Planet Parent

This book contains a magic wand which gives the parents the power to know all the right answers, all of the time. ...I wish, you wish, we all wish! Sadly, this book has no magic wand. However, it does have some very useful strategies and an understanding that perfect parenting (like magic wands, unicorns, Griffiths, and reliable computer technology) is a myth. The best we can all stride for is 'good enough' most of the time. Humour is a form of play used by children and adults alike and 'playing' is one of the most effective forms of healing. Planet Parent uses humour to help caregivers, parents and grandparents better understand their child and adolescent. This then creates the space to enjoy the beautiful moments of parenthood and to endure the not-so-beautiful moments. The strategies outlined in this book are drawn from my training and experience as a child and adolescent psychotherapist of over 30 years, and in my hilarious adventures with my own children. It explores the outstanding and distressing facts about babies (I never dreamed you would have to teach babies to sleep!) children and adolescents, which I discovered in my journey as a mother. The universal tribulations and pleasures that envelope all parents are discussed to emphasise the truth that parents are not alone (there are many, many of us parents) This book encourages the understanding that parents have great power to nurture our child's resilience... and that there can be hilarity and fun in the process!