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The family is nature’s masterpiece’ – George Santayana A compendium of practical advice and reflections on modern family life in the age of computer gaming, ever younger drug and drink problems, educational upheaval and concerns about the way children’s freedom, health and personal development are threatened by considerations of safety. Libby also considers the maintenance of marriage in an age of rising divorce and stepfamilies, a balanced approach to sexual threats to children, and the dangers and opportunities for family life caused by dual careers, teleworking, and other trends in the modern workplace. Each subject is treated with wit and brevity to make the book a delight to read as well as providing a fund of useful advice.
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Reviews
lots of practical advice
Purves is back, with a compendium of practical advice, full of witty musings and . . . calm good sense
peppered with good anecdotes . . . reams of good-natured meandering. . . chummy prose . . . useful nuggets.
Libby Purves is the voice of reason whatever she writes about, and we must be grateful that she has shone her common sense and humour into the dark corner that the poor, beleaguered concept of family currently inhabits.
. . . this collection of wise thoughts and practical advice on all aspects of family life . . . contains much useful and valuable guidance . . . she writes entertainingly and in straightforward language, making it accessible to all parents
'She writes trenchantly about the problems and pleasures of bringing up children'.
This book is so resoundingly sensible it is as mentally refreshing as a blast of pure oxygen. Purves captures the messes, rows and utter bliss of normal family life completely and reports on it with clear-eyed common sense. This book offers exactly what most averagely competent parents need.