where's the thread for talking about the book?

I take that point completely. I'm probably just fed up that I can't just buy a book because I fancy having it. I have to wait and wait until I see an absolute "must have" before I can justify the expense - or a big hint to DH for a birthday present. I was hoping that the Mumsnet guide would be such a book, and that's a pretty big ask since we're talking about maybe 4 books a year! And I love books, which makes it doubly frustrating.

I'm sorry to have put a dampener on your hard work. But I see from this thread I'm very much in the minority so I shouldn't imagine you're too worried.

I think perhaps half the point of the book is that there ISN'T anything new, there is just experience of lots of women and HERE IT IS. The whole selling point of lots of guru-type books is that "THIS IS SOMETHING NEW!!!" but the whole point of the parenting experience is that is teaches you that there is nothing new, there is just this muddling through, and that's okay.

Well I don't have a copy of the book to hand, clearly, so it's hard to be specific. I actually thought there would be more quotes, (one from me was missing obviously ) and just a bit more content generally.

I think all the main topics are covered, and it was good to see a special needs section in there which is rarely covered in other books. But, for example, I read through the potty training section - it being a hot topic in our house just now - and I didn't really get anything new from it. Like I said, I tend to gravitate towards books with loads and loads of pages & text, 70% of which is probably unnecessary, but I like to feel I have my money's worth.

That's not very helpful I know - and you're quite justified in asking me to put my money where my mouth is. Overall I think it is the style of the book that puts me off, but that's just personal preference - it's probably a hell of a lot more informative than it appears at first glance. Sorry to be a party pooper.

Yoooooooooooooooo

What sort of stuff do you feel isn't covered, Twinkle?

Do you not find it's just not "meaty" enough? If I feel I've seen/skimmed most of what a book has to offer before I've reached the till, I don't buy the book. I think the Mumsnet guides will work better as a gentle introduction to Mumsnet for those who've yet to discover the real deal. IMO. Horse for courses and all that.

My copy's (finally) arrived. And I have to disagree with you, Twinklemegan - it's exactly what I was looking for!

So nice to read something real and helpful and funny, rather than the usual pontification-from-expert-on-high.

Well done, MP!

I had a look at this in my local Waterstones and, I'm sorry folks, I don't like it that much. If I was looking to buy a guide on any of these subjects I'd be looking for something much more substantial and informative. The book may well be very informative (and I've no doubt it's entertaining, even though I'm not in it ) but it doesn't have the appearance of it. Plus the paper and print style makes it feel downmarket. Sorry to be blunt.

why did you eat me?

[cartwheels into thread]

Mine arrived this morning and I'm in it! Albeit in a previous incarnation.

I really like it. Funny, practical, equally readable and flickable. And, given that this morning DS pretty much flattened another child to steal their snack, I was mighty relieved to see it

Mine arrived today!
Love what I've read so far!

JARM - i'll 2nd that as DD starts infants in sept

oi MP - still no answer to my plea for a Primary School Child book....

that is interesting Barristermum - I think some people might prefer the original style (with just quotes) but others might prefer the newer style. I think the nature of the newer style is that it is trying to get more of a snapshot of what-parents-are-doing-now - to capture a bit of that zeitgeist as it were. So while there is a lot of 'all these approaches are valid' there is also an attempt to focus on approaches that are the most popular at the present time. So yes, it did come down against smacking, which I think is a fair representation of how people feel on the boards - but it does also point out that everyone buggers up occasionally when in a toddler-induced rage, and that's okay too, as long as you deal with it properly and, well, basically apologise when you lose your rag. I think that is a good summary of the general consensus but of course others will see things differently! Always good to have feedback though so thank you!!!

Hate to sound the dissenting voice but I was just a teensy bit disappointed. I expected one very like the Mumsnet on pregnancy book which I presume is being replaced in this series. This one isn't as comprehensive - print much bigger, feels smaller and less substantial. The anecdotes are every bit as funny and I too was squawking in bed every so often as I read (parting the butt cheeks still as me helplessly almost incontinent with laughter), but I found the tone slightly more didactic because of the editorial style - there seemed to be a much more "official line" being promulgated eg on smacking. Good, but not sadly as good as I'd hoped.

i've got mine in the post today - eagerly awaited.

I found my copy in the second Waterstone's I tried...

It's great. As a mum of a tantrumy but well-slept toddler I love hearing how it is from people who LIVE with toddlers rather than WORK WITH toddlers. Makes me feel more secure in many ways, but a bit apprehensive that the worst is yet to come??

yes, sweetie, you are right.

You get yourself off to bed and see if you can dream some niiiiiice big words and tomorrow we'll play again

erm... you may have to narrow it down a bit

(is that sarcasm I detect in your post???? )

all pages seem to be in the right order except the ones with my quotes. They appear to be missing completely