Kids Don’t Come With a Manual | Review

There have been so many times where I’ve hoped and prayed that a manual for children would fall into my hands. Most things you buy come with one, so why not children? We are literally just expected to know what to do, whether it’s your first or fifth and obviously every child is different.

It’s taken me a while to review the book because I wanted to have a good read, rather than just rush through – and it’s only the second parenting book I’ve ever picked up. They’re one of those things you either love or hate.. and I can’t say I’m usually a huge fan.

Some parenting manuals tell you exactly how to parent, rather than how to improve your current parenting methods, and that’s what ‘Kids Don’t Come With a Manual’ does. Effectively, it doesn’t tell you that you are failing as a parent, or doing it wrong, but puts more emphasis on how you can improve your approach and that’s why I really enjoyed it.

The format of the book is great in that you don’t have to read it cover to cover. It allows you to dip in and out of the bits you want to read – especially if there’s a specific situation you’re trying to deal with.

One of the things I’ve found, especially recently because I feel so stressed and tense all the time with the arrival of baby number two becoming imminent, is that I need to stop and think how I’m reacting to a certain situation. It’s made me rethink how I approach and handle things which, I think, is great when it comes to toddlers (well, mine anyway) because by trying different ways you get to understand the best way to speak to them. However, the techniques and approaches available are not age, or gender, specific and so these can be applied effectively to children of all ages.

The book is filled with great ideas and offers new perspectives, like why your child is behaving this way, or that way, and helps you become a bit more understanding. The book is very positive and embraces your current parenting ways, but helps you to make them better. It’s a great tool to have on the bookshelf – it’s one I can see myself using a lot!

Carole and Nadim Saad, the authors who have 3 daughters of their own, are not patronising or condescending and have based the manual on real life situations offering clear routes to a more harmonious life and relationship with your children – eliminating any need for confrontation or anger (a place I’m sure we’ve all been before). It’s one I would recommend to first time parents, right through to grandparents who have been there and done it over and over. It’s such an easy read and one that you put down feeling positive about the way you’re doing things, rather than deflated.

It turns out kids DO come with some sort of manual after all. You can find out more about the book here.

Jade x

*I was sent a copy of this book for review. All views and opinions are my own.