Books by Mildred Masheder
... enjoyment, fun and creative learning in childood. Every child's birthright.
Introduction
I believe that caring for children is the best job in the world, although this is not necessarily acknowledged.
My books are all directed at parents, teachers and all others who care for children. The books are mostly full of ideas for activities as children learn about the world through creative action. They incorporate worthwhile values whilst always having the emphasis on enjoyment.
There is much about co-operation and peaceful conflict resolution, also about the joys of being in touch with nature and the necessity of preserving the planet.
There is a great deal on the kind of education that every child needs: one that encourages the natural thirst for knowledge and one that is enjoyable and stimulating without being dogged by the endless pursuit of examinations and the threat of league tables.
In the present climate the whole concept of childhood is being undermined by the purveyors of the consumer society and it is necessary for all who care for children to ensure that they enjoy to the full their natural heritage of a creative childhood.
*New* Recapturing Childhood
Recapturing Childhood is Mildred's latest book, written at the age of 90. The new book provides advice on every aspect of childhood with many contributions from parents who have written of their parenting experiences. These are just some of the reviews:
Latest:
This is a book about a world which has all but disappeared. A former teacher and academic, Mrs Masheder is now in her nineties and here presents us with an account of her childhood in rural Oxfordshire. Elegantly and persuasively written, the book reveals a memory as clear as the morning dew.... M The Agricultural History Review, Volume 56, Part II, 2008 (read full review)
Mildred Masheder’s latest book sets out to address the benefits of positive parenting in today’s world. She writes that the book is for parents who want to give their offspring the best possible childhood, challenging on every level the pervasive influence of the consumer society, ‘GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY’ Organisation, Shirley Meredeen (read full review)
"Mildred Masheder has long since established herself as a commentator of rare clarity and wisdom on these matters. This new book is a powerful and straightforward challenge to us all to put our intelligence to work for the sake of our children, to recover the space they need and the care they need". Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Mildred Masheder ... helps us navigate through the complexities of childhood today to discover practical ways in which we can help children, and by doing so, help everyone." Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive, The Children's Society.
"It seems not a week goes by without alarming relevations about the effects of modern lifestyles on children's learning, behaviour and mental health. But perhaps the media's interst in the topic will at last stimulate politicians, parents and society in general to look for ways of ... providing a 'good childhood' for the next generation.
For this they'll need the advice of people who really understand children; Mildred Masheder is such a one." Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood.
"For me, the power of the book is that it is based on current research and includes a broad range of parent opinion." Dr Neil Hawkes, International Education Consultant.
"Much time and energy is being spent on the rise and cause of youth crime and anti-social behaviour. Educationalists, politicians, medics, health care and social workers, psychiatrists, church leaders and academics all agree that there is a very big fault line running through our attitudes to the whole question of bringing up children in a materialistic, technologically-obsessed society where league tables rule."... (read full review) Sara Firmin, Artist and educationalist, October 2008
"My immediate response to Mildred Masheder’s inspiring book on children was, “at last, someone understands deeply and communicates clearly the birthright of our children to a happy healthy life”."... (read full review) Jenny Overton, Art Teacher and Art Therapist
"We live in a time calling for change in the way our lives are ordered, in economics, finance, in political aims, in what we eat and in what we do to our environment. Let us not ignore the changes we need to make in the way we bring up and educate children. The existing priorities focusing on tests and league tables have not helped the UNICEF league tables. Recapturing Childhood makes us aware of some of these changes and invites us to act."... (read full review) John B. Thomson
See all Reviews (New reviews added 10 March 2009)
Download a pdf about Recapturing Childhood and details of all Mildred's books.
Christmas in the Country...
Mildred at 90 remembers Christmases of the 1920s at her home in the Oxfordshire countryside. Read her article on Christmas in the country...
See the full list of Mildred's books and order securely online.
(Illustration from Let's Enjoy Nature, © Susanna Vermaase)