Scribe Publications Extraordinary Parenting: the essential guide to parenting and educating at home

A gently transformative guide for all parents and carers wanting to bring a little more joy, magic and calm to their days. This book is filled with accessible, specific advice, reassuring words and inspiration for all. I read this during lockdown (and oh boy did I need this book back then!) but it’s one I will read again and again whenever I need reinvigorating, and it will be just as useful and just as relevant. Even the tone is encouraging - it feels like it’s written by a friend - kind and understanding; free from judgement, never patronising, and without technical jargon. I’m tempted to call it a hug with words, because that’s what it feels like to read, but it’s more substantial than that. It’s a hug that lingers, and with a warmth that nourishes deeply. Packed full of ideas and inspiration, Extraordinary Parenting summarises relevant advice and insights from experts and specialists; gives bullet pointed prompts for reflection (opportunity for ‘aha’ moments and honest realisations - I found these really helpful); suggests activities for children of all ages; offers plentiful ideas for establishing meaningful rhythm; and gives support for positive communication. There’s also an excellent chapter dedicated to self care. Usually self care is an afterthought, or a source of guilt or niggling annoyance, but not here. Eloise looks at self care from different angles and the message finally sunk in. The first idea I adopted from this book was to light a candle at every mealtime, and it was an instant win. Amazing how such a simple idea can have such a positive impact on our days. I’m now excited to build on our daily and seasonal rhythms, whereas before reading this I was confused and frustrated. Basically, it’s a lovely book, and pitched perfectly. Practical and substantial, without being overwhelming. Comforting and understanding, without being wishy washy. Stop reading this review and start reading the book!

Can’t put this down so far! Great advice that is opening my eyes in so many ways and making me feel equipped for almost anything. Advice I wish I’d known sooner! My favourite insight is compassionate parenting where you focus on the child’s emotions rather than the behaviour. This has helped build a stronger relationship with my kids so far. Naturally from this, we ended up all being more relaxed and playing together which is my next favourite insight so far! Play based parenting, which I’ve already seen has unlocked so much potential and joy in my children and made me feel so much more myself and at ease. Very valuable teachings, thank you!

This book beautifully summarises how to create a family-life that brings joy, warmth and meaning. A childhood your child(ren) and you will fondly remember.

I’ve been following Eloise @mightymother_ both on Instagram and via her blog for a long while. Her account is one of the first I look for when I log on as I always find her words so inspiring and uplifting and she is honestly the BEST when it comes to choosing a good book! It came as no surprise to me then, that her book is superb. I knew it would be. It’s comforting, informative, reassuring, gentle, totally non-judgemental, accessible and deeply nourishing. It’s full of practical advice for how to parent peacefully, educate at home (whether temporarily as a result of the pandemic or longer term) and care for ourselves as parents in order that we feel able to be the very best we can be for our children. I feel better equipped to tackle particular situations that arise with my children as a result of many of the practical suggestions that Eloise makes and I’ve been motivated to simplify some of the play areas in our home and re-think our family rhythm a little too. This book was a tonic in such strange and unprecedented times. It was really was exactly what I needed. SUPERB.

I loved this book so much. It felt like just what I needed - gentle encouragement, no judgement and an understanding that we are all just doing our best in situations that are often tough. Loads of interesting ideas and insights. I felt really positive and encouraged about educating my own children, and like I could do it. Eloise is so knowledgeable but at the same time it doesn't feel like she is dispensing wisdom from a place of knowing it all, but rather like she is right there with you - making all your same mistakes and picking herself up again. Honestly I think there are too many parenting books out there that claim to solve all sorts of "issues" in 5 easy steps, or whatever - this is not one of them. The writer obviously recognizes there is no one size fits all solution, that each family and child is unique, and that parenting is intensely personal, and a constant journey that develops as your relationship with your child evolves, rather than something that can be taught in bullet points and executed. This books was refreshing, wise and heartwarming. I highly recommend it.