Bloomsbury presents Gentle Guidance by Marie Gentles, read by Brenda Iyalla.

AS SEEN ON BBC'S DON'T EXCLUDE ME.

'Such an important book, by someone who really understands the issues that young people face in today's world.' Dr Zoe Williams

Right now, it is undeniably a tough time to be a parent. With so many pressures on your time, your energy and your resources, it can be difficult to give your child everything they need emotionally, and even more so when you’re faced with defiance, disruption or challenging behaviour. However, in this new book, Marie Gentles draws on decades of expertise supporting families to give you the toolkit you need to be the best parent you can be – and the best bit? The change starts with you.

Just as when you’re on a plane and are advised to get your own oxygen mask on in an emergency before helping your child, the same applies when it comes to behaviour. So first in Marie’s toolbox is the need to take time for yourself: give yourself headspace, allow yourself time to adopt a healthy mindset and be the change you want to see.

From establishing positive relationships that bring out the best in your child, to applying the tools you learn as a framework for your wider relationships, whether it be with friends, colleagues, your boss or even your inner child, this book will help you put Marie’s FIVE CS into practise when faced with any challenging moment:

Communication: behaviour is communicating a need for emotional connection.
Calm: this moment is a teaching and learning opportunity.
Curious: what feeling is the other person seeking?
Connect: how can I meet their emotional needs?
Convey: what does my behaviour look like in this moment from the other person’s perspective?

You don’t need to fit into a box with your parenting style, but using Marie’s gentle guidance, you’ll be equipped to raise a resilient child who in turn has the tools they need to deal with anything life throws at them – whether they are fifteen months or fifteen years, it's never too late to start.