Stephanie Davies-Arai - Communicating with Kids

This is like no other parenting book. For one thing it doesnt tell you how to parent (you already know that), but rather explains how your kind of communication helps or hinders your parenting. Full of staggeringly simple but hugely effective tips this book might actually change your life.

Helen Saxby, Specialist in early learning toys for children, mother of two

Stephanie gives the kind of commonsense advice that is so blindingly obvious once she points it out that you wonder why you never thought of it before. Buy this book!

Jane Summers, Student Nurse, mother of two

Drawing on her own experiences as a parent of four as well as the latest psychology and neuroscience research, Stephanie re-examines what it means to be an effective parent. With sometimes counter-intuitive advice and laugh out loud truths about the shortcomings of modern parenting, this book gives you all the guidance you need if you want to be nice but still in charge. You wont find a more comprehensive and powerful guide for turning the heavy weather of parenting in to lighter-hearted good fun!

Lizzie Overton, former Head Teacher, Education Consultant, mother of two

Feeling confident about your parenting? Ok, as Stephanie says: shoulders back, head up, tap into your inner Mary Poppins and read this book. Parenting is tough because the two standard methods everyone uses just dont work. Stephanie brilliantly guides readers to a new ease and enjoyment with our children.

James Greyson, Head of Blindspot Think Tank, father of two

Stephanie offers that perfect mix of science based theory and common sense which leads to sighs of relief and AHA! moments round every corner. Her humour, insight and experience make you instantly comfortable and help put all the pitfalls of parenting into perspective.

Kate Alderton, SEM Practitioner, mother of two

When youre at your wits end, reading anything by Stephanie will pull you back from the brink and humorously guide you towards being the happy fulfilled parent you want to be. Does what it says on the tin!

Nimmy March, Actor, Patron BAAF, mother of three

After just a few pages of Stephanies book, I felt calmer, more together and actually able to do something positive about my sons seeming inability to listen to anything I said! Stephanie writes in such an inviting and warm manner that she at once puts you at ease and makes you laugh no mean feat when you feel at the end of your tether. There are no blame or shame tactics, just brilliant, sound and simple advice. She understands what us parents are feeling. Whats even better is that her ways of communicating are not hard to implement and I even remember them in the heat of the moment. No more wearing emotional outbursts on my part, no more contrary, outright challenging behaviour from my son what more could I ask for?

Catherine Hooper, Editor, mother of one

A clear, practical and intelligent approach to a hugely neglected subject (how to talk to your children). Communicating with Kids is the only parenting course Ive done so Im not an expert but the reason Ive not tried any other course is that this one helped me. We dont have as much shouting, arguments, confusion and mayhem in our house anymore and I dont think its a coincidence that we have both attended Stephanies course. Helped me change a lot of my bad parenting habits, I still screw up but I realise it a lot sooner and deal with it a lot better.

Sean Lock, Comedian, father of three

Stephanie writes with incredible intelligence and humour about parenting. She is unafraid to tackle difficult issues because, after all, those are the areas with which we need the most help. I love the honest appraisals of her own experiences because they mirror our own, and the way in which she resolves them offers us both hope, and a pointer to how we might deal with our inevitable parenting challenges. I just love her stuff so easy to read, and so simple to apply.

Jackie Charley, Author of best-selling book Unlock the Cage, mother of two

There is something incredibly powerful about being able to shake off the stereotypes and expectations that society has of you and to be who you want to be as a parent. Stephanie has helped me to do this and to become a truly happy parent. She has helped me to accept and embrace my own personality, to make me an intuitive parent and most importantly has given me the tools to make my children feel secure and loved.

Angela Towers, Director, mother of two

Stephanies writing provides me with honest and insightful observations about parenting and family life. When I read her words, I invariably find myself thinking, yes, thats exactly how I feel! She not only manages to articulate many of the same issues and concerns that I have, but offers her view in a non-judgmental way. I really enjoy her blend of subtle humour, experience and knowledge and when she writes about the external pressures on the family, she combines passion and intelligence.

Judy Weatherhead, School Assistant, mother of one

In her new book, Stephanie breaks down so many of the myths about parenting and empowers you to enjoy the learning journey that you and your kids are on a whole lot more.

Mike Ellicock, Chief Executive, National Numeracy, father of three

Stephanies writing is funny, thought-provoking and incisive and above all acutely relevant to parents raising kids in the world today. Without a hint of know-it-all she raises questions on familiar issues, and offers refreshing new perspectives. She reflects openly (and amusingly) on her human foibles within the context of parenting.

Amanda Berry, Events Organiser, mother of one

What I find so refreshing with Stephanies approach is that she is so totally non-judgemental. Not only have her suggestions and ideas worked brilliantly with my children, I realise that actually its all about me and not about my kids. Totally empowering!

Christine Griffin, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, mother of two

Stephanies approach is authentic and grounded in real-life and at the same time full of joy and laughter. Her approach takes away all the blame, shame and punishment which invites a negative response from children. Instead through clear communication and positive relationships children respond with respect and understanding which leads to good models of behaviour.

Debby Hunter, Principal of Independent Primary School, mother of two

Stephanie brings compassion, practicality and a disciplined clarity to family communication issues. She has a rare authenticity and draws upon a vast wealth of experience, both from her own life and the many individuals and families she has worked with to produce elegant solutions to complex issues.

Gavin Burke, Primary School Teacher, father of three

Powerfully and with humour Stephanie demonstrates that when you begin speaking from a place of self respect, magic happens! Her approachable and non-judgemental manner is refreshing. Stephanie makes me laugh, she has retrained my mind and made me do a few U-turns inwardly too.

Paula Rhymes, Artist, mother of four year old twins

What resonates the most with me about Stephanies approach is her compassion and insight around communicating with young people combined with a wonderful sense of humour. Also, it works!

Maddy McClellan, Printmaker, mother of two

Stephanie teaches how to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, in a way which is clear, honest and respectful. I love the balance in her approach; both communicating clear boundaries and giving children space to be, grow and learn for themselves. Both hearing my childrens feelings and expressing and meeting my own needs. I love the way she draws on and shares her own experiences she is understanding and totally non-judgemental and I really appreciate her humour and light-hearted, down-to-earth attitude; encouraging less stress and more relaxation. Positive, liberating and empowering.