the groucho marx of parenting

Most parents of preschoolers are often too exhausted to do much more than just get through the day. Child-rearing problems perpetually loom on the horizon, and parents hope they are doing everything "right."

Along comes Shelton ... with witty, hilarious observations on every aspect of what to expect from this formidable and challenging little population. Her laugh-out-loud comments and astute remarks will help lighten any mother's load and keep things in perspective.

She is not afraid to admit that she has never really known how to get kids to go to bed, even if she does all of the things that you're supposed to. ... A refreshing look at child rearing, written in short sections that can be read in five to ten minutes a perfect fit for a mother's schedule.

The mother of three children and author of three books, Sandi Kahn Shelton writes the Wit's End column for Working Mother magazine and lives in Connecticut.