Customer Reviews
great, thought provoking book on parenting - By: Mel :-), 14 Dec 2008 
I have read a number of parenting books since having my first child. I like the style of this author as he writesin a very accessible way. He presents the facts as he sees them & leaves you to decide how to use them. I found this book really interesting & it has helped me to confirm that we are giving the best possible start to our child. My husband & I share his care & both work part time but I had started to wonder whether he may be better going to nursery for some timein each week for social interaction. I realise now that at nearly one he is much, much better served by the arrangement we have. I really liked the sections on how a babies brain develops. I think that some of it might be quite an uncomfortable read for parents who work full time & have childrenin nurseries for long hours unless they are absolutely sure about the type & quality of care that they are recieving.
At Last - By: HF, 09 Dec 2008 At last, some proper evidence backing up what my heart always told me. I put my son into nursery for 6 months when he was 9 months old & hated every day leaving him. This was despite the nursery claiming he was absolutely fine, & friends saying that it was 'good for him' because he was socially interacting. What a load of marketing rubbish. He did not socialise with the other children at age 9 months. He was sitting there crying wanting someone he knew, trusted & loved to care for him.
This book is brilliant because it makes people (note, not just mums...) with children assess their priorities. It has certainly made me assess mine. What is more important for 3 years of my life - my child at a stage where he is desperate for his mummy, or my career. Well I certainly know what I would choose.
This book backs up this feeling with concrete evidence. Wonder why society is experiencing problems today. Read this book.
One of the finest guides out there ... - By: Compulsive Reader, 09 Sep 2008 Accessibly written & full of heart, this is a beautiful, intelligent, & important book for all parents. I recommend it to all my friends.
Finally someone is saying what many are thinking! - By: L. Parker, 13 Jul 2006 I saw Steve Biddulph speak on a book tour some years ago & I was blown away. Back then I was a cub reporter who was a bit miffed to be asked to review a book on parenting (Raising Boys) when I didn't have kids myself.
But I was mesmerised by Steve & his ideas - he really is a lovely guy who thinks rasing kids is an important & deeply fulfilling job.
I ordered Raising Babies as soon as I knew it was coming out - co-incidentally a few weeks after having my first baby. I read itin one sitting & I told my husband then & there I wasn't going back to work.
Steve encourages us to make a shiftin attitude from working all hours to acquire more stuff to enjoying the pleasures of our family.
I'd always hoped to spend the first few years at home & even though we can't really afford it - my husband earns well below the national average - it is a sacrifice I am willing to make.
But its not really a sacrifice because staying home is a an absolute privilege. Any day at home with my son beats a day at work - & I had an interesting job as as journalist & PR consultant.
To hell with all the "stuff" you think you need - stay home, enjoy these precious early years. The cars, cruises & couture can wait!
An excellent book! - By: Sharon Cassidy, 16 May 2006 Like the other reviewer I have never before been more compelled to post a comment on a book. If you are deciding whether or not to buy this book-BUY IT! It is a definite must read for any parent & actually for all politicians-these are big issues. I was always uncomfortable with the idea of babies or small children (or any children)in care for long hours away from someone who loves them but Steve Biddulph confirms & articulates all my innate feelings. As a recent first-time Mum this book helped mein my decision to put a career change on hold. The early years are so vital & you don't get them back. Enjoy the read!
