The Complete Secrets of Happy Children

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View books by Steve Biddulph, Sharon Biddulph.

Biased against working mother - Rated
There are many good points in this book but the author is going completely wrong in his negative view of working mothers. Study after study has now clearly shown that children are happiest when the mother is happiest - whether working or at home. The uncomfortable truth is: Staying at home with a young child can be torture. Incredibly boring, irritating and stressful. And to top it off - you will be despised for being 'just a housewife' by the rest of society. Has Biddulph himself ever tried it for any length of time? I very much doubt it because otherwise his views might be a bit more compassionate - and better researched.

Sound, solid advice... - Rated
With a young son, I'm often drawn to reading parenting books - especially when the going gets tough and I need confirmation of my actions or a fresh perspective.
Luckily, this book gave me both. Fortunately, I really liked SB's writing style right from the start, which made getting with his idea's much easier - his candid, no nonsense approach is fresh and accessible and he doesn't hide away under cliche's.
Real life examples are interspersed with cartoons and hand drawn diagrams which makes for really easy reading and what he says makes sense. My only criticism is that perhaps quite a bit of what he says is common sense (well to me anyway) but then, I suppose, sometimes we fail to see whats right under our noses until its pointed out to us.
Also, I found the chapter on working mums depressing; as a healthcare professional who works part time, I can only agree with what he says and have heard the Playground Mafia at my local Primary School referring to the kids who have been in Childcare as 'Stepford Kids' - unfortunately, I work 95% because I have to and only 5% because I want to and I found it made me feel guilt(ier) about a situation that I have little control over. I am very jealous of those mums lucky enough to care for their very young kids at home fulltime - though I realise there is no easy option, the choice would be nice!
Anyway, in a nutshell - If you hate Gina Ford's 'ideas' and love Tracey Hogg (the baby whisperer) and want to learn a little more about whats goes on inside the minds of your kids then this is the book for you!
Highly recommended.

Very helpful book. - Rated
Unfortunately we cannot all be as perfect as Mrs Selwood. This book is for those of us who, although cope nicely with our families, want to be the best parents we can be. I loved it.

A great read without a doubt - Rated
This book is a combination of his two books 'The Secret of Happy Children' and 'More Secrets of Happy Children'. I have read both and they are brilliant.

I do not agree with a previous reviewer 'Mrs Selwood' who said this book was aimed at full time stay at home Mums who are not coping and who are lacking in intelligence. That is totally insulting!

The advice given in this book is for all parents regardless of whether they work or not. I am a childminder and have found his advice invaluable in childminding as well as in raising my own two children. The 'Stand and Think' method of discipline has worked successfully with all the children I have looked after.

Some logical advice but not for intelligent working mothers - Rated
This book offered some sound, common sense advice and I felt pretty pleased that I had naturally been doing the 'right thing'. But I knew this - I have a very well balanced, bright and happy son. I chose to read this book out of general interest, curiosity and a thirst to be the best parent I can be.

However, I was raged when the author clearly aired his negative views about working mothers. Claiming children would be cold and distanced if they were put in childcare. He implied that both parents only work to buy materialistic things and lavish their children with plastic toys. I think there is a lack research here...in many cases both parents need to work to cover the basic costs of living.

Where is the proof? Well here's some anecdotal evidence for starters...I was the original 'latch key kid' - divorced parents and a working (grafting) mother. I'm well educated through the state system, have a successful career, a huge social life, not a criminal record in sight, successful loving relationships. My son has been attending a day nursery since he was 7 months and is clearly secure and happy. We have a close, loving and balanced family relationship - he spends equal time with my husband (important for boys as the book states) and myself. I could go on with examples from friends, family, work colleagues...as an employee of an educational publisher, maybe I'll publish them one day!

I think the author has been irresponsible here. It's tough being at home or at work in today's society - I have friends in all situations. To be fair, it became clear to me that I was not the target audience for this book - it was for those who were at home full-time not coping with raising their children and generally lacking a certain level of intelligence.