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Keep Calm and Parent On: A Guilt-Free Approach to Raising Children by Asking More from Them and Doing Less
From a modern-day Mary Poppins and the former star of TLC’s Take Home Nanny comes a holistic and guilt-free approach to parenting children ages seven and under.
Emma Jenner lives, teaches, and nannies by this if parents are in control, they can enjoy their children more. And what could be more enjoyable than well- behaved, respectful, healthy, thriving kids?
Keep Calm and Parent On effectively places parenting expert Emma Jenner on your shoulder, helping you see your child’s behavior from an objective standpoint that puts you firmly in charge. Each chapter opens with a checklist of questions to ask yourself when you run into a specific problem, whether it’s sleeping, nutrition, communication, manners, consequences, or self-esteem. Jenner then breaks down each checklist, explaining how bad behavior is really just a habit that needs to be corrected. By connecting the dots in all areas of your child’s life, you can understand why he or she is acting out—and how to fix it. For example, the best discipline techniques in the world won’t work if a child is sleep-deprived, and a child will not demonstrate good manners if communication is faulty and he doesn’t understand what’s expected of him. Each chapter also features handy sidebars, as well as instructive and memorable quizzes. A strong proponent of raising our expectations, Jenner shows how parents can do more by doing less for their children.
With an interactive format and straightforward solutions, this invaluable guide is designed to give parents bite-size takeaways they can use immediately with their children. Jenner’s blend of British and American parenting styles is more than advice; it is proof that all children are capable of behaving—and that you have the keys to unlocking their potential.
Emma Jenner lives, teaches, and nannies by this if parents are in control, they can enjoy their children more. And what could be more enjoyable than well- behaved, respectful, healthy, thriving kids?
Keep Calm and Parent On effectively places parenting expert Emma Jenner on your shoulder, helping you see your child’s behavior from an objective standpoint that puts you firmly in charge. Each chapter opens with a checklist of questions to ask yourself when you run into a specific problem, whether it’s sleeping, nutrition, communication, manners, consequences, or self-esteem. Jenner then breaks down each checklist, explaining how bad behavior is really just a habit that needs to be corrected. By connecting the dots in all areas of your child’s life, you can understand why he or she is acting out—and how to fix it. For example, the best discipline techniques in the world won’t work if a child is sleep-deprived, and a child will not demonstrate good manners if communication is faulty and he doesn’t understand what’s expected of him. Each chapter also features handy sidebars, as well as instructive and memorable quizzes. A strong proponent of raising our expectations, Jenner shows how parents can do more by doing less for their children.
With an interactive format and straightforward solutions, this invaluable guide is designed to give parents bite-size takeaways they can use immediately with their children. Jenner’s blend of British and American parenting styles is more than advice; it is proof that all children are capable of behaving—and that you have the keys to unlocking their potential.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2014
15 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 19, 2015
This is the "guilt-free" parenting book I was looking for. Not to say that I agree with every idea, but Jenner's enlightened "anti-helicopter" approach makes this book a breath of fresh air. She addresses parenting throughout a child's life, so I can imagine going back to this book over many years. Jenner's style is fairly prescriptive (which does contribute to her "Mary Poppins" image), but she acknowledges fears and concerns that might cause parents to act less-than-productively toward their children. I also really appreciated her discussions of the contrast between British and American parenting, as my husband is a Brit. Her overall message is how to avoid either spoiling or neglecting your kids in the modern, over-scheduled world.
September 22, 2014
I review parenting books monthly for HealthPod Baby, and Keep Calm and Parent On is one of the best parenting books I've read this year:
Designed as a guidebook, Keep Calm and Parent On has real-life parenting situations British nanny Emma Jenner uses to demonstrate that parents need to :
Expect more from your children, and they will rise to it. Expect less, and they will sink.
By asking parents to honestly evaluate where they and their child measure in Jenner’s ideas on raising children, she hopes to encourage parents to take control and address some common problems and behaviors she sees exhibited in too many children. If you hold to Jenner’s philosophies, Keep Calm uses tools to help you identify what is working in your home, and what isn’t:
Checklists: lists of behaviors, environments and conditions that can impact your child’s development
Emma Tips: Jenner’s observations and experiences as a nanny, parenting consultant, and star of TV show Take Home Nanny
Parent Tips: Emma Jenner’s parenting experiences with her own children and from her friends
Jenner’s main focus is on interactions between parent and child, but the book also focuses on the relationship between the parents: Jenner feels strongly that if the relationship between the parents isn’t working, then the parents relationship with the child won’t work. Everything from sex to date nights to respect are discussed as to how they impact the children, along with examples of how the stressful and tiring parenting situations can improve. Jenner adheres to the it takes a village parenting philosophy.
