The Connected Family Handbook - by Lou Harvey-Zahra & Danielle Harbison (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This unique book, by an experienced parenting coach and a successful parenting blogger, offers practical advice and inspiring activities to encourage positive qualities in children and create a more connected family.

How can simple activities help us connect more fully with our children and live more happily together? What types of games will encourage children to be kind to others? How can crafting and outdoor play build respect for the natural world? The Connected Family Handbook offers empowering advice and practical activities to answer these questions and many more.

This is an inspiring book for carers of children, from toddlers to ten year olds. Each of the ten chapters tackles an important theme for families - Home, Kindness, Mealtimes, Move, Warmth, Teamwork, Adventure, Nature, Wonder and Celebration - and suggests ways to nurture these qualities in children. Every chapter is illustrated with beautiful photographs and includes easy crafts and fun recipes to create with children, stories and verses to share, as well as tips on creative discipline, positive play and establishing family rhythms and routines.

Engage with NATURE by crafting toys from sticks, nurture WONDER by sharing a story about toadstools and fairy folk, encourage KINDNESS by creating a toy medical kit and make MEALTIMES fun with frozen fruit pizza. All of Lou and Danielle's ideas and advice come from a background of holistic child development, and celebrate values including eco-friendly living, connected family life, healthy and fun food choices and the importance of imaginative play.

Review Quotes

'The beauty of this book for me is that it goes so much further than the usual book of craft and story ideas. As we would expect with Lou Harvey-Zahra involved, it is not only full of wise parenting tips, but it also includes many helpful concepts of child development in easily digestible form. This is a delightful book and would make a perfect present for new parents or even soon to be parents. It would also be an excellent addition to a parents' library for any early childhood setting or parent and child group.'
- Kindling

Praise for Creative Discipline, Connected Family:

'At last a discipline book that does not mention time out, rewards and punishments! I have finished the book and enjoyed every page.' - Caroline Anderson, child psychologist, family therapist and parent

'Will lighten the load and enlighten the mind. I recommend Lou's books for every parent's bookshelf.' - John Allison, Steiner-Waldorf teacher, educational and parenting consultant, parent

Praise for Happy Child, Happy Home:

'A practical and inspiring book.' - Juno Magazine: A Natural Approach to Family Life