This is a book for all parents who wish they could cook like Annabel Karmel, timetable like Gina Ford and listen like Penelope Leach, but who more often than not can only manage baked beans, botched bedtimes and bribery. Today's real parents need instant inspiration. You haven't cooked a batch of freshly-pureed root vegetables? Then which of your freezer foods is the best nutritional option for your hungry child? You've not hand-sewn a costume for the toddler group fancy dress party? What can be grabbed in 20 minutes to earn that first prize? From picky eaters to prima donnas, from chicken nugget addicts to soggy potty refusers, this is the book which accepts your little darlings as they are and tells you how to deal with the real stuff - quickly, with humour and in time for a cup of tea with EastEnders.