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The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbooks
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Parenting
Forget quicksand and shark attacks, child-rearing is the truly terrifying activity. A screaming baby on an airplane, no diapers (!), monsters hiding in the closet, a long family car trip, the first date—these are the high-risk adventures you need to survive. Fortunately, the authors of the phenomenally best-selling Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook series now keep parents safe, from cradle to teens. Hands-on, step-by-step instructions show you how to remove objects stuck in a child's nose or gum stuck in hair, and how to survive endless soccer games, slumber parties, and sleep deprivation. From baby-proofing the house to dealing with a dead pet, from the perils of the play-date to explaining about the birds and the bees, this essential guide tells parents what to really expect when your worst-case scenario is all in the family.
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Piven
90 books24 followersJosh Piven is a television writer and producer, speechwriter, playwright, and the author or co-author of more than twenty non-fiction and humor books, including the worldwide best-selling The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook series.
He wrote the teleplay and serves as producer of Don The Beekeeper, a half-hour children’s TV show about honeybees and urban beekeeping. His most recent stage play, a holiday farce called No Reservations, had its world premiere in November-December, 2013, to great success and critical acclaim. More information. His next play is Muddled.
Josh likes to refer to himself in the third person.
Piven is perhaps best known for his famously tongue-in-cheek worst-case books, books that offer readers real-world (though often hilarious) advice on surviving worst-case situations that they might—but hopefully won’t—encounter: everything from “how to fend off a shark” and “how to wrestle an alligator” to “how to avoid the Freshman 15” and “how to determine if your date is an axe murderer.”
Piven is an honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania—and living proof that English majors aren't necessarily failures.
He wrote the teleplay and serves as producer of Don The Beekeeper, a half-hour children’s TV show about honeybees and urban beekeeping. His most recent stage play, a holiday farce called No Reservations, had its world premiere in November-December, 2013, to great success and critical acclaim. More information. His next play is Muddled.
Josh likes to refer to himself in the third person.
Piven is perhaps best known for his famously tongue-in-cheek worst-case books, books that offer readers real-world (though often hilarious) advice on surviving worst-case situations that they might—but hopefully won’t—encounter: everything from “how to fend off a shark” and “how to wrestle an alligator” to “how to avoid the Freshman 15” and “how to determine if your date is an axe murderer.”
Piven is an honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania—and living proof that English majors aren't necessarily failures.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2012
This is the funniest Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook that I have read. And I almost passed up reading it because I don't have and will never have children.
To think, I almost missed out on knowing that "many monsters are afraid of the color green," that skills for dealing with a stray dog are nearly the same as skills for dealing with a stray exchange student, and that while "couples frequently disagree over whether to bribe children," kids are "almost always...in favor of it."
I busted out laughing when I saw the section titled "How to Recapitate a Doll." Recapitate, now that's a great word. I don't know if it's standard English, but I will be using it from now on. Recapitate! Brilliant!
Another fantastic section is "How to Discipline an Imaginary Friend." Funny, funny, funny! I like the idea of telling a kid that if s/he is going to play with an imaginary friend, "they both need to be on good behavior and are both responsible for any broken vases, stolen cookies, or messes." Also fantastic is the idea of creating "activities to keep the imaginary friend out of trouble," such as sending him/her to "(imaginary) music lessons," "(imaginary) summer camp," or "(imaginary) boarding school." I laughed so hard when I read all of that.
The illustrations are hilarious too. The drawings that go along with how not to use a stroller ("as a shopping cart, as a sidecar, as a scooter/skateboard, when running with the bulls in Pamplona) as fantastic. Also great are the pictures showing how to break up fights between parents at Saturday soccer.
Please, please, please, the next time a breeder in your life tells you they are expecting a bundle of joy(?), give them a copy of this book.