Jenner also addresses verboten parenting topics related to the stress of parenting. One example is baby shaking: parents too often deny and refuse to discuss their deep frustrations with parenting:
We need to be more honest about how hard parenting is.
Keep Calm and Parent On is filled with common sense advice and ideas for parenting, based on Jenner’s observations that parents simply do to much for their children, and thus often raise needy and unprepared adults. If you agree with this basic approach, Keep Calm’s use of checklists and tools, easy to follow examples and advice, and encouraging and supportive tone is a practical guide you will want to add to your parenting bookshelf.
Designed as a guidebook, Keep Calm and Parent On has real-life parenting situations British nanny Emma Jenner uses to demonstrate that parents need to :
Expect more from your children, and they will rise to it. Expect less, and they will sink.
By asking parents to honestly evaluate where they and their child measure in Jenner’s ideas on raising children, she hopes to encourage parents to take control and address some common problems and behaviors she sees exhibited in too many children. If you hold to Jenner’s philosophies, Keep Calm uses tools to help you identify what is working in your home, and what isn’t:
Checklists: lists of behaviors, environments and conditions that can impact your child’s development
Emma Tips: Jenner’s observations and experiences as a nanny, parenting consultant, and star of TV show Take Home Nanny
Parent Tips: Emma Jenner’s parenting experiences with her own children and from her friends
Jenner’s main focus is on interactions between parent and child, but the book also focuses on the relationship between the parents: Jenner feels strongly that if the relationship between the parents isn’t working, then the parents relationship with the child won’t work. Everything from sex to date nights to respect are discussed as to how they impact the children, along with examples of how the stressful and tiring parenting situations can improve. Jenner adheres to the it takes a village parenting philosophy.
Jenner also addresses verboten parenting topics related to the stress of parenting. One example is baby shaking: parents too often deny and refuse to discuss their deep frustrations with parenting:
We need to be more honest about how hard parenting is.
Keep Calm and Parent On is filled with common sense advice and ideas for parenting, based on Jenner’s observations that parents simply do to much for their children, and thus often raise needy and unprepared adults. If you agree with this basic approach, Keep Calm’s use of checklists and tools, easy to follow examples and advice, and encouraging and supportive tone is a practical guide you will want to add to your parenting bookshelf.
October 14, 2014
Great practical way to parent your children. She had lots of great advice and I loved her checklists. Moderation in all things, she doesn't go to the extreme in either direction. Best parenting book I have ever read.
June 26, 2015
The author more or less agrees with my style of parenting. I thought I was going to be in for an education, but she is a professional child caretaker and I am a professional teacher and there are similarities in our toolboxes. If nothing else, I felt validated by they things she and I both strongly believe in for how to care/raise respectful children. The checklist presentation of material made this a very quick read.
A few things to remember:
"Quality time does not mean meeting your child's every need every moment he has one. Make life easier for yourself, tell him he must wait, and teach him a lesson in patience in the process."
"Is there joy in the house? Is there a lot of laughter and fun?"
"Remember the days are long but the years are short."
"Parents today focus on their kids going to the best schools and doing the right extracurricular activities, but the most important thing on their list should be raising a respectful child, one with good morals and values- and that's the check mark we have lost."
"According to the New York Times, "Studies suggest that free, self-directed play in safe environments enhances resilience, creativity, flexibility, social understanding, emotional and cognitive control, and resistance to stress, depression and anxiety. The article explains that young children are particularly open to different ideas, probabilities, and philosophies when solving problems- an excellent trait! But it's also a trait that peaks when the child is four or five." Largely due to the beginning of school.
"Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." Projecting your own desires or a general standard on your child is one of the most detrimental things you can do."
A few things to remember:
"Quality time does not mean meeting your child's every need every moment he has one. Make life easier for yourself, tell him he must wait, and teach him a lesson in patience in the process."
"Is there joy in the house? Is there a lot of laughter and fun?"
"Remember the days are long but the years are short."
"Parents today focus on their kids going to the best schools and doing the right extracurricular activities, but the most important thing on their list should be raising a respectful child, one with good morals and values- and that's the check mark we have lost."
"According to the New York Times, "Studies suggest that free, self-directed play in safe environments enhances resilience, creativity, flexibility, social understanding, emotional and cognitive control, and resistance to stress, depression and anxiety. The article explains that young children are particularly open to different ideas, probabilities, and philosophies when solving problems- an excellent trait! But it's also a trait that peaks when the child is four or five." Largely due to the beginning of school.
"Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." Projecting your own desires or a general standard on your child is one of the most detrimental things you can do."
August 24, 2014
A parenting guide that reminds us not to be as child-centered as many Americans are. Her advice is sound, though she tells us how things should be, not always how to get them that way. She also compares and contrasts British and American styles of parenting, which is interesting for a while but in some cases drops to a cliche.
Worth checking out for a reminder that you're not wrong to put your needs ahead of your child's sometimes, and that it's OK to say no.
Worth checking out for a reminder that you're not wrong to put your needs ahead of your child's sometimes, and that it's OK to say no.
January 3, 2015
Best parenting book I have read because (1) it already fits my philosophy but provides good tips and reminders and goals and (2) the format is excellent with short clear blurbs on each point, all well-organized by chapter. The checklists are great. This is a resource I could see myself going back to... except that (as usual) I borrowed it from the library.
November 4, 2014
I just finished reading this book, and I like the ideas in it, but I wish I had this reference 16 yrs ago. This book isn't for older kids, but would be GREAT for parents of infants, toddlers, or even preschoolers.
April 27, 2016
Mostly concerned with the approach I'm already taking with a helpful hint here and there. Reading this mostly felt like validation that I'm going about things with a level head. It was gratifying to read.
August 2, 2014
Best, most practical parenting book I have read in a long while!
July 28, 2014
3.5 Good advice by professional British nanny. I enjoyed her observations of the cultural differences of British and American parenting styles. Advice geared towards parenting younger children.
August 26, 2014
"Sacrificing everything for your children isn't selfless, it's ridiculous." - Ellie, played by Blythe Danner in the film The Lucky One
October 18, 2014
It's like a good diet book: full of reasonable things we all really know, but don't have the willpower to follow through with.
March 11, 2023
Really good practical book. Nothing earth-shattering, but good reminders like tell (don't ask) your child what to do. Lots of common sense stuff, but well-written and practical.
January 23, 2015
Hoping for more Aha parenting tips. However we do coddle American children and could use some more tips to create independent little people.
August 13, 2015
Practical, laid back parenting book- the best one I have read so far and will be so helpful with my now 2 year old and 2 week old!
May 4, 2019
A good book about raising children that are not spoiled.
May 16, 2016
As a woman of a certain age (plus) re-entering mommyhood it can be quite daunting. Freakin' scary actually. I know the basics that I believe have not changed: children need to mind and respect me and other adults in charge, learning socially acceptable behaviour, that picking one's nose and eating it is disgusting...You know, the basics. However, I am no longer 20 or 30 or even 40 and my lifestyle and job have changed. I no longer have the option to be a stay-at-home mom. That ship has sailed.
To help me adjust to this new and unexpected chapter, I once again began reading parenting articles and tips. Like a refresher course. And that is how I came across Ms Jenner's book. Reading the synopsis, it sounded like it would offer some practical advice that I could actually apply to my situation. And it did. The book is written more in a conversational style that's neither preachy or condescending. It most certainly has a British lean to warm practicality encouraging strategies to keep mom from pulling out her hair or becoming an alcoholic.
I do not agree with absolutely every suggestion Ms Jenner makes or every recommendation. I certainly see no sense in allowing a child to win an argument over not wearing a sweater or jacket especially when the lesson could result in them getting sick. But there are clever suggestions for getting the sweater on the child before getting to the bottom line "Because I said so."
I do recommend "Keep Calm and Parent On: A Guilt-Free Approach to Raising Children by Asking More from Them and Doing Less" to every parent coming into this chapter late in life, who may be getting to the end of their rope, or even thinks they have it all together. I believe you'll feel like you've found a friend and an ally.
To help me adjust to this new and unexpected chapter, I once again began reading parenting articles and tips. Like a refresher course. And that is how I came across Ms Jenner's book. Reading the synopsis, it sounded like it would offer some practical advice that I could actually apply to my situation. And it did. The book is written more in a conversational style that's neither preachy or condescending. It most certainly has a British lean to warm practicality encouraging strategies to keep mom from pulling out her hair or becoming an alcoholic.
I do not agree with absolutely every suggestion Ms Jenner makes or every recommendation. I certainly see no sense in allowing a child to win an argument over not wearing a sweater or jacket especially when the lesson could result in them getting sick. But there are clever suggestions for getting the sweater on the child before getting to the bottom line "Because I said so."
I do recommend "Keep Calm and Parent On: A Guilt-Free Approach to Raising Children by Asking More from Them and Doing Less" to every parent coming into this chapter late in life, who may be getting to the end of their rope, or even thinks they have it all together. I believe you'll feel like you've found a friend and an ally.
December 29, 2016
Fantastic! I don't know if it's because this is the first parenting book I've ever read and have no children, but I really learned a lot. I like how she emphasis that the children should not think they are the center of the universe and that you are not at their beak and call.
March 30, 2017
IT IS VERY GOOD
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews