Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting: Ancient Chinese Philosophy and the Art of Raising Mindful, Resilient, and Compassionate Kids

by Erin Cline

A philosopher and mother mines classic Daoist and Confucian texts of Chinese philosophy for wisdom relevant to today’s parents. The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius compared children to tender sprouts, shaped by soil, sunlight, water, and, importantly, the efforts of patient farmers and gardeners. At times children require our protection, other times we must take a step back and allow them to grow. Like sprouts, a child’s character, tendencies, virtues, and vices are at once observable and ever-changing. A practical parenting manual, philosophical reflection on the relationship between parent and child, and necessary response to modern stereotypes of Eastern parenting, Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting reconsiders cultural definitions of success and explores how we might support and nourish young people. Engaging deeply with foundational Daoist and Confucian thinkers, Georgetown philosopher Erin Cline offers accessible, provocative musings on key parenting issues. She reveals how ancient Chinese philosophers encourage surprisingly modern values―a love of nature and of learning, mindfulness in everyday interactions, an embrace of disabilities and diversity, and the power of performing rituals with reflection―and relates these to concrete parenting practices, whether celebrating special occasions or finding a child’s unique talents and gifts. Little Sprouts shows how―through the nurturing efforts of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and teachers―we can strengthen innate virtues of compassion, generosity, and individuality in our own tender sprouts. With an engaging and intuitive approach, Cline offers a balanced philosophy that helps us grow into better parents of joyful, fulfilled children.

Genres: Parenting, Philosophy, China, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 2020

About the author

Erin Cline is a professor of comparative ethics at Georgetown University, a senior research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, and a mother of three. The author of four books that explore Chinese philosophy and theology, she lives in Washington, DC, with her family.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book applies ancient Chinese philosophy to modern parenting, focusing on how performing "rituals" (anything from please/thank you, to handshakes, to birthday parties) and appreciating nature can help build kindness, generosity, and compassion in children, among other things. There were a lot of good tips on things that I kind of know already but need reminders of (put down the my phone and focus fully on him, milestones don't predict success and there is no reason to focus on them, even things that seem like they are a huge pain right now will not last forever), and there were also discussions on a lot of things that we already do but that I never considered the reasoning or benefits (writing thank you cards can foster gratitude, giving gifts encourages generosity). One thing I think I will take more to heart is to praise persistence rather than ease of doing something. We should be more proud of the failures to takes to learn something new than getting it on the first try because that builds resilience. I felt this a lot as I was reading because it reminded me of how easy everything was for me in school and how, looking back now, it really just made me lazy academically. It's a good thing when it's NOT easy, when a child has to work for something, because it teaches them the importance of that work, of persisting and trying until you learn something. I feel like I have a new way of looking at certain aspects of parenting, and while this doesn't inspire may to make huge changes in my actions, I hope it changes the way I see things a bit. Four stars.

[Kayleigh Hills]

This book serves as a thorough introduction to traditional Chinese schools of thought about raising children and supporting them in their learning. For me, as an educator and parent of two, this couldn’t have come at a better time; the responsibility of teaching my own children has transferred into the domestic sphere and I’m no longer working within the formal parameters of “school” in its usual sense.

The author offers an introduction to, and explanation of, both Daoist and Confucian schools of thought and explores lots of points about children’s development from both perspectives. She covers the thinking about life purpose, meaningful goals, what it means for us to flourish, virtues within ourselves and how we communicate these to our children and many other thought provoking aspects of our daily interaction with our children.

I particular enjoyed the time she spent examining “wuwei” and how we would benefit from embracing more of the “little things” in life to help us feel happier. I’ve tried to embrace this in my approach to teaching my children at home; if they want to stop an activity to smell flowers, watch a plane fly overhead or watch a squirrel scurrying up a tree, I’ll enjoy the moment of that with them too, rather than hurrying them back to the task in hand.

All in all, a thought provoking and at times a complex read; this isn’t a book that you’ll fly through, but I got a lot from it and I enjoyed how I’ve applied the concept of “gardener not carpenter” to my own family life

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

I found this book very soothing. At first I was kind of disappointed because I wanted advice and solid things to follow, but this book isn’t that kind of book and honestly never tried to be. Instead, it’s a philosophical reflection on how to raise kids, and it uses ancient Chinese teachings as the basis. It is simple and elegant and it really sinks in when you’re not thinking about it. I enjoyed it tremendously and I think it would be an excellent book for new parents or parents entering new phases of their children’s lives—aka honestly everyone.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found an advanced reading copy of this book on a free book pile. Having an affinity for Eastern philosophy, I picked it up. I'm very glad I did.

This is truly a book about the Way of Parenting. It's not a book full of tips and tricks, but asks the bigger questions of "Why?" and "How?" It's refreshing, thought-provoking, and simply quite beautiful. I will certainly be recommending it to others.

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book! My husband did, after all. I found it anecdotal and unfocused. The language in the section on disabilities felt alienating: literal “us” and “them.” I also would have appreciated much more historical context, given the main argument! Many statements felt trite and not particularly thoughtful: and in the audiobook version, somehow the narrator made it seem even more so. Overall, chapter arguments were broad and underdeveloped, with pretty obvious conclusions.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and worthwhile read. I appreciated the exposure to another's culture's way of viewing life and giving my personal way of thinking another thought ot two.
4 stars

My thanks to goodreads and the book's giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.

[Stephanie Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this book unsure what to expect but left with an appreciation of chinese philosophy/thought in regards to raising kids. It's not a step-by-step guide on how to raise kids, instead it gives you food for thought on how to appreciate your kids and raise them in a balanced way.

[Ron Frampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child are like sprouts they need soil,sunlight,water,and most the patient of their parents.

[Amanda Schaeppi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely parenting book! The world would be a much kinder and lovely place with these elements instilled in children!

[Dakota Roos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on good reads ! Thank you! I enjoyed the different look on parenting and plan on using some of the techniques!

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, interesting account of the major ancient Chinese philosophers and what they have to say about parenting. Enjoyable read.

[Guillermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great approach to parenting with eastern values.