The Joys and Sorrows of Parenting

Being a parent can be one of the sources of our greatest joys. It is also - intermittently - the cause of some of our deepest sorrows. It is likely that we will spend at least some of the time in despair and confusion, wondering whether it really had to be so hard. Philosophy has, over the last 2,000 years, been a discipline committed to calm, kindness, perspective and a reduction of paranoia. It is one of the most useful sources of solace and humanity.



THE JOYS AND SORROWS OF PARENTING is made up of 26 small essays that aim provide understanding of and consolation for the trials and pleasures of parenting. They will provoke insight, recognition and a far more forgiving, generous assessment of one's challenges. THE JOYS AND SORROWS OF PARENTING promises us a gentle way of staying calm around one of the most arduous yet deeply fulfilling jobs in the world.

“What readers are saying "This is a very wise and deeply compassionate book which all parents will appreciate, especially parents of small children, during a pandemic. I came across this when I was needing some support, and this book did it for me. Can't say enough good things about it." "These little essays are short and sweet and cut to the chase. Honest and raw, they speak straight to the heart of what it feels like to parent. Loved it." "One that I'll come back to time and again as I need a lift. Very kind and sensible reminders for parents, who are doing their best."”

What readers are saying

This is a very wise and deeply compassionate book which all parents will appreciate, especially parents of small children, during a pandemic. I came across this when I was needing some support, and this book did it for me. Can't say enough good things about it.

These little essays are short and sweet and cut to the chase. Honest and raw, they speak straight to the heart of what it feels like to parent. Loved it.

One that I'll come back to time and again as I need a lift. Very kind and sensible reminders for parents, who are doing their best.

The School of Life is devoted to developing emotional intelligence. It addresses issues such as how to find fulfilling work, how to master the art of relationships, how to understand one's past, how to achieve calm, and how better to understand and - where necessary - change the world. These ideas are delivered through a range of channels: from videos, books, and products - to classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.



The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

Being a parent can be one of the sources of our greatest joys. It is also - intermittently - the cause of some of our deepest sorrows. It is likely that we will spend at least some of the time in despair and confusion, wondering whether it really had to be so hard. Philosophy has, over the last 2,000 years, been a discipline committed to calm, kindness, perspective and a reduction of paranoia. It is one of the most useful sources of solace and humanity. THE JOYS AND SORROWS OF PARENTING is made up of 26 small essays that aim provide understanding of and consolation for the trials and pleasures of parenting. They will provoke insight, recognition and a far more forgiving, generous assessment of one's challenges. THE JOYS AND SORROWS OF PARENTING promises us a gentle way of staying calm around one of the most arduous yet deeply fulfilling jobs in the world.

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