parents

  With affectionate lack of illusion and a refreshing honesty about her own shortcomings, Libby Purves examines the pleasures and pitfalls of raising children from three to eight years old. Playgroup, starting school, rude words, pets - all these topics are tackled with frank good humour and down-to-earth advice.

  Best of all is her reassuring reminder that there is no such thing as a perfect child.

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.74

  Written by the author of, and in the same style as, How Not to be a Perfect Mother this book looks at the age range of three to eight years old. The author examines the practical aspects of child development and probable experiences in a humorous manner to demonstrate that all parents experience the same feelings of wonderment at their child's progress and development. The problems of playgroup days, school beginnings, corrosive mum competitiveness, impossible questions, rude words and early friendships are just some of the experiences cited.