A PIECE of cautionary advice: don’t let a three year-old bring a helium-filled balloon on a string into Exeter Cathedral.

This and many other useful tips are contained in a new book by local writer Paul Vincent.

“The Complete Househusband” is a collection of 48 entertaining short articles, written between 2000 and 2006, by the writer who lives in Crediton, but who was at that time resident in Exeter.

These were published in a now-extinct magazine called the “Exeter Flying Post”, and record his experience in bringing up two small daughters.

Within the many accounts, there are outings to London and camping expeditions into the Devon countryside, of learning to ride ponies and to bake cakes, of Christmas and the tooth-fairy – and of the joys and frustrations of negotiating with small children who have a mind of their own.

The efforts involved in keeping carpets clean and a tidy kitchen are tiresome chores for most people, but here the dullest activities take on a manic absurdity.

Many Exeter and Devon destinations, shops and activities are mentioned in great detail, as the children explore their surroundings and make regular journeys to nursery, school, birthday parties and on shopping trips.

“The Complete Househusband”, printed by Hedgerow Print of Crediton, is available in paperback at just £6.99 from Crediton Community Bookshop.

“It’s actually quite funny,” says Dee Lalljee, manager of the bookshop.

Alan Quick