To think, I almost missed out on knowing that "many monsters are afraid of the color green," that skills for dealing with a stray dog are nearly the same as skills for dealing with a stray exchange student, and that while "couples frequently disagree over whether to bribe children," kids are "almost always...in favor of it."
I busted out laughing when I saw the section titled "How to Recapitate a Doll." Recapitate, now that's a great word. I don't know if it's standard English, but I will be using it from now on. Recapitate! Brilliant!
Another fantastic section is "How to Discipline an Imaginary Friend." Funny, funny, funny! I like the idea of telling a kid that if s/he is going to play with an imaginary friend, "they both need to be on good behavior and are both responsible for any broken vases, stolen cookies, or messes." Also fantastic is the idea of creating "activities to keep the imaginary friend out of trouble," such as sending him/her to "(imaginary) music lessons," "(imaginary) summer camp," or "(imaginary) boarding school." I laughed so hard when I read all of that.
The illustrations are hilarious too. The drawings that go along with how not to use a stroller ("as a shopping cart, as a sidecar, as a scooter/skateboard, when running with the bulls in Pamplona) as fantastic. Also great are the pictures showing how to break up fights between parents at Saturday soccer.
Please, please, please, the next time a breeder in your life tells you they are expecting a bundle of joy(?), give them a copy of this book.
August 12, 2020
Amusing but not too practical
March 19, 2017
Ok. I think I'm finally ready...
August 31, 2011
I liked it. I really liked it. I haven't read any of the other Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbooks, but based on this one, I am definitely interested.
I thought it was amazing how well the author's/editors conveyed serious topics with humor. And it wasn't bad humor in serious situations like is used in Comedy Defensive Driving courses. This was truly honest and helpful with more than a dash of laughs.
Of course, most of the advice is obvious, but the book does provide very creative solutions to possible problems that could (although, if careful, wouldn't) happen. For instance: how to create a make-shift temporary diaper. I've seen new parents lugging the baby bags stuffed with supplies so I don't see myself ever really needing this information. But then again, you never know and now I know how to handle that.
The book covers the major age groups, including handling teenagers and their angst. And while that is years away for me, extremely helpful. Something I will have to commit to memory will be handling the first date. Since I'm having a daughter, I know know know that will be the most stressful moment in my life. Because of this book, I'm feeling a bit better prepared.
I thought it was amazing how well the author's/editors conveyed serious topics with humor. And it wasn't bad humor in serious situations like is used in Comedy Defensive Driving courses. This was truly honest and helpful with more than a dash of laughs.
Of course, most of the advice is obvious, but the book does provide very creative solutions to possible problems that could (although, if careful, wouldn't) happen. For instance: how to create a make-shift temporary diaper. I've seen new parents lugging the baby bags stuffed with supplies so I don't see myself ever really needing this information. But then again, you never know and now I know how to handle that.
The book covers the major age groups, including handling teenagers and their angst. And while that is years away for me, extremely helpful. Something I will have to commit to memory will be handling the first date. Since I'm having a daughter, I know know know that will be the most stressful moment in my life. Because of this book, I'm feeling a bit better prepared.
June 23, 2007
Hilarity! Further support for not wanting teh spawn.
May 28, 2008
Funny book. I read it as a bathroom book over the course of a few weeks. It was funny. I would only recommend about 75% of the scenarios played out in it.
Read
August 17, 20093 copies available
April 6, 2010
Meh, but slightly amusing.
June 21, 2011
Great resource for parents. There is a section in here that features some of my parenting work. See more at http://parentingtoolbox.com
July 16, 2011
This book was hilarious laugh-out loud funny. Bought it many years ago for friends who were first time parents. Recommend it as a gift!
Read
August 10, 2011This is perfect for anyone with a sense of humor who is thinking about parenthood!
July 18, 2015
Divertido libro para leer en un día y tomarse la crianza de los hijos no tan enserio!
November 20, 2008
Very entertaining.
August 8, 2009
This book is retarded.
March 23, 2013
Hilarious advice on parenting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews