A perfect child: dresses neatly and practices the violin before breakfast; comes top of the class and is captain of everything; is unfailingly obedient and sweet-tempered; and is a perfect credit to its perfect mother. A real child: prefers shoelaces undone and mismatched socks; shouts 'Bum!' at granny; turns breakfast and bedtime into a battleground; and is the normal offspring of imperfect parents. With affectionate lack of illusion and a refreshing honesty about her own shortcomings, Libby Purves examines the pleasures and pitfalls of raising children from three to eight years old. Playgroup, starting school, rude words, pets - all these topics are tackled with frank good humour and down-to-earth advice. Best of all is her reassuring reminder that there is no such thing as a perfect child.