The Mother's Almanac

by Marguerite Kelly, Elia Parsons

A national bestseller with more than 750,000 copies in print, now revised for the new mothers of the '90s -- the latest findings on health, advice for working mothers, facts about the influence of TV, and more.

B & W illustrations throughout.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Reference, Childrens

416 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1975

About the author

syndicated columnist for Washington Post on parenting issues"

Reviews

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best resource for moms that I encountered. I loved this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! I found a newer used copy of this book at the resale shop and was quite excited about that as I'd leant my book to someone many years ago and it was never returned to me. This book is invaluable for any mom , whether you're at home with the children all day by yourself, or only see them at night after work. It's just like a good conversation with an older friend who's been thru whatever childhood trauma you're experiencing at the moment. Although I'm a seasoned grandmother now, it will still be a good reference book to have on hand, whether it's for my own use or my daughter-in-laws.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

From this book I began to suspect it might be possible to raise children without losing my mind.

[Katherine Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for mothers, fathers, or anyone who deals with children. This is a revised edition to the first Mother's Almanac published in 1975,...so the book was a little dated when I read the original in the 90's when my guys were little, but the principles and advice are timeless, and now updated in this new version, for a new century!

[Mouska Mousekewitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and most nostalgic parenting book in print

[Kiersti Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a resource I'll be visiting again and again.

[Emé Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book I found interesting. Lots of things I wasn't aware of. Other things seem a little outdated, but then this edition of the book is nearly 30 years old. It holds up well considering.

The last half of the book gives someone ideas on science experiments, projects, recipes, etc. Some of these were alright as well.

This was an ok read, but there are other books that are a bit more up-to-date on the science and what we know now.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom never mentioned it until I had my own child (or maybe I just never paid attention), but my neighbors growing up wrote this book. It's pretty great. The first bit of the book goes over their parenting philosophy, which is basically to foster independent, creative, respectful, and inquisitive children. Most of the rest of the book is dedicated to ideas for projects, science expiriments, and etc. Violet is way too young for most of this, but I definitely will come back to the book as she gets older. Conveniently, they break down nearly everything by age.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The post partum sex advice made me angry. This paragraph is horrible:
"although most o.b.s ban intercourse until the 6 weeks check, most new mothers do not.3 weeks is much more like it. They just don't tell, figuring its better to have loved and hurt than wait another month. The quicker you return to the good life the quicker your family will get settled. Sex is a lovely tranquilizer but remember to have your husband use a condom to prevent infection and pregnancy."

Dated, demeaning,, misogynistic advice that turned me off this whole book.

[Melissa B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I opened my Mother's Day present from my mom and immediately recognized the cover of this wonderful book. My mom used it when I was little and now I have a copy! Has great advice for raising a child to be a kind, respectful member of society. And it is a comfort to know all Two's are naughty little buggers, not just mine!

[Jill Carlier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been searching for this book for hours and weeks and months, ever since I learned my son was expecting a baby! I just couldn't remember the title! Now I hope I can find a copy! This book helped me as a mother in so many ways! It was filled with wonderful simple ideas! I pray I can find a copy!

[Karri Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet and anecdotal book for moms of young children. Helps give ideas and fun things to do from a group of other moms. This is a classic parenting book from the seventies. It has been revised.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me this. I like it because it begins with the premise that children are not here to be idolized or molded into models of ourselves but to be enjoyed. Also it has a recipe for play-dough in it. Who doesn't love play-dough?

[Sunkissd1 Base · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book for mother's of any experience level. There's very solid advice for dealing with kids of all ages, fun things to do, projects, recipes and tips. I think every mother should get a chance to read this book!

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the crafts section.

[Reuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of practical parenting advice with lots of fun activities and explorations to do with your preschool child.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST parenting book I have ever received. It has never failed me yet.

[Jane]

This book was the one I used the most when I was a mother of young children. They have all grown-up, but I gave this to each of my daughters-in-law when they had babies.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not much for mommy-advice since I'm more from the "fly by the seat of your pants" parenting school, but this one wasn't too bad.

[Candelaria Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I referred to this book a lot when I was rearing my children. Practical and accessible. I have now passed its tattered pages to my daughter.