Mother to son : shared wisdom from the heart

Woven out of wisdom, humour, experience, love charm and a poetic economy of words, here is one pithy, memorable lesson per page, beginning with the Beginning, and covering toddlerhood, the school years, sports, spirituality and of course girls.

There are practical matters for the first time mothers of sons: watch out when you are changing his nappy - baby boys shoot straight in the air; and the helpful reinforcement of principles.

There will be times when the last thing in the world you want to tell him is no.

But sometimes you will have to. The whimsical yet invaluable suggestion - have tea with him in the afternoons.

Serve cookies. The true voice of experience - he is not a child anymore, but he's not an adult either.

Treating him like either one will lead to disaster. Reminders about the importance of your own values - treat his father with love and respect.

Show your son that being a man is a good thing. And what to do when he's all grown up and getting ready to leave - hug him fiercely.