The Gentle Discipline Book: How to raise co-operative, polite and helpful children

What I value most about Sarah Ockwell-Smith's latest book is that it honours the struggles of both children and parents. She helps us see how understanding both sets of needs yields resolution and connection, which are not words we usually associate with discipline! Readers are treated not only to fascinating new discoveries about how children's brains and behaviour relate but also to the "ah-ha" moments that parents most wish for during times of conflict with their childrenIn The Gentle Discipline Book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith challenges us as parents to pause, take a step back and understand why children behave the way they do, so that we can make respectful and effective parenting choices. Our society tends to view gentle discipline as taking a passive approach but Sarah explains clearly, using science-backed examples, why that simply isn't the case - gentle discipline is the kind and logical way to guide our children as they develop and change emotionally and mentally. And it prevents us from turning our homes into battlegrounds. The guidance is applicable for parents with children of all ages, and Sarah eloquently takes a complex subject and makes it accessible and easily understood. Her no- nonsense yet gentle approach is refreshing and empowering to parents, encouraging us to view our children as individuals and to be responsive to their needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to discipline. Sarah also tackles related issues, such as dealing with criticism from friends and family, and offers real-life wisdom on how to deal with judgement, whether real or perceived. She also dedicates a chapter to parents, highlighting why dealing with our own demons - and the subconscious triggers we all have - is one of the most important aspects of charting our parenting course. Congratulations Sarah, this is a comprehensive, pragmatic and common-sense approach to redefining what it means to discipline our children. Children all over the world will be thanking you!As a sleep-deprived first-time mum, surrounded by a pile of books that were in complete conflict with my parenting instincts, my life was changed when I discovered Sarah's gentle sleep techniques and advice.