Kristina Murrin maintains that there is a plethora of "experts" in the parenting field, offering often widely different views and approaches. This means that making informed parenting decisions is increasingly difficult at a time when the dilemmas and challenges we face are becoming ever more complex. Murrin’s objective is to present “the facts” within a broad framework of ten “rules” to enable parents to make informed choices.
How to Have Healthy Happy Children is divided into ten chapters covering diet; exercise; sleep; learning; love and praise; getting involved; discipline and boundaries; respect and responsibility; safety and communication. Phew! Her approach is holistic (all ten areas need to be addressed) and stresses that we – as parents – should act as positive role models (something I would do well to remember at times!). However, her style is encouraging, rather than preaching, and the reader is left feeling that little changes really can make a big difference to our children’s health and well-being.
Each chapter is broken down into short sections with clear headings so it is easy to dip into. Statistics (often shocking) are presented in a matter-of- fact way, to inform rather than sensationalise. Advice (for example, about what children should be eating) is given in a non-judgemental manner with useful background information (such as what actually constitutes a portion of fruit and vegetables). I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the material in the book is of relevance to parents with children of all ages, from babies to teenagers.
Murrins skilfully manages to touch on a wide range of pertinent issues in each chapter, without being either long-winded or too superficial. She also manages to cram an enormous amount of tips and useful information into this book, to the benefit of all. For example, I was horrified to learn that Red Bull has just 9mg less caffeine than tea!
How to Have Healthy Happy Children successfully utilises magazine style layout to present “top tips” and “hot topics” within each chapter: the result is a fresh, interesting and easy-to-read book. I would recommend this straight-forward, no-nonsense book to all parents as it really does have something for everyone.
How to Have Healthy Happy Children is available from Amazon. To order a copy click the link below:
