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Can I Talk to You? Conversations with My Children: A Mother's Reflection
"Are we really raising children, or are they quietly raising us?"
Conversations with My Children: A Mother's Reflection is a heartfelt collection of everyday dialogues between a mother and her children, moments that reveal unexpected wisdom, unearths childhood wounds, and embraces personal growth.
Through raw, honest, and often humorous exchanges, the book offers a deeply personal reflection on how children's voices can become mirrors to our inner world.
Filled with humour, and emotional insight, this book speaks to anyone who values empathy, curiosity, and the power of honest conversation.
Conversations with My Children: A Mother's Reflection is a heartfelt collection of everyday dialogues between a mother and her children, moments that reveal unexpected wisdom, unearths childhood wounds, and embraces personal growth.
Through raw, honest, and often humorous exchanges, the book offers a deeply personal reflection on how children's voices can become mirrors to our inner world.
Filled with humour, and emotional insight, this book speaks to anyone who values empathy, curiosity, and the power of honest conversation.
- GenresParenting
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 17, 2025
11 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 11, 2025
I am so proud of this book, it’s a beautiful collection of my personal AND honest conversations with my two children whom I adore! These conversations may seem simple but they brought so much light, and healing. This is not just a parenting book, it’s a must read for anyone growing up longing to be seen. Loved it!!!!!
December 17, 2025
I recommend this book because it is not trying to teach you how to be a perfect parent or a perfect person. It simply sits with you honestly, gently, and humanly and reminds you what it means to be present.
Can I Talk To You feels like a quiet, intimate conversation that arrives exactly when you need it. It helps you reflect on your relationship with your children, your parents, and yourself, without judgment and without forcing answers. This book teaches presence over perfection, listening over fixing, and compassion over control.
Many parts feel like a mirror sometimes painful, sometimes comforting but always sincere. It doesn’t lecture, it invites. It doesn’t demand change, it allows it to happen naturally.
This book is for parents, for children, and honestly, for anyone who wants to become a softer, more conscious human being. It stays with you long after you finish the last page.
This is the kind of book you don’t just read once and put away. You return to it in quiet moments, in tired nights, in times when loving feels heavy. It reminds you that being human is already enough, and being present is the greatest gift we can offer. I didn’t just finish this book I carried it with me.
With love,
Mimma💙🩵
Can I Talk To You feels like a quiet, intimate conversation that arrives exactly when you need it. It helps you reflect on your relationship with your children, your parents, and yourself, without judgment and without forcing answers. This book teaches presence over perfection, listening over fixing, and compassion over control.
Many parts feel like a mirror sometimes painful, sometimes comforting but always sincere. It doesn’t lecture, it invites. It doesn’t demand change, it allows it to happen naturally.
This book is for parents, for children, and honestly, for anyone who wants to become a softer, more conscious human being. It stays with you long after you finish the last page.
This is the kind of book you don’t just read once and put away. You return to it in quiet moments, in tired nights, in times when loving feels heavy. It reminds you that being human is already enough, and being present is the greatest gift we can offer. I didn’t just finish this book I carried it with me.
With love,
Mimma💙🩵
December 19, 2025
I just married for one year and this book feels honest in a quiet grounding way. It’s not a parenting manual, and that’s exactly why it works. It doesn’t try to teach you how to raise perfect children or be a flawless parent. Instead, it gently shows what it looks like to stay present in conversations with our kids especially the ones that feel awkward, emotional, or easy to avoid.
It also made me reflect on the kinds of conversations I had growing up, the questions that were welcomed, and the ones that were never asked. Not out of neglect but out of discomfort, fear, or simply not knowing how to begin.
This book is especially meaningful for anyone preparing to become a parent. It doesn’t give rules or scripts. Instead, it invites you to think about the kind of emotional safety you want to build with your children, long before the hard conversations even begin. How you listen, how you respond, and how you stay open
Just to sum it up: it’s a quiet reminder that listening, gentleness, and presence matter. A deeply human book for anyone who wants to raise children who feel safe to talk. 😁
It also made me reflect on the kinds of conversations I had growing up, the questions that were welcomed, and the ones that were never asked. Not out of neglect but out of discomfort, fear, or simply not knowing how to begin.
This book is especially meaningful for anyone preparing to become a parent. It doesn’t give rules or scripts. Instead, it invites you to think about the kind of emotional safety you want to build with your children, long before the hard conversations even begin. How you listen, how you respond, and how you stay open
Just to sum it up: it’s a quiet reminder that listening, gentleness, and presence matter. A deeply human book for anyone who wants to raise children who feel safe to talk. 😁
January 8, 2026
Buku ini berisi refleksi Kania Annisa Anggiani (Keke) atas percakapannya dan kedua anaknya, Lulla dan Galan. 'Can I Talk to You' terdiri dari tiga puluhan tulisan yang semuanya dimulai dengan potongan percakapan mereka. Format ini begitu memikat karena percakapan antara Keke dan Lulla yang menginjak remaja, juga Galan yang sedang memasuki fase pre-teen, terasa begitu polos dan jujur tetapi di saat yang bersamaan bisa lucu, mengejutkan, tapi penting untuk direnungkan.
Misalnya, sejak tulisan pembuka, kita sudah diajak menghadapi pertanyaan Galan, "Mom, how would you like to die?" Setelah percakapan tersebut, Keke membagikan refleksinya tentang bagaimana kita sebagai orang dewasa kerap merasa harus melindungi anak-anak dari percakapan soal kematian, padahal bisa jadi ketidaknyamanan itu datang dari ketakutan kita sendiri sebagai manusia. Atau contoh lainnya ketika Galan mengkhawatirkan hari di mana kakaknya akan punya pacar (haha gemes banget!), Keke coba untuk mengurai apa yang tersirat dari kekhawatiran itu, bahwa bisa jadi Galan mengkhawatirkan perubahan yang akan terjadi dalam dinamika keluarga mereka.
Ada berbagai isu yang dibahas di buku ini, mulai dari soal keinginan memiliki smart phone, sibling rivalry, menghadapi keberagaman, hingga agama. Karena buku ini sifatnya refleksi pribadi, membaca buku ini rasanya seperti ngobrol sambil ngeteh hangat dengan sesama orang tua diselingi pelukan hangat kalau berat. Sebagai orang tua dari anak laki-laki yang usianya mirip Galan dan sering bertanya, this book really resonates with me. Tanpa menggurui, Keke mengingatkan kita banyak hal penting sebagai orang tua: to be there, to listen, to respect our children and their agency, and to love unconditionally.
I might be biased, but I love this book so much! Solid 5 stars, awesome debut, massive congrats, Teh Keke!
Misalnya, sejak tulisan pembuka, kita sudah diajak menghadapi pertanyaan Galan, "Mom, how would you like to die?" Setelah percakapan tersebut, Keke membagikan refleksinya tentang bagaimana kita sebagai orang dewasa kerap merasa harus melindungi anak-anak dari percakapan soal kematian, padahal bisa jadi ketidaknyamanan itu datang dari ketakutan kita sendiri sebagai manusia. Atau contoh lainnya ketika Galan mengkhawatirkan hari di mana kakaknya akan punya pacar (haha gemes banget!), Keke coba untuk mengurai apa yang tersirat dari kekhawatiran itu, bahwa bisa jadi Galan mengkhawatirkan perubahan yang akan terjadi dalam dinamika keluarga mereka.
Ada berbagai isu yang dibahas di buku ini, mulai dari soal keinginan memiliki smart phone, sibling rivalry, menghadapi keberagaman, hingga agama. Karena buku ini sifatnya refleksi pribadi, membaca buku ini rasanya seperti ngobrol sambil ngeteh hangat dengan sesama orang tua diselingi pelukan hangat kalau berat. Sebagai orang tua dari anak laki-laki yang usianya mirip Galan dan sering bertanya, this book really resonates with me. Tanpa menggurui, Keke mengingatkan kita banyak hal penting sebagai orang tua: to be there, to listen, to respect our children and their agency, and to love unconditionally.
I might be biased, but I love this book so much! Solid 5 stars, awesome debut, massive congrats, Teh Keke!
December 19, 2025
'Can I Talk To You?' by Kania Annisa Anggiani serves as a heartfelt reminder that parenting isn't about being the perfect presence, but an authentic one. As a first-time parent, I often find myself caught up in a cycle of worry, feeling like I need to be everything for my child at every moment.
Kania’s words felt like a soothing balm, gently easing the pressure and reminding me that, as parents, we all have our own limitations. I’ve come to realize that being a good parent doesn’t mean being the sole source of wisdom; instead, we should be open to the support of a village of role models that help our children grow.
This book helped me internalize something we all "know," but often forget: our children are not just extensions of us. They are individuals with their own minds and wills. If you're navigating the overwhelming early years of parenthood and finding it hard to strike a balance between guiding and letting go, this is a must-read. It’s a call to stop trying to control their path and instead focus on the quality of the connection we share.
Kania’s words felt like a soothing balm, gently easing the pressure and reminding me that, as parents, we all have our own limitations. I’ve come to realize that being a good parent doesn’t mean being the sole source of wisdom; instead, we should be open to the support of a village of role models that help our children grow.
This book helped me internalize something we all "know," but often forget: our children are not just extensions of us. They are individuals with their own minds and wills. If you're navigating the overwhelming early years of parenthood and finding it hard to strike a balance between guiding and letting go, this is a must-read. It’s a call to stop trying to control their path and instead focus on the quality of the connection we share.
December 19, 2025
“Can I talk to you?” is the phrase I hope my children will say to me when they are older, during the phase when they naturally grow into their own independent selves. Not only in childhood, when closeness to their mother comes easily and conversation flows naturally, but well into adolescence and beyond.
As a psychologist and a mother, I understand how challenging it is to translate theory into daily parenting practice. That is why I deeply appreciate how Teh Kania shares her journey with such rawness, honesty, and emotional clarity for all of us to learn and reflect from.
This book is a reminder that a warm, safe, and trusting relationship during adolescence does not appear overnight. It is built slowly through presence, humility, repair, and a genuine willingness to listen. I hope readers will reflect on the kind of emotional home we should be building: one where our children, even in their most difficult seasons, feel safe enough to say, “Can I talk to you?”. Kudos, Teh Kania! 💕
As a psychologist and a mother, I understand how challenging it is to translate theory into daily parenting practice. That is why I deeply appreciate how Teh Kania shares her journey with such rawness, honesty, and emotional clarity for all of us to learn and reflect from.
This book is a reminder that a warm, safe, and trusting relationship during adolescence does not appear overnight. It is built slowly through presence, humility, repair, and a genuine willingness to listen. I hope readers will reflect on the kind of emotional home we should be building: one where our children, even in their most difficult seasons, feel safe enough to say, “Can I talk to you?”. Kudos, Teh Kania! 💕
January 1, 2026
Although the title is about A Mother's Reflection, this book is actually for all parents, moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even babysitters!
It's also great for teachers.
it's clever and wise. Kania has chosen everyday conversations that feel casual and light, but what's really important is the sincerity and honesty between parents and kids - that's the heart of this book. The other great thing is Kania's deep reflections as a mother, sharing her thoughts without being preachy.
This book is a must-read for all parents-to-be, parents, and educators. And to those who are thinking of being childfree, thinking kids are a financial and moral burden, remember that we actually need them to complete us. It's not about us teaching them, but them shaping and teaching us. 😊
It's also great for teachers.
it's clever and wise. Kania has chosen everyday conversations that feel casual and light, but what's really important is the sincerity and honesty between parents and kids - that's the heart of this book. The other great thing is Kania's deep reflections as a mother, sharing her thoughts without being preachy.
This book is a must-read for all parents-to-be, parents, and educators. And to those who are thinking of being childfree, thinking kids are a financial and moral burden, remember that we actually need them to complete us. It's not about us teaching them, but them shaping and teaching us. 😊
December 19, 2025
This book made me reflect on how I respond to children’s questions and reminded me that children’s curiosity is not something to rush or avoid, but an opportunity to listen, understand, and connect.
Teh Keke & Lulla Galan is an example that communication with children is not merely about providing the right answers, but about listening wholeheartedly. This book serves as a source of inspiration for me who wishes to build a warmer, more open, and more meaningful relationship with my future children through everyday conversations.
Teh Keke & Lulla Galan is an example that communication with children is not merely about providing the right answers, but about listening wholeheartedly. This book serves as a source of inspiration for me who wishes to build a warmer, more open, and more meaningful relationship with my future children through everyday conversations.
December 19, 2025
It's the kind of book that you can't stop reading but don't want to finish. 😂
As a parent myself, it feels like i'm reading the stories of a friend: an honest, warm, very relatable read. It brings little giggles and also tears. A book that i will be back to when the journey feels lonely. My personal favourite chapter: Constellation of Patterns. 💖
A book full of insights, but not lectures. Strongly recommend this book for anyone navigating family relationships.
As a parent myself, it feels like i'm reading the stories of a friend: an honest, warm, very relatable read. It brings little giggles and also tears. A book that i will be back to when the journey feels lonely. My personal favourite chapter: Constellation of Patterns. 💖
A book full of insights, but not lectures. Strongly recommend this book for anyone navigating family relationships.
December 19, 2025
Must read for everyone!! Highly recommend to read.
Easy to read book about conversation between the author and her children. The book is filled with such heart warming conversations. Definitely learn a lot tru those conversaations.
Finish reading the book in 2 days but you can easily finish reading this book in a day. Highly recommend for all parents and parents to be. This book will warm your heart in so many ways.
Easy to read book about conversation between the author and her children. The book is filled with such heart warming conversations. Definitely learn a lot tru those conversaations.
Finish reading the book in 2 days but you can easily finish reading this book in a day. Highly recommend for all parents and parents to be. This book will warm your heart in so many ways.
December 16, 2025
Gimana kalau "jokes tongkrongan" nggak perlu muncul di kepala & terucap?
I never thought that piece of mbak Keke's book bakal aku pakai buat "negur" tekbro aneh di Twitter yang keukeuh kalau ucapannya cuma sebatas ((jokes tongkrongan)), padahal jelas-jelas sudah masuk ranah peleceh*an verbal--liat slide 2. Pola pikir patriarki yang kerap victim blaming lalu dibalut dengan ngeles kalau itu cuma "bercanda" malah melanggengkan "ra*e culture" itu sendiri. So, when I read Can I Talk To You?, aku hepi karena mbak Keke sudah mau repot-repot membukukan dialognya dengan putra-putrinya sehingga pola parenting yang fight patriarchy ini bisa semakin diketahui orang banyak.
Selain itu, as a married woman yang memutuskan untuk tidak punya anak, Can I Talk To You? menjadi bahan refleksiku. About how my parents membesarkanku & bagaimana aku sebaiknya membuka percakapan yang sehat dengan suamiku.
I realized that eventho my parents are progressive, ada topik-topik yg mereka nggak singgung saat aku kecil. And they let me discover it when I grow up. Yang sebenarnya nggak apa-apa, sih. Tapi aku jadi iri dengan Galan dan Lulla (Mbak Keke's children) yang bisa nanya directly kepada ibunya dan membangun dialog yang sehat.
Dan sebagai seorang istri, I also learn how to react terhadap pertanyaan & ekspresi suamiku lewat respon Mbak Keke dengan anak-anaknya. I learn how to be a good listener, how to be a good partner. Suamiku memang lelaki dewasa, tapi dibesarkan dg gaya pengasuhan yg berbeda denganku. Maka, wajar sekali kalau aku harus belajar bagaimana berkomunikasi yang sehat dengan dia (and I wish he would do the same).
In short, I can't thank mbak @kekekania enough for writing Can I Talk To You? Aku nggak nyangka kalau aku belajar banyak hal dari pengalamannya mbak Keke 💖✨
Go find her book at @periplus.bookstore !
cc: @geometrymedia
I never thought that piece of mbak Keke's book bakal aku pakai buat "negur" tekbro aneh di Twitter yang keukeuh kalau ucapannya cuma sebatas ((jokes tongkrongan)), padahal jelas-jelas sudah masuk ranah peleceh*an verbal--liat slide 2. Pola pikir patriarki yang kerap victim blaming lalu dibalut dengan ngeles kalau itu cuma "bercanda" malah melanggengkan "ra*e culture" itu sendiri. So, when I read Can I Talk To You?, aku hepi karena mbak Keke sudah mau repot-repot membukukan dialognya dengan putra-putrinya sehingga pola parenting yang fight patriarchy ini bisa semakin diketahui orang banyak.
Selain itu, as a married woman yang memutuskan untuk tidak punya anak, Can I Talk To You? menjadi bahan refleksiku. About how my parents membesarkanku & bagaimana aku sebaiknya membuka percakapan yang sehat dengan suamiku.
I realized that eventho my parents are progressive, ada topik-topik yg mereka nggak singgung saat aku kecil. And they let me discover it when I grow up. Yang sebenarnya nggak apa-apa, sih. Tapi aku jadi iri dengan Galan dan Lulla (Mbak Keke's children) yang bisa nanya directly kepada ibunya dan membangun dialog yang sehat.
Dan sebagai seorang istri, I also learn how to react terhadap pertanyaan & ekspresi suamiku lewat respon Mbak Keke dengan anak-anaknya. I learn how to be a good listener, how to be a good partner. Suamiku memang lelaki dewasa, tapi dibesarkan dg gaya pengasuhan yg berbeda denganku. Maka, wajar sekali kalau aku harus belajar bagaimana berkomunikasi yang sehat dengan dia (and I wish he would do the same).
In short, I can't thank mbak @kekekania enough for writing Can I Talk To You? Aku nggak nyangka kalau aku belajar banyak hal dari pengalamannya mbak Keke 💖✨
Go find her book at @periplus.bookstore !
cc: @geometrymedia
December 19, 2025
This book is one of my TO BUY for this year!
It's like i found the way to reflections of being a mother and be a daughter. Such a relieving that I'm not alone for having that POV all of this time. Mencoba belajar untuk mendengarkan dulu ya kaan. It's the hardest part. Hebatlah mba keke, membuka jalur pemahamanku dalam parenting.
It's like i found the way to reflections of being a mother and be a daughter. Such a relieving that I'm not alone for having that POV all of this time. Mencoba belajar untuk mendengarkan dulu ya kaan. It's the hardest part. Hebatlah mba keke, membuka jalur pemahamanku dalam parenting.
December 19, 2025
I would like definitely recommend this book for sure because this book will give us a really good small conversation with our inner child by the writer's talk inside in message that lies inside the book.
January 7, 2026
I finished the book in less than 24 hours. I enjoyed reading it so much! I really like how the Author handled conversations with her children. She inspired me to read more, listen more. Learn and unlearn; for our child.
December 19, 2025
Buku yang sangat heart warming, isinya percakapan antara ibu orang tua dan anak.. Highly recommended untuk dibaca ❤️✨
December 28, 2025
Love how this book beautifully written, sangat menginspirasi ku as a mom of two, setiap halaman membuat mata berkaca-kaca, semoga aku bisa menjadi ibu yang lebih baik lagi setelah membaca ini, terima kasih telah menulis buku yang indah, teteh Keke ❤️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews