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The Secret of Half-Arsed Parenting

Raising Kids with Half the Guilt and Twice the Joy

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The Secret of Half-Arsed Parenting

By: Dr Susie O'Brien
Narrated by: Jo Van Es
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About this listen

The Secret of Half-Arsed Parenting is a practical and entertaining antidote to the extreme stress of modern parenting. It pokes fun at the unrealistic goals and expectations thrust on parents today, and offers a way to raise kids with less pressure, less guilt, less stress and fewer cupcakes baked at midnight.

It's not about doing a bad job. It's about recognising that parents don't have to be perfect. What's wrong with toasted sandwiches for dinner? Kids sharing bedrooms and bathrooms? The fact your child's first word was 'Bluey' rather than 'Mama'? Half-arsed parents let their kids succeed - and fail - on their own merits. They will protect them from bullies, head lice and mullet hairstyles, but not from every knock and bump of life that will make them better adults.

Drawing on worrying research into anxiety in children and parents in this era of helicopter parenting, journalist and doctor of education Susie O'Brien lays out the case for embracing a bit of half-arsed parenting in your house. By doing half as much, you might just make everyone twice as happy. Here's how.

©2021 Dr Susie O'Brien (P)2021 W F Howes Parenting & Families Relationships
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I kept waiting for this book to move beyond the author’s personal musings about ‘how awesome were the good old days when parents used to leave their kids to their own devices while they got drunk’…but it never did. In fairness, I gave up in chapter 3. Because this book is utter rubbish. If you’re after parenting tips, this is a hard pass (there are none). If you’re after a bitching session about the current generation of parents, you will think this is pure gold.

Populist trite

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Just a giant whine session. I'm confused, is she trying to be funny? The constant anecdotes are booorring after about 2 chapters. This book really missed the mark.

boring

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Author comes across bitter and toxic. Spends the whole time btching and shtting on everything and everyone, it made me want to puke. Could not finish the book and will request a refund. Don't waste your time or money. Better advice: It's okay to take shortcuts and let go guilt and the notion of trying to be a perfect parent. Do what's best for you and your family and don't worry what others think.

Trash

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