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The ‘Good Enough' Parent
How to provide for your child's social and emotional development
Do you worry about your children?
Are you confused or confronted by their emotional outbursts?
Do you often find yourself wondering, 'What do I do now?'
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Andrew Wake has worked with children, adolescents and their parents for more than ten years, and knows how difficult it can be for parents to manage their own emotions let alone help their children manage theirs.
He explains that children naturally want everything, but that our job as parents is to give them 'just enough'. Indeed, parenting can be thought of as a gradual shift from 'saving' our children (telling them what to do) to 'supporting' them (allowing them the freedom to learn for themselves).
Dr Wake demystifies children's behaviour by explaining how their brains and their early attachment experiences work together to influence their emotional development.
He offers practical advice
- responding to strong emotions
- setting boundaries
- communicating as a family
Peppered with excellent case studies, this reassuring book will inspire confidence in parents, carers and anyone who works with children.
Do you worry about your children?
Are you confused or confronted by their emotional outbursts?
Do you often find yourself wondering, 'What do I do now?'
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Andrew Wake has worked with children, adolescents and their parents for more than ten years, and knows how difficult it can be for parents to manage their own emotions let alone help their children manage theirs.
He explains that children naturally want everything, but that our job as parents is to give them 'just enough'. Indeed, parenting can be thought of as a gradual shift from 'saving' our children (telling them what to do) to 'supporting' them (allowing them the freedom to learn for themselves).
Dr Wake demystifies children's behaviour by explaining how their brains and their early attachment experiences work together to influence their emotional development.
He offers practical advice
- responding to strong emotions
- setting boundaries
- communicating as a family
Peppered with excellent case studies, this reassuring book will inspire confidence in parents, carers and anyone who works with children.
- GenresParenting
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 11, 2026
I have always been drawn to parenting books; I read them not out of insecurity, but from a sincere desire to grow alongside my child. With that spirit, I approached The Good Enough Parent by Dr. Andrew Wake with anticipation, hopeful for fresh insights and practical wisdom I could apply in this tender season of raising my nearly three-year-old daughter.
While the book is thoughtfully written, I found that it did not offer much that felt new or immediately useful for my stage of motherhood. Much of the guidance seemed more attuned to parents navigating adolescence rather than the beautifully complex world of toddlerhood. As a result, I struggled to translate its principles into meaningful action within my own home.
I was also less persuaded by the author’s recurring references to the “reptilian” and “mammalian” brain. Though I understand the scientific framing, I found the terminology distancing rather than illuminating. Similarly, I did not resonate with his perspective on the word hate. To me, it is a weighty and deeply negative emotion, one I choose not to normalize in my own vocabulary, and certainly not one I wish to cultivate lightly in my child.
Finally, the book felt longer than necessary, and at times I found myself wishing for greater concision and sharper practicality.
While The Good Enough Parent may well serve families in a different stage of life, it was not the right fit for ours. For parents of very young children seeking immediately applicable guidance, there are other resources that may prove more nourishing and effective.
While the book is thoughtfully written, I found that it did not offer much that felt new or immediately useful for my stage of motherhood. Much of the guidance seemed more attuned to parents navigating adolescence rather than the beautifully complex world of toddlerhood. As a result, I struggled to translate its principles into meaningful action within my own home.
I was also less persuaded by the author’s recurring references to the “reptilian” and “mammalian” brain. Though I understand the scientific framing, I found the terminology distancing rather than illuminating. Similarly, I did not resonate with his perspective on the word hate. To me, it is a weighty and deeply negative emotion, one I choose not to normalize in my own vocabulary, and certainly not one I wish to cultivate lightly in my child.
Finally, the book felt longer than necessary, and at times I found myself wishing for greater concision and sharper practicality.
While The Good Enough Parent may well serve families in a different stage of life, it was not the right fit for ours. For parents of very young children seeking immediately applicable guidance, there are other resources that may prove more nourishing and effective.
November 22, 2020
4.5. Highly recommend this book for any parent. Succinctly shares information with case studies sprinkled throughout and realistic examples used. Applicable for parents/carers with kids of any age.
November 27, 2020
Overdue for me to read this but really well written.
Some really useful concepts and helpful for the ongoing job that is parenting, grand-parenting, aunty-ing ....
Some really useful concepts and helpful for the ongoing job that is parenting, grand-parenting, aunty-ing ....
March 30, 2021
Awesome and so helpful!
I am so glad to have a reference that is easy to follow with such awesome examples of the concepts in action. This is one I'll be coming back to again and again
I am so glad to have a reference that is easy to follow with such awesome examples of the concepts in action. This is one I'll be coming back to again and again
December 24, 2015
practical approach to parenting children from preschool to adolescents. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews