Elizabeth Longford proves the truth of the old saying that "Mother knows best," a theory that is being treated with renewed respect by many of today’s experts in child-rearing. She cites from her own experience as the mother of a large family, and quotes from letters which she received from other parents. They are all faced with similar situations: childish fantasies; the problem of good manners and how to enforce them; whether or not one should punish a child, and how; dealing with the "spoiled" youngest child; and family squabbles. They are not necessarily problems (although some of them are), but points in a family’s life on which nearly all parents would welcome some suggestions from others who have had the same experiences. Written in a witty and entertaining style, this guide contains an abundance of practical advice that no parent would want to miss.