Jen Lumanlan MS MEd

If you're not familiar with Jen Lumanlan's work, this book is a great introduction to this parenting philosophy. If you are familiar with it, like I was, it's still a great summary of the mindset and tools to become a better parent. I personally don't find the tone to be condescending or preachy, but more "we're all in this together," and truly motivating to do the best you can to consider your children's needs and emotions in a different way than usual.

It helps to reframe your understanding of yourself as a parent and the societal issues that have led us to being so stressed and disconnected and unhappy, and how that affects our parenting, which may resonate more with a population already more to the left of the political spectrum and make others uncomfortable to question, but are still important questions to raise and issues to point out.

Even though I'm not (yet!) implementing everything perfectly (nor does this book expect anyone to or promise unrealistic overnight miracles), I can already see that when I DO my household is calmer, and I can see surprising levels of insight from my children (especially the older one, who is almost 5).
I really appreciate that it helps me address small, everyday parenting issues in ways where I connect better to my children, but is also helping me to consider bigger picture ways that I want to parent my future adults to feel safe, confident, and supported enough to express vulnerability, their emotions, and question the status quo of injustices and inequalities in society.… (más)