Product Description

This book considers the inner world of the child and argues that children are more capable than many of us realise. Babies make their needs known; toddlers can walk for miles; teenagers are equipped to make their own decisions. Children need adult support, but they do not need interference, which can damage their growth. If we learn to trust our children at each stage, they are more likely to find their own balance. The author suggests ways in which parents can break their own cycle of control, which includes judgement and punishment, coaxing and overprotection. It also considers the needs of the parents. Modern life insists that we try to cram more and more into our day; this book is about doing a little less.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #302043 in Books
• Published on: 1993-05-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Very highly recommended.
...not just for parents, but also extended family members too. Insightful, warm and down to earth. Discusses the ins and outs of parenting, and ways to make it easier, more natural...things that feel right, make sense. The author draws on many different sources, including her own experiences to do this. Focusing on respect, honesty and learning to lighten up on yourself and your kids, this is well worth reading at any stage of your family's development.

relaxed parenting
I found this book very thought provoking and well written.
It is about the dialogue between parent and child: the child's struggle for independence and the parent's difficulty in letting go. The child will use its initiative if allowed to do so and genuine respect for the child is necessary. We need to trust our children if they are ever to trust themselves. Let them get dirty and take some risks climbing because the 'process is the product'. Children need adult support, but they do not need interference, which can damage their growth. Child paced living helps children to grow spontaneously. They need time to play, time to stare to preserve their emotional health and we invade at our peril. The adult who is constantly correcting her child appears less not more in control. Jackson offers ways in which parents can break their cycle of control and at the same time consider their own needs. She refers throughout to the philosophy of educationalist Maria Montessori and to the La Leche League approach of empowering rather than instructing.

a fantastic read for anyone dealing with children.
this is a fantastic read for anyone dealing with children from parents to professionals. this book has a wonderful caring approach towards children. it makes us the adult, stop to think about our own being and how we can reflect on young minds. the book has taught the reader to stop and take note of our children and put our society on hold. the author allows us to question ourselves....a thought provoking read.