Christie Mellor describes the new-found freedoms to be had when your adult children move out.

“Lays out a plan for parents to enjoy themselves and not be slaves to their children while still offering their kids a warm, nurturing environment.” —Publishers Weekly Parents were here first! How did the kids suddenly take control? Sure the world has changed from the days when children were supposed to be seen and not heard but things have gotten a little out of hand. What about some quality time for the grownups? Author Christie Mellor’s hilarious, personal, refreshing, and actually quite useful advice delightfully rights the balance between parent and child. In dozens of short, wickedly funny chapters, she skewers today’s parental absurdities and reminds us how to make child-rearing a kick. With recipes, helpful hints, and illustrations, this high-spirited book is the only book parents will really need—and enjoy. Includes chapters on: Screaming: Is It Necessary? Bedtime: Is Five-Thirty Too Early? Child Labor: Not Just for the Third World! “Children’s Music”: Why? . . . and much, much more “Harried mothers who have given over their lives to their adorable little angels, beware: This book is the equivalent of a cocktail in the face . . . The book details the glories of saying no to your children, explains when you’ve gone too far in childproofing your home, laments our over-reliance on camcorders (‘a disease’) and suggests that the Tooth Fairy is getting robbed. Best of all, there’s a recipe for teaching your tot how to mix a simple martini just the way you like it—with lots of alcohol.” —Chicago Sun-Times

At the playground, at the pet store, on a car trip, or at home: Dick, Jane, and Sally always have fun. Will Dick get another dog? Will Sally finally win a game of hide-and-go-seek? And who are Dick and Jane's favorite friends? With short stories and text from the original Dick and Jane basic readers, this is a perfect chapter book for eager new readers!

"Look, Jane, " said Dick. "Here is something funny. Can you guess what it is?"

These are the real classic readers with cloth-like covers and original illustrations from the 1960s Dick and Jane basic readers. Filled with over 30 stories, these books are for beginning readers, parents, and grandparents alike! It's summertime, and Dick, Jane, and Sally can't wait to spend time together! Join them as they play ball, spend time with their friends, and have fun with their pets, Spot and Puff.

Dick, Jane, Sally, Mother, and Father are not the only family having fun. This time, meet Mike, twin sisters Pam and Penny, and their parents. Two families mean twice the laughs and twice the fun. Beginning readers will love the way each chapter is an individual story, and parents and educators will appreciate the way this format encourages young readers? progression.

These are the real classic readers with cloth-like covers and original illustrations from the 1960s Dick and Jane basic readers. Filled with over 30 stories, these books are for beginning readers, parents, and grandparents alike! Dick, Jane, and Sally are dressed up for a game of make-believe. Spot and Puff are there too. Where will they go after they take a ride in their pretend car?