I love a parenting book. I don’t think it matters what stage your children are at, there’s always something to be learned or improved upon. I’m always happy to learn new tips to be a better parent. We were #gifted a copy of Simple Happy Parenting, published by White Lion Publishing, to review.

Simple Happy Parenting: The secret of less for calmer parents and happier kids

Simple Happy Parenting proclaims a revolutionary approach to parenting, full of practical tips to help you step back from the system overload so common in modern family life and, instead, create more time to enjoy living and learning together. From easier meal planning to mindful shopping, worry batching to waste reduction, Simple Happy Parenting is an honest and practical roadmap for all families striving for balance.

It starts with this simple manifesto: Buy less. Fear less. Referee less. Hurry less. Entertain less.

Begin your journey to simple by embracing a new, lighter way of life in your home. Step-by- step projects and realistic goals guide your way. Discover how a curated toy box fosters imaginative play; a smaller, carefully selected wardrobe reduces stress; and structured, nourishing meals create relaxed family dinners.

Then expand the simplicity to your mindset. Learn how letting go of fear provides children with valuable opportunities to grow and develop; positive discipline strategies strengthen family relationships; and inviting more unscheduled time in your calendar gives your family space to thrive. Not only will these straightforward solutions allow your children the room to progress and flourish, this mindful approach to family life will provide you with more energy, keep you calm, and allow you to enjoy your time together.

About the author, Denaye Barahona

Denaye Barahona is the inspirational voice behind the Simple Families blog, podcast and community, where she spreads her simple solutions for thriving in motherhood. A clinical social worker with a speciality in child and family practice, and a Ph.D. in Child Development, Denaye has spent much of her career working with parents who deal with challenging behaviour in children.

From her on-the-job training as a mum and her professional experience, Denaye has learned how desperately all parents want to get everything right – yet in the process, have the tendency to over- complicate, over-think and get overwhelmed. Denaye’s refreshing philosophy is that simple really is smart. She advocates taking a holistic approach to helping the whole family stay well: physical, emotional and relational. And that means living well by developing a healthy relationship with yourself, your family and your home.

I’ve really enjoyed dipping into this book. Who doesn’t want a simpler life with kids? My pet hate is the clutter that comes with two kids and I’m hoping to make some positive steps to clear the clutter over the holidays and give us all some space to breathe. This book has a great balance of practical tips for healthier living as well as ideas for changing your mindset. I’ve been trying to practice a growth mindset this year so look forward to embracing some of these ideas too.

Simple Happy Parenting: The secret of less for calmer parents and happier kids by Denaye Barahona is published by White Lion Publishing.