The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)

Made me think about me and who I am and my parents and who they are and maybe, hopefully, one day what sort of parent I might strive to be

Dolly Alderton

I don't have kids but [this book] is a fascinating read on the emotional baggage we all carry

Elizabeth Day, How to Fail podcast

The Easter holidays were a complete joy because of your book - I feel about a trillion times more relaxed and connected as a parent and I have also found it very helpful for my sobriety and recovery

Bryony Gordon

A fascinating insight into how the way you were brought up impacts your relationships with your children and partner, and how to manage the needs of children while showing compassion to yourself

The Simple Things

EVERY parent should read this book, however old their child. In fact, any adult in a relationship should read it too. Distilled in less than 250 pages is a road map to healthy relationships. Required reading

Express

Not got kids? It doesn't matter, as the wonderful psychotherapist Philippa Perry's latest book is actually about using our pasts to understand ourselves (...) it's also an excellent book for reminding yourself: life is hard and you're doing your best - so try not to beat yourself up for everyday mistakes

Stylist

So clear and true ... can't stop recommending it to people ... helpful for all relationships in life, not just parent-child

Nigella Lawson

Not got kids? It doesn't matter, as the wonderful psychotherapist Philippa Perry's latest book is actually about using our pasts to understand ourselves and how we react to situations that test our patience and emotions. She explains that these sharp reactions might well be down to what happened in our childhoods - and the flashpoints that these emotions can stir up makes for fascinating reading whether you're actively parenting or not. It's also an excellent book for reminding yourself: life is hard and you're doing your best - so try not to beat yourself up for everyday mistakes

Stylist

If you're determinedly not a self-help kind of reader (like me), make an exception for [this book]. And if you're not a parent, don't dismiss it. The message is one of non-judgemental kindness. The sophisticated psychoanalytical version of my "count to ten and then say something kind" advice to my kids (and myself) when things start to fall apart

Vogue