So many collections of thoughts on parenthood tend to be rather twee and self-congratulatory – parenthood and children viewed through rose-tinted spectacles by those claiming to have the perfect nuclear family and the answers to everything! So as a rule I avoid such books.And then I discovered Charlie Plunkett and her 100 Little Words on Parenthood.
The thoughts range from birth through starting school and on to university, coping with teens and guidelines for grandparents. It's an eclectic mix of the joys and tribulations of parenthood but about three quarters of the book devoted to contributions about younger children which could lessen its appeal to those with much older children.
However, I particularly liked this entry from a single mother of twins:
"I was once told that how children behave around others is a true reflection of their behavioural skills... Well, to be honest I don't care what mine are like around others I want them to be good around me! I am the one that has made these the well-behaved children that people say they are. Yet all I get is the endless arguing and fighting!"
100 Little Words on Parenthood is a book to dip into for fun and advice and would make a perfect gift for Mothering Sunday.
One criticism it is that contributors who have more than one entry are introduced in the same way each time and the repetitions jar.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
100 Little Words on Parenthood - As Told by Parents, Grandparents & Experts