From a delighted parent.

p.s. As a big fan of Miss Manners (and now Miss Mellor), I was surprised to see the [comparison]. Judith Martin's humor relies on an imperturbably ladylike primness and pedantry; Mellor is far more slapstick, loopy and fun. Buy both, and see for yourself!!


Warning: Not for the humorless   September 20, 2004
 19 out of 27 found this review helpful

this has got to be one of the funniest books i've ever read. however, those of you who believe that your kids ARE the center of the whole universe might not find it so funny. someone has mentioned something about it might encourage binge drinking in teenagers, which is not funny. Binge drinking in ANYONE is not funny, but three martinis is hardly binge drinking. besides, if you're offended by the idea of someone drinking a few martinis, WHY WOULD YOU BUY THIS BOOK TO BEGIN WITH?

it is so refreshing to see someone from LA who realizes that children don't need to constantly be involved in some sort of activity (she refers to it as your child's '80-hour workweek') She also points out that your child also isnt benefiting from being picked up after and sitting in front of the TV all day. Almost everything she says is just plain common sense presented in a hip, almost Vegas-like quality.

I am the mother of a toddler who eats better than most 10 year olds i know, and the stepmother of an 11 yr old that, because of her mother's 'i want my children to depend on me' attitude, doesn't know how to operate a washing machine, microwave, vaccuum cleaner or dishwasher. she has just learned in the past year how to wash a dish, open a door with a key and has yet to learn how to use a knife to cut a sandwich. i wish i was making this up. i have three younger stepsisters that, due to their mother's attitude of 'it's just easier to get them to eat chicken fingers and hot dogs rather than to try to get them to eat anything else", will not eat anything other than chicken or hotdogs. my stepsister will be 21 in two weeks, and whenever she goes on a date she picks the restaurant based on the quality of their chicken fingers. 21 years old. still eats chicken fingers. let's just say that her mother's lack of determination to expand her children's horizons has stunted them in their later years. This book points out that WE ARENT DOING OUR CHILDREN ANY FAVORS BY DOING EVERYTHING FOR THEM. remember the term "spoiled rotten?"


Hilarious, Surprising, Arch Advice   March 7, 2005
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

With tongue firmly in cheek, Mellor deftly explodes all of the anxious mythology about modern, over-attentive parenting. Her book's not really an advice book, but a humorous riposte, even though there is a simple, fundamental message--relax, this isn't rocket science--hidden in plain sight. A welcome antidote to all the craziness. I'm much more appreciative of parenting/family books that use humor. I'd also urge you to read "I Sleep At Red Lights: A True Story of Life After Triplets," by Bruce Stockler, a laugh-out-loud memoir about trying to juggle, well, everything.


Stressed parents need buy.................................   July 10, 2004
 15 out of 17 found this review helpful

I love this book!!! As a first time parent of a now seven month old baby girl, many people are surprised at my laid back yet firm approach to parenting. This book captures my feel for the way I want to raise my child with so much wit and humor, I find myself laughing out loud while reading it!!! I have reccomended this book to every parent and parent-to-be that I know. Any "uptight" mom and dad should read this!! We were here first!! We get so overwhelmed as parents trying to raise smart, healthy, and safe children we forget to take time for ourselves and RELAX and enjoy our children. We also forget that WE are the PARENTS and WE run the show. Even if you don't have kids this book should be read.