From Mozart played to the womb to post-toddler tutoring for SATs, today's parents are obsessed with creating super kids. In My Kid's an Honor Student, Your Kid's a Loser, best-selling author Ralph Schoenstein blends sharp observation, memories of his own offbeat parenting experience, incredulous reporting, and uproarious flights of fancy to explore this absurd trend. He stumbles upon earnest mothers attempting to elevate fetus IQ and cringes at an exclusive institution teaching reading to children too small to hold a book. With wondrous wit, deep perception, and sweet appreciation for his own unstructured childhood, Schoenstein turns these and other new parenting perversions into comic gems, continuing his reign as the man Kirkus called "the undisputed king of writing on parenthood."
As a first time mother with a 7 month old daughter I have read a lot of parenting and child development books. This book is the only one I 100% agree with. I am glad that at least one other person believes in letting children be children. I will now give this book to every parent and future parent I know. If you are sane, buy this book.
Funny and wise
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
"My Kid's an Honor Student ..." develops a thesis of importance to parents raising young children in today's competitive environment. It is a funny study of the current environment of parental fear prevalent in the search for school placement. A premium seems extant on sometimes facetiitous striving for fashionable college (and prep school and even pre-nursery school) admission as setting the irrevocable path for a child's future achievement in "life". Schoenstein, a humorist/commentator on foibles of the American scene, highlights the sometimes ludicrous extremes of this push to "better" schools with a light, humorous touch. He provides belly laughs, without succumbing to saracasm and derision. Worthwhile for parents, teenagers, and grandparents.
Again Schoenstein is hilarious .. AND apt!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Ralph Schoenstein has that rarest of talents: the abilty to write really funny books about topics that have the sharp tang of truth. He has an unfailing eye, and such an extraordinary facility with the language that almost every page demands at least a smile and, all too often for the peace of my living room, an out-loud laugh. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed many Schoenstein books before, but (as a five-time grandfather now) found this one especially delicious. More to the point, so did my children...AND even those grandchildren old enough to appreciate the humor in their own situations. I eagerly await the next Schoenstein book .. on whatever subject he chooses.. in the sure knowledge that it will make me laugh even while learning a little more about the human condition.
A must read for parents who want to raise a normal kid!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Schoenstein has a unique knack for blending humor with good solid advice. No wonder he was the ghost for the Bill Cosby books! Parents who want to raise healthy, happy and above all NORMAL kids will find this book invaluable. It's also a great read for grandparents!My wife and I and our two grown daughters loved this book.
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