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But Why?: How to answer tricky questions from kids and have an honest conversation with yourself
'' When faced with the endless 'But Whys?' look no further than this brilliant & essential parenting compendium. It is laugh-out-loud AND educational. We are grabbing for it from the toilet, to the dinner table and all places in between, when cornered without an answer.' Laura and Russell Brand
But Why? aims to help you tackle those awkward questions that can floor the best of us. Imagine the you're trying to put the kids to bed, your brain has checked out for the day and suddenly, from nowhere, all manner of unrelated, but potentially important, questions are flung into the night-time routine as you're trying to get them to brush their teeth
* But why are humans ruining the planet?
* But why don't boys wear dresses?
* But why do people get married?
* But why do we have feelings?
* But why can't I look like everyone else?
* But why do you have to work?
With a foreword by leading psychotherapist Anna Mathur (author of Mind Over Mother ) this book is informed by a huge, varied body of research. Including conversations with experts via Clemmie's popular 'Honestly' podcast , the insight of 300-plus contributors to her blog 'Mother of All Lists', bravely sharing first-hand accounts, and, of course, Clemmie's own experience as a mother of three.
It can't promise definitive answers, but it will give you a wealth of ideas to draw upon, along with tips on how to explore the topics mindfully, pointers on where to seek more information and, perhaps most importantly, a reminder of what you absolutely should avoid saying to your kids even if you're knackered or have been caught off-guard.
Clemmie describes this book as an 'existential crisis' which found her challenging everything she thought she knew about everything (but in a good way). 'I hope the book will act as a catalyst for our own thoughts on a range of subjects, giving us the opportunity to have honest conversations with ourselves about important topics such as race, gender, sexuality, politics and religion.'
But Why? aims to help you tackle those awkward questions that can floor the best of us. Imagine the you're trying to put the kids to bed, your brain has checked out for the day and suddenly, from nowhere, all manner of unrelated, but potentially important, questions are flung into the night-time routine as you're trying to get them to brush their teeth
* But why are humans ruining the planet?
* But why don't boys wear dresses?
* But why do people get married?
* But why do we have feelings?
* But why can't I look like everyone else?
* But why do you have to work?
With a foreword by leading psychotherapist Anna Mathur (author of Mind Over Mother ) this book is informed by a huge, varied body of research. Including conversations with experts via Clemmie's popular 'Honestly' podcast , the insight of 300-plus contributors to her blog 'Mother of All Lists', bravely sharing first-hand accounts, and, of course, Clemmie's own experience as a mother of three.
It can't promise definitive answers, but it will give you a wealth of ideas to draw upon, along with tips on how to explore the topics mindfully, pointers on where to seek more information and, perhaps most importantly, a reminder of what you absolutely should avoid saying to your kids even if you're knackered or have been caught off-guard.
Clemmie describes this book as an 'existential crisis' which found her challenging everything she thought she knew about everything (but in a good way). 'I hope the book will act as a catalyst for our own thoughts on a range of subjects, giving us the opportunity to have honest conversations with ourselves about important topics such as race, gender, sexuality, politics and religion.'
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2022
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 15, 2023
“But why—
money doesn’t grow on trees?
people have different hair/skin/eyes?
some people can’t walk/speak/hear/see?
people believe in God?
do I have to say sorry/please?
are we not rich?
daddy has to go to work?
are you staying at home with us?
granny/pet dog died?
are your tummy squishy?
can’t I just be happy all the time?
some or most of these questions were asked to me by kids and so, I picked up this book. Only to find answers for my own questions in life.
“if life feels like it’s throwing up more questions than it’s answering, then you are getting it right. If you feel unsure and uncomfortable, and most importantly, if the not-knowing inspires you to keep learning rather than switch off, then you are doing the right thing.”
Clemmie wrote this book on Covid era, and it’s something that made me laugh and cry at the same time, because its relatable and reassuring.
In conclusion, I found out that this book was never about finding the right answers, but it was an opportunity to ask questions. It was never just a “but why….?” It was more of a case of “But why…..not?”
money doesn’t grow on trees?
people have different hair/skin/eyes?
some people can’t walk/speak/hear/see?
people believe in God?
do I have to say sorry/please?
are we not rich?
daddy has to go to work?
are you staying at home with us?
granny/pet dog died?
are your tummy squishy?
can’t I just be happy all the time?
some or most of these questions were asked to me by kids and so, I picked up this book. Only to find answers for my own questions in life.
“if life feels like it’s throwing up more questions than it’s answering, then you are getting it right. If you feel unsure and uncomfortable, and most importantly, if the not-knowing inspires you to keep learning rather than switch off, then you are doing the right thing.”
Clemmie wrote this book on Covid era, and it’s something that made me laugh and cry at the same time, because its relatable and reassuring.
In conclusion, I found out that this book was never about finding the right answers, but it was an opportunity to ask questions. It was never just a “but why….?” It was more of a case of “But why…..not?”
July 28, 2021
I picked this book up with enthusiasm. As the mum of a startlingly curious 3-year-old, I felt like I was ticking the boxes of the intended target audience. It was frustrating then, to feel distinctly underwhelmed with what I read.
Written in an informal & friendly manner, it felt like I was reading notes from a friend rather than your average non-fiction work that takes itself too seriously. It’s an easy book to dip and and out of.
I felt like this book struggled with its identity. It’s not quite a funny book of questions from kids, not quite a fountain of useful nuggets of information, not quite a self-help parenting book, and not quite a memoir. It’s a little bit of everything, but it didn’t do anything spectacularly well enough to stand out.
The questions -although broad in topics- weren’t really that testing, and I felt I could have answered most of them fairly without the help of the book. Some of it was useful and interesting, but too much of it felt like ‘filler’ which resulted in me skim-reading some of the chapters.
Written in an informal & friendly manner, it felt like I was reading notes from a friend rather than your average non-fiction work that takes itself too seriously. It’s an easy book to dip and and out of.
I felt like this book struggled with its identity. It’s not quite a funny book of questions from kids, not quite a fountain of useful nuggets of information, not quite a self-help parenting book, and not quite a memoir. It’s a little bit of everything, but it didn’t do anything spectacularly well enough to stand out.
The questions -although broad in topics- weren’t really that testing, and I felt I could have answered most of them fairly without the help of the book. Some of it was useful and interesting, but too much of it felt like ‘filler’ which resulted in me skim-reading some of the chapters.
July 29, 2021
I've heard of the author before who has done podcasts and features list's that others write to feature on the author's channels of their own life experiences. Sometimes the content is informative other times they miss the mark.
I picked up the book as I was intrigued, the premise was a good idea in principal however for me it was disappointing as it did not deliver. I felt the book was trying to do too much, messy & chaotic layout and may benefit so much more to have more credible sources and actually feature well known & qualified names to lead each section/question.
Would I refer back to this when my children ask me tricky questions, honestly no. I feel there are much better informed sources out there.
I picked up the book as I was intrigued, the premise was a good idea in principal however for me it was disappointing as it did not deliver. I felt the book was trying to do too much, messy & chaotic layout and may benefit so much more to have more credible sources and actually feature well known & qualified names to lead each section/question.
Would I refer back to this when my children ask me tricky questions, honestly no. I feel there are much better informed sources out there.
August 6, 2021
I took this on a trip to Devon and found it a great passenger car read. The topics helped my husband and I talk to our six year old about lots of different topics. Some great discussion topics and food for thought. I’ve enjoyed the podcast that goes alongside the book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews