Calm Parents, Happy Kids

The Secrets of Stress-free Parenting

By: Laura Markham

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Most parenting books focus on changing a child's behaviour, but the truth is that children only change when their relationship with their parents changes. In Calm Parents, Happy Kids, Dr Laura Markham introduces an approach to parenting that eliminates threats, power struggles and manipulation, in favour of setting limits with empathy and communication. Bringing together the latest research in brain development with a focus on emotional awareness (for both parents and children), it will appeal to all parents who don’t want to force their children into compliance and lose their temper, but want to keep calm and help their children want to behave.

Critic reviews

Calm Parents, Happy Kids will transform your experience of parenting. Relying on a combination of up-to-the-minute brain science and the kind of practical wisdom so often missing from parenting books, Dr Laura tells you not only the ‘why’ of children’s behaviour but also ‘how’ to have calm parents and happy kids.

Great Insight

I loved the action points. I intend to reread (re - listen) to this book until I have internalized the strategies. I also like the fact that they broke down some areas into age groups..easy to relate your current issue. I would have liked the author to include a bit more on teenage kids. Otherwise great book.

Wise words and fantastic narration

Wise words backed up by research and explanations of how to implement these great parenting skills.
Xe Sands Narration is utterly superb! She has a calming voice, whilst at the same time, enthusiastic. I will definitely look out for her in the future.
I know I will listen to this book again. It reminds me of the parent I am aspiring to be and brings me back on track when I am faltering.
I liked the book so much I will buy the print edition as well.

Some good takeaways but as far left as it gets

I like the emphasis on connection, empathy and level responses, but I wonder if this reaches too far over to permissive and lacking boundaries. the author repeatedly refers to "the research" but rarely says which research or discusses the limits of application or alternate viewpoints. To sum up the book, if you take time to connect and empathize and diffuse opposition or negativity with a few minutes of roughhousing and play, then your kids will cooperate and learn to deal with emotions.