As a child and adult psychiatrist, Dr. Narasimhan hears many questions from parents who are worried about their children and want guidance on how best to manage the challenges they face with parenting. There are numerous parenting books that describe techniques with respect to setting limits, dealing with problematic behaviors, etc. This book may be interpreted as a deviation from a conventional "parenting" book in that it is more nuanced, with the goal of engaging people in a broadening of perspective approach, as opposed to an instruction manual. Development is a complicated interplay of numerous factors, and those magical transformative moments children have with adults are often less about a prescription and more about building meaningful connections.
To elevate consciousness, Dr. Narasimhan wanted offers transparency into some of the insights she have gathered over years of talking to parents and other adults who interact with children regularly, as well as talking to children in my role as a child psychiatrist. Child-rearing often involves innovation in how we think and is more of a journey rather than a destination. There needs to be an understanding of how to foster growth and autonomy while protecting children from damaging environments. A child can be a mirror of our deepest fears, insecurities, and self-doubt. A child can also teach us about the beautiful purity of innocence, love, how to feel joy instead of fear, and offer an opportunity for profound emotional growth. Hopefully, these questions and answers are the beginning of a dialogue between adults on how to address various aspects of child development. It is not meant to be a one-stop shop with easy solutions, but instead hopefully will encourage approaching challenges with inquiry, seeking to understand the unique individuality of a child, and learning how to walk alongside children on their journey while holding their hand as needed.
Reviews
"Dr. Anandhi answers the questions caregivers have and tackles the important areas of development from childhood through adulthood. She is open, informative and honest. This book will feel like a conversation with a deeply knowledgeable friend!"
Marissa Leslie, MD, Psychiatrist and Physician Executive
"Dr. Anandhi Narasimhan's book makes her insight and expertise as an experienced child psychiatrist available at your fingertips. Her to commonly asked questions address a variety of issues throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. I highly recommend her book."
Rohan Calnaido, MD, Psychiatrist and Sleep Medicine Specialist
"Dr. Narasimhan's book is a gift