The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and your Children Will be Glad You Had)

The non-fiction phenomenon of the year and #1 Sunday Times bestseller by leading psychotherapist, broadcaster and agony aunt, Philippa Perry.

Perry's unique take on the relationship between parents and children became an instant favourite of both. In this paperback edition, she encloses an exclusive additional chapter with brand new stories from readers ranging from devastating to heart-warming.

“Made me think about me and who I am and my parents and who they are and maybe, hopefully, one day what sort of parent I might strive to be -- Dolly Alderton I don't have kids but [this book] is a fascinating read on the emotional baggage we all carry-- Elizabeth Day, How to Fail podcast The Easter holidays were a complete joy because of your book - I feel about a trillion times more relaxed and connected as a parent and I have also found it very helpful for my sobriety and recovery-- Bryony Gordon EVERY parent should read this book, however old their child. In fact, any adult in a relationship should read it too. Distilled in less than 250 pages is a road map to healthy relationships . Required reading -- Express Not got kids? It doesn't matter, as the wonderful psychotherapist Philippa Perry's latest book is actually about using our pasts to understand ourselves (...) it's also an excellent book for reminding yourself: life is hard and you're doing your best - so try not to beat yourself up for everyday mistakes-- Stylist So clear and true ... can't stop recommending it to people ... helpful for all relationships in life, not just parent-child-- Nigella Lawson Not got kids? It doesn't matter, as the wonderful psychotherapist Philippa Perry's latest book is actually about using our pasts to understand ourselves and how we react to situations that test our patience and emotions. She explains that these sharp reactions might well be down to what happened in our childhoods - and the flashpoints that these emotions can stir up makes for fascinating reading whether you're actively parenting or not. It's also an excellent book for reminding yourself: life is hard and you're doing your best - so try not to beat yourself up for everyday mistakes-- Stylist If you're determinedly not a self-help kind of reader (like me), make an exception for [this book]. And if you're not a parent, don't dismiss it. The message is one of non-judgemental kindness. The sophisticated psychoanalytical version of my "count to ten and then say something kind" advice to my kids (and myself) when things start to fall apart-- Vogue I've had the most wonderful feedback from this episode. People stopping me on the street to say how much they've love the book's advice. Philippa's wisdom and delivery has resonated with many parents out there. I can't thank her enough for her time and energy-- Happy Place podcast”

Praise for The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read: "[H]onest, warm, and judgment-free. . . this is essential for all parents, from those first expecting to empty nesters. It's never too early or too late to improve the relationship with your children, and, as the title suggests, they'll be glad you did." --Booklist (starred review)

"Healing from, and learning not to perpetuate, difficult upbringings is the linchpin of this practical, self-care-centered parenting guide . . . Perry's kind but professional tone results in a helpful manual that will appeal to new parents who want an expert on board as they take the time to be reflective in their parenting." --Publishers Weekly

"It is hard to read fast, not just because Perry's text is punctuated by exercises...but because it prompts so many realisations, or insights, or clearly names things that have until now existed just beyond one's awareness. And it provides tools, straightforward and manageable if not always easy, that can be implemented at once. I am grateful for it." --The Guardian (UK)

Philippa Perry has been a psychotherapist for the past twenty years. She is also an agony aunt for Red Magazine, a freelance writer, and a TV and radio presenter and has worked on several documentaries including- The Truth about Children Who Lie; The Age of Emotion; and Humiliation for BBC Radio 4; Being Bipolar for Channel 4, Sex, Lies and Love Bites, a History of Agony Aunts and How to be a Surrealist with Philippa Perry for BBC4. She has also written two other books- Couch Fiction, a Graphic Tale of Psychotherapy and How to Stay Sane. She lives in London with her husband the artist Grayson Perry, and they have a grown-up daughter, Flo.

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