How Not to Raise the Perfect Child

by Libby Purves, Júlia Lázár (Translator), Viv Quillin (Illustrator)

A perfect dresses neatly and practices the violin before breakfast; comes top of the class and is captain of everything; is unfailingly obedient and sweet-tempered; and is a perfect credit to its perfect mother. A real prefers shoelaces undone and mismatched socks; shouts 'Bum!' at granny; turns breakfast and bedtime into a battleground; and 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.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Libby Purves is a journalist and author who has been writing for The Times since 1982. A previous columnist of the year and author of 12 novels and non-fiction books, she was for 40 years a BBC Radio 4 broadcaster after becoming the Today programme’s first woman and youngest presenter.

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito boa perspectiva de uma autora inglesa sobre a criação de filhos

[Annamária · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the most funny book I ever read about families with kids between the ages of 3-7. Good thing is that even mothers can grow with these books, there seems to be one for every stage of motherhood. I got at least three new ideas that I am implementing with my kids regarding holidays, sick days and siblings. I recommend reading this to every mother!

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun read- a book I will have to return to when my kid(s) are a lot older and since the first isn't even born yet... I will keep it at the back of the shelf when I will def. need its advice as I won't remember it later!

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusant et plein d'observations justes, toutefois il est fort possible que vous ayez déjà eu des expériences similaires si vous avez un ou plusieurs enfants.