There are many parenting books written about children, but very few books where the children's thoughts and views take centre stage, tastefully combining it with practical parenting. We are so used to hearing what adults think about children, it is a radical departure to find a book about children, a parenting book which is essentially written by the children themselves.
In a society where practical parenting books and books analysing childhood are based on adult solutions of children with problems and difficulties, 'Happy Children - Secrets of how they think' is completely different. In the children's own words , this book tells how eight happy children view their life and the world around them.
Most parenting books detail all the negative issues surrounding childhood, give examples of troubled children and then propose a 'fix' to make sure your child is on track. Focusing on children who are doing well and challenging the notion that all children are obsessed with body image, controlled by peer pressure and crushed by bullying, 'Happy Children - Secrets of how they think' reveals a very different picture from other parenting books. Even though these happy children face all the usual ups and downs of childhood, including bullying and challenging family issues, they have found a way to be happy and stay happy. Through in depth and wide ranging interviews, Elizabeth Gould tells their stories and reveals five distinct patterns of how these happy children think.
This charming and insightful parenting book will provide valuable tools for all parents and adults who interact with children.
