The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) cover art

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

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The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

By: Philippa Perry
Narrated by: Philippa Perry
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

From the UK's favourite therapist, as seen on Channel 4's Grayson's Art Club.

How can we have better relationships?

In this Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. This is a book for us all. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips in these pages. Philippa Perry's sane, sage and judgement-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.

©2019 Philippa Perry (P)2019 Penguin Audio Child Psychology Conflict Resolution Developmental Psychology Infants & Toddlers Parenting & Families Parents & Adult Children Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Teenagers Thought-Provoking Inspiring Health Mental Health

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Critic reviews

"A wonderful book." (Richard Osman)

"So clear and true.... Helpful for all relationships in life, not just parent-child." (Nigella Lawson)

"A fascinating read on the emotional baggage we all carry." (Elizabeth Day)
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Most relevant  
It's thought-provoking but a little too dogmatic.

The chapters on our own childhoods and how our relationship with our parents made us the people we are today, really resonated with me.

However, the author is too adamant at certain points. For instance, the author says that techniques like sleep training are a "manipulation" of our own children. Research shows that techniques like these might be harmful to our children, but this information is presented in a dogmatic way, in my view.

With that being said, I was a child that was raised in an extremely disciplined household. This book has allowed me to reflect on the positive and negative consequences of my own upbringing which will allow me to find my own path as a parent.

Thought-provoking but a little too dogmatic

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Offered good perspective on child behaviour and lots to think about.
Couldn’t stand the ‘voices’ put on

Overall enjoyed

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Such a great book, really thought provoking and helpful.

It has been a great help to reflect and consider my own parenting and the impact of my parenting on my daughter and relatively new twins. I’ve really noticed a difference in my relationship with m y first born since applying some of the advice.
I have no doubt this will also assist in my work as a Social worker/ manager (one of my colleagues recommended the book to me). I would encourage all those working with and assessing families to read/ listen to this book as part of their learning journey.

Loved it, great book to help you reflect and learn

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Great overall! Only thing I didn't like was the voices pretending to be a small child.

Clever, relevant and easy to understand.

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Exactly what I was looking for and stimulates ideas for further reading. Thanks for writing.

Informative and a very enjoyable listen.

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Really glad I gave this a try, it is worth listen especially if you have some childhood demons to get to grips with. The only thing that bothered me was the odd male voice that was put on when telling a story from a males perspective.

why the weird voices for the men?

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I'm so glad I came across this book! it gave me a completely new perspective on parenting and made me realise so many things... Thank you !

Absolutely brilliant!

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I have long been afraid of making the same parenting mistakes I feel my parents made and listening to this book has made me realise that without realising it, I am already doing so. Thankfully I now have some extra knowledge and tools to use to repair the ruptures I may have already created and no doubt the ones to come with my 2 year old daughter. A great all round read, thank you

Think you've got parenting down? Think again

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Phillipa Perry seems to know exactly what you will be thinking whilst reading the book. She reassures you not to feel ashamed and guilty if you realize that you have contributed to your child's negative patterns. Instead she focuses on it never being too late to repair a relationship rupture. She has put into words some of the unhelpful dynamics that have been below my concious awareness. I can relate to a lot of the feelings described in this book. It's a lot to take in and it's small steps for me but this book gives you the insight you need. This book will change your mindset and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks for your wisdom Phillipa.

Compassionate

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This book has changed how I relate with my toddler. Before reading it, I used to find myself stressed and overwhelmed, now I feel more comfortable with dealing with inconvenient behaviour and I am enjoying more motherhood. I even bought 3 copies of this book to give to friends of mine.

life saver

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