It's a really sad statement that there's even a market for books like this, but there you have it. Mellor is preaching to the choir with me, but my mother-in-law and sister-in-law would throw this book into the fire for her stance that parents should have a life outside of their kids, for the GOOD of their kids. Thank goodness there are books like this for those of us who enjoy the sound of a baby rattle as much as the rattle of a martini shaker and the laughter of good friends. A fast, funny read.

Oh my gosh! It was like this book was written for me!! I haven't felt like this about a parenting book since I read - thanks to Agnes - Great with Child.

Finally! I refreshing take on parenting that completely jives with how I view looking after kids. Her witty, concise writing had me laughing out loud on several occasions. I whole-heartedly agreed with Mellor's stance on most everything, though we diverged on a few points, outlined below.

I agree with Mellor that kids should be able to play on their own, parents need some down time, parents should be firm with kids and say no, kids should be put to be early for both their welfare and their parents' sanity, it is important to limit television to VERY few minutes of public tv and videos, parents should not accommodate picky eaters, over-scheduling kids is bad, and it is key to make sure to focus on yourself a bit.

Where we disagree: kids should not be making martinis (though, according to my dad, I made a wicked dry martini by age 8), just allowing kids have accidents to let them learn is a bit extreme, in my opinion screaming outside is fine, and smoking - especially with kids around - is NOT okay.

I LOVED that she points out that dads should do their fair share and not be given extreme accolades for doing it (because moms certainly are NOT). My major critique of the book is - so WHY, exactly, is she an authority on parenting? Other than being one (like about a bazillion other people), who said she should write a book on it? Despite this, I still loved it.

This book was an extreme let down, it actually left me feeling disgusted that I had aided in this woman's sad efforts and supported her twisted outlooks on parenting with the purchase of this book. I never actually finished the whole thing, I just couldn't bring myself to bare any more.

I get the type of humor she's trying to provide, but I'm sorry, it is blatantly obvious that she only sees children as a burden- there is no humor in that. I am not going to sit here and lie to you and suggest that I have never had ill thoughts towards my child, we've all been there, we all have those moments- this woman apparently decided to live in that moment forever and never actually see the joy in parenting.

Teaching a very young child how to make a cocktail for your guests at a party??? Are you kidding me? What kind of example are you setting for your children? No doubt they will be drinking in their early teen years and getting into trouble, this woman will probably even promote it.

This book was a scream. Love the illustrations of the cherubic children bearing drinks. The kid of the cover reminds me of a younger version of my son. Although it seems like a strictly humorous book, there's actually a lot of useful advice about not making your kids the sole purpose of your life and not overindulging them. Written with a Miss Manners sort of tone. Loved it.

Excellent child-rearing guide. Closest to my own personal theory I've seen in print. Christie Mellor gets it. I will be gifting new-parent friends with their own editions.

wonderfully fun and underneath the humor... a good reminder for us all. :)

HYSTERICAL. And makes me feel like a non-crazy parent, to boot.

Too funny. I think we all know a few of the characters in this book. Some people just go overboard w/ themselves and their kids!

Loved it...should be required reading for Park City parents!! Best tip...to weed out the parents you
don't want to hang out with, invite them at cocktail hour and see how they respond to your giant
pitcher of martinis/margaritas/whatever your poison!!

Very funny, satirical parenting "advice" with some real actual good sense tucked in. I had a great time reading it!

This book was laugh-out-loud funny. The perfect remedy to reading a few too many parenting books.

I laughed out loud during certain chapters, especially "Bedtime: Is 5:30 too early?" I'm considering serving cocktails at my next playdate.......ha! A very quick read.