Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids

Finally, a book just for parents, liberating them (us) from the “perfect parent” fantasy or “one size fits all” approaches to their child’s challenging behaviors. Instead, Dr. Delahooke invites parents to rethink “managing” behaviors and instead tune in to their unique child, the dynamic between their body and brain, with compassion and curiosity. She reminds us that behaviors, even the hard ones, are good information, revealing both a child’s strengths and areas of challenges.Informed by the latest in developmental neuroscience, the author provides a refreshingly accessible and much-needed parent “roadmap.” It begins with a “whole child” approach. The reader/parent is encouraged to start by observing, understanding, and appreciating the highly individualized body-brain connection that may be influencing your child’s actions/reactions and interactions, especially when their system is under stress.Through various real-life scenarios, Delahooke provides great examples that illustrate and guide parents towards discovering new tools individualized to their child (and them/us!). Incorporating safe, relationship-based strategies, parent and child problem-solve together, to address and shape “difficult” behaviors. BRAIN-BODY PARENTING offers a unique “inside-out” approach to help your child develop self-control and emotional flexibility, while deepening your connection to your child. A rich and enlightening resource for all parents!

I am a fan of Dr. Delahooke’s work and as a follower, I was excited to hear about the release of her new book and pre-ordered it, thinking it would be mostly the same information as is found in her other fantastic work, Beyond Behaviors, but just re-written to be accessible to parents. And although the crucial pieces of polyvagal theory and everything is still there, it is a whole new book. It is well written through the lens and heart of a parent, not just a psychologist. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability with which she shares many personal anecdotes.This book really does stand out from other parenting books (even the really great ones that I also own) in that she admits that there is no one right way to approach parenting because each person is an individual with individual needs. And secondly it stands out because it calls for parents to examine their own needs and platforms, to take good care of themselves, which will help them best meet the needs of their children.I have already recommended the book to friends and family and have used quotes from the book to connect with others and in newsletters for other parents.

This book has changed the way I see my kids, myself, and our relationship. I have two boys, 5yrs and 2yrs. As a single mom, I work 9-5 , six days a week. I was completely drowning before I found this book. I was going back and forth with parenting styles, and nothing worked- I disagreed with spanking but found myself spanking my 5-year-old because his behavior was insane. I never thought I'd be the mom to yell, but I found that's the only way my 5-year-old would listen. I threatened, bribed, and found myself doing anything to avoid the meltdowns, even if that meant giving in to the demands of both kids; I was exhausted and lost. They weren't learning how to cope with everyday life because how could I teach them that when I clearly wasn't coping either? I didn't have the tools or the mindset to be the mom that my 5 year old needed, and I felt like a complete failer-The amount of stress in my home had started to cause my 2 year old to act out as well- Following his big brothers lead, which only made the chaos worse. I felt completely overwhelmed and like it was too late.Something just clicked when I read this book- I listened to the first 4 chapters on Spotify and in the car whenever I could, and then I read on my breaks at work. It gave me a whole new perspective and helped me regain my power as a mom. Just like my kids, I was living life in a reactive state. Now I honestly can say that I am doing my dang best to raise resilient, joyful kids... I'm so grateful to have come across this book when I did. Whether your kid/kiddos are babies, toddlers, or teens, I think the information and understanding that this book provides- Can help anyone learn how to raise and nurture their kids in an effective, safe and loving home.

This was a great book. As an educator, it gave me many tools that I can use in my classroom.