u/curious-jake

Just finished reading (well, listening) to this book by Michaeleen Doucleff. Anyone else read it? I feel like it all makes sense on paper. It really speaks to me as a parenting philosophy. I love the idea of cultivating confidence in children through autonomy. I love the idea of talking _way_ less and reducing all the commands, instructions. And I love the idea that our job is not to continuously entertain children, but involve them in real life.

But I feel like in practice it just doesn't hold water. I have a 3yo girl and I am yet to see any intrinsic drive to be part of a team or want to help, and I really do feel that I don't force it. I also find it very challenging to cultivate any autonomy in my daughter because she won't do most things without the company of a caregiver (me, mum, grandparent etc) and has little interest in playing with other children (unless a caregiver is next to her). These two things feel like two keystones of the book and it feels difficult to employ any of this philosophy with these behaviour traits.

Have any of you read the book? Have you been able to integrate any of the practices? Are your children like mine?! Interested to hear your thoughts..