All you need is love : the art of mindful parenting

I accept and love you the way you are. You are unique, you are different and you are you. I will not compare you with others, I will not constantly keep expecting and demanding what you might not be able to do or give. As parents, we foist our dreams and aspirations on our children, push them to be more than we could ever be. But do we have the courage and honesty to look within and ask what drives our parenting - our own needs or those of our children? More crucially, are we able to accept them and respect them for who they are? Child & adolescent psychologist and family therapist Shelja Sen formulates five anchors of parenting to help you connect with the immense wisdom that is already present in you: Connect (create the foundation of parenting); Coach (build the necessary skills in children through an understanding of their unique wiring and temperament); Care (nurture ourselves for a more wholesome life); Community (build caring ecosystems for children to thrive in) and Commit (sustain the courage and compassion). Groundbreaking, essential reading. 'Making a paradigm shift, Sen writes, "Parenting is not just about bringing up children. It is about growing up and transforming ourselves to be better human beings." Urban parents, working or stay-at-home, would do well to get themselves a copy. Actually, make that every parent.' - India Today 'Although there are endless discussions on what is good and not good for children, Shelja has a simple belief - a happy mother is the best thing for children.' - The Hindu 'Alive with anecdotes, distilled theory and authentic empathy, this gift of a book nudges us gently and playfully through a reflective connect with ourselves and our children into the world of life-affirming parenting! Shelja is a wise guide ... My well-thumbed copy is evidence of its real value.' - Gloria Burrett, psychotherapist, New Delhi 'This is a wise and wonderful book written by the talented therapist, Dr Shelja Sen. Professionals and parents alike will enjoy this well-written and insightful text. Outstanding!' -