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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
It's not just for parents of daughters! Mar 19, 2010
By Kwaj Pic
"Therese"
Alternatingly side-splittingly funny and profoundly moving, this book will touch you deeply, while offering a generous helping of humor on every page. Though I will concede that there are unique challenges to raising daughters, especially five of them (!), as the mother of two boys, I could directly relate to much of the book, especially the strained parent-child communication patterns as children enter that quagmire of adolescence. I know all of us parents of teens can relate to the typical conversation that Jacobson relates that took place between him and his 15-year-old daughter nearly every day after school; as Jacobson asks question after question, his daughter responds, "Fine." "How was school today?" "Fine." "How did practice go?" "Fine." "Blah blah blah..." "Fine." How many times have I had this exact conversation with my oldest son! I guess there are some exchanges that are just gender-blind! I laughed uproariously as I read this; how wonderful to commiserate with other good parents in the throes of parenting teens! I can also relate to the common refrain in our household as well, "Why can't you just be normal like other kids' parents." Or, see the chapter on Selective Hearing when Jacobson is gratified to discover that the sage advice he offered his teenage daughter several years previously that was seemingly summarily dismissed (with the "barely perceptible eye rolling") was indeed internalized when this very same daughter recites his advice verbatim to her younger sister, and he concludes that there is hope for our parental efficacy after all!
The book is packed with jewels of wisdom that any parent, confounded by their child's behavior especially when they begin that painful developmental stage of differentiating, can glean. Take the suggestion of chauffeuring your kids and their friends around to activities and social gatherings, providing "sleepover headquarters," and keeping the refrigerator well-stocked with treats as the "next best thing to reading her diary" because kids and conversation are freely circulating in your earshot! On a serious note, Jacobson also challenges popular parenting convention: see his chapter, "Be a Parent First," where he states boldly and wisely that we are our children's parent, not their best friend. I heartily recommend this book to loving, dedicated, involved, creative, and sometimes exasperated parents of all children, regardless of age or gender.
This book is also a testament to the absolutely glorious, singularly rewarding adventure of parenting, despite the absolutely piercing, heart-wrenching trials along the way. I loved the stories of the sweet, precious moments of parenting, like singing your baby to sleep while she lies on her tummy on your chest (see chapter, How to Give Baby a Shower). And how I chuckled, in parental collusion, at all the funny "Mini-Mean" tricks parents can play on their all-too-trusting younger children (all in good fun, mind you)--I suppose an inoculation for the insufferable adolescence yet to come! And, I agree with Jacobson, really nothing compares to witnessing the miracle of your child learning to read her first book or acquiring some other amazing life skill. And what about the incomparable pride you feel when she demonstrates greater proficiency than you in the very skills you have taught her, even as you are outshone and outsmarted!
Read this book and weep out of hilarity and profundity, as you live the escapades of parenting through Jacobson's inimitable and hilarious take on life and parenthood! And, keep it close as a handy desk reference. This is a practical guide to parenting that can be referenced time and time again, as you require a little inspiration, encouragement and reassurance along the way.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Surviving Five Daughters Jan 24, 2010
By Peggy Campbell
Great Book for ALL parents raising girls. I too struggle with the lack of logic in little girls. Lynn has a great way of finding humor in the insanity. It is more than obvious that he loves and adores his girls.
My aunt gave me the book to read and I couldn't put it down. There were so many parts that I had to share with my 9 year old girl- who laughed as well.
It is a treasure!!
Peggy,
Columus, Ohio
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Laughed 'til I gagged... Jan 04, 2010
By Alvaro Freyre
I read this book out loud with my son. There were multiple situations per chapter where I couldn't read on because I couldn't stop laughing. Highly recommended. Not just for men with daughters-only. Makes me feel warm inside that I'm not alone in wonderment at womankind!
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
I AM THE FIFTH DAUGHTER Apr 27, 2009
By Margaret Rose
"Margaret Rose"
As the youngest of my mother and fathers five daughters, I found this book to be comical, sensitive, realistic, emotional, and right on about the facts of life in a large family. So many of us become parents not knowing what to expect, Mr. Jacobson's insight's and personal experiences are uplifting guideline's for all parents who sometimes feel that some of their child rearing techniques are not working. This is a book that I think should be read at the same time you read your child birth books, or at any time thereafter. The reality is, the birth of our children is the first most beautiful day of life when we begin to raise our children. Its raising our children that brings us a lifetime of personal experiences. Mr Jacobson's book made me realize that bringing children into my life is will continue to be one great, big, loving, bonding, happy and lifelong experience.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Laughing on a jet plane Jan 23, 2009
By Lockett E. Wood
Sitting on a flight for three hours is not my idea of fun. This reads like an instruction book on how to raise a grounded Dad and still come out a great women.
This book made me giggle, laugh out loud, and refresh my sense of joy about my family. Needless to say I was a one way marketing seat!
Regards from a parent in cahoot's
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