Finally someone is saying what many are thinking! - Rated 
I saw Steve Biddulph speak on a book tour some years ago and 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 and his ideas - he really is a lovely guy who thinks rasing kids is an important and 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 it in one sitting and I told my husband then and there I wasn't going back to work.
Steve encourages us to make a shift in 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 and 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 - and I had an interesting job as as journalist and PR consultant.
To hell with all the "stuff" you think you need - stay home, enjoy these precious early years. The cars, cruises and couture can wait!
An excellent book! - Rated
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 and 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 and articulates all my innate feelings. As a recent first-time Mum this book helped me in my decision to put a career change on hold. The early years are so vital and you don't get them back. Enjoy the read!
A must read - Rated
I have never before felt so strongly about a book as to post a review. This book is a triumph and a must read for all new parents. We are fortunate to live in a time where more is understood about a baby's brain then ever before. This book will help you make the right decision regarding the care of your child, and learn alot in the process.
At last, someone brave enough to speak the truth - Rated
I have followed this debate for the last 10 years and as a mother of 4, am always interested in the latest. I have worked and put my child in a nursery and stayed at home, tha latter of which I feel most comfortable with but feel is devalued by society. People that say the author (and anyone that shares a simelar line of thought) simply wants mothers to return to the kitchen are misinformed and failing to see the point. This book never suggests such a thing. I doubt such people have actually read the book. It is not so much about women working, but about the types of care for the child. In this case, concerns of research, child development, options, and the concerns backed up with research. The book is very easy to read and outlines cleary the concerns with group nursery care, the research and what can be done. I highly recommnend it to anyone considering the dilema or to stay home parents who need to be reassured that their sacrifice will pay off despite what we often feel.
Steve Biddulph is a Modern Hero - Rated
Steve Biddulph is a modern hero as he champions children's well-being and parenting skills. We don't have to agree with everything that Steve says to benefit from his ideas. If you do send your kids to a day nursery, don't feel guilty, just make sure the nursery is a really good one. Make sure you really trust the staff. And furthermore, imagine how you would feel spending a day in that setting, in fact everyday! If the setting is really well managed with mature staff, your child may benefit form the experience. If like me you have relatives in the vicinity that's very lucky, but this isn't a perfect world and we don’t all have a willing Granny down the road. Actually I’m a Headteacher of a Montessori Nursery School, which offers short sessions of 4 hours. The children do benefit enormously from the Montessori Approach, as well as any other good nursery approach. If you're interested in Montessori please visit us online at www.staunton-montessori.com and you'll find links to locate a Montessori School near you. If you're looking for a nursery or for childcare good luck, but please don't settle for anything less than the best, after all our children are the most precious things we have. They are our future! So look at a lot of options and make your own mind up. You can always get Ofsted’s impression of a setting or childminder at www.ofsted.gov.uk (Ofsted are not the ogres most teachers make them out to be!). Anyway Steve is just giving us a gentle reminder not to get too caught up in life so as we miss the wonder (and stress!) of parenting. Bravo Steve, you’re a gem!
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