How to Ruin Your Children's Lives

Mary McHugh

Jul 2013 · Andrews McMeel Publishing

About this ebook

A parent’s guide to giving wise advice, asking questions, encouraging good habits, and other ways to annoy their teenager.

*Ask them about girlfriends or boyfriends in front of relatives

*Run out on the basketball court with a first-aid kit if they’re hurt during a game

*Fall asleep when your teen is telling you what Sue said to Jennifer and what Jennifer told Maryanne and what Karen did then

How to Ruin Your Children’s Lives is a survival manual for enduring the transmutation of loving child to hostile teenager, and—with a little luck—maintaining enough sanity to one day hear those longed-for words, “Hey, I guess you weren’t so stupid after all.”

Purple hair? Belly rings? Bizarre musical tastes? Not a problem as long as you have these nearly 300 tips and tactics close at hand. With resident teenagers slamming doors and screaming at the top of their lungs, “You're ruining my life!” parents should at least make certain they’re handling the job with poise.

About the author

Mary McHugh is the author of 10 books, including How Not to Become a Crotchety Old Man and How Not to Become a Little Old Lady. Mary also writes for publications such as the New York Times, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, and Cosmopolitan. Adrienne Hartman has illustrated seven books, including Mary's two previous with AMP. Additionally, Adrienne creates illustrations for Parents and Gourmet magazines and the New York Public Library.