farahsarish's review against another edition

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5.0

Full disclosure: it took me several months to finish this book because I felt like at certain points it got repetitive and wordy. I also got tired of the author’s personal anecdotes. HOWEVER - this book is so good! I absolutely loved reading a non-western centric academic text on parenting and learning about the values of other cultures. A lot of this text has really informed how I think about parenting and I’m excited to use more concepts in the future. Even if you are not a parent, I highly recommend.

alreadyemily's review

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5.0

Jan '22 - I can't say I agree with everything 100% in this book, but I think she is absolutely on to something important. The lives of my family members started to change noticeably before I was even halfway through. I will read this again - soon - with my spouse.

May '22 - Appreciated this book even more the second time through. I don't think this will be my last read-through, either. It will take a lot of practice and support from friends and family to deprogram the toxic habits discussed in this book.

glitteringeyes418's review against another edition

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hopeful informative medium-paced

4.5

ellysreads's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this to learn more about how raising children has differed in different cultures and it did give me that insight. However some of the terms feel outdated, some personal comments are made to sound universal when they aren't, and it isn't what I'd expect based on the title.

deedee63's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

3.0

libriomancer's review

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

cassiejoy's review

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I liked the premise more than the execution.

oliviasholmes's review against another edition

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

megray1126's review against another edition

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4.0

My take-away from this book was to let children BE. Don't try to micromanage or put words in their mouth. Let them have tantrums and let them try risky activities. Give them manageable tasks and responsibilities. Treat them like small adults and don't create your schedule around them, but instead create theirs around yours. Find your village of people that can give support and love. The parenting styles seemed a little similar to Montessori to me.

I feel like I strive to do more laid back parenting already, mostly attempting to stay calm during tantrums and risky play, within reason. I try not to let my toddler smell my fear when she's refusing to get ready for bed. It was an interesting listen for me, and I enjoyed hearing about the different cultures and their ways of raising a family.

eleni_g's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book really resonated with me! I was expecting something that perpetuated the "mystic other cultures have secret knowledge" tropes, but actually this was a thoughtful, respectful, insightful, and vulnerable look into parenting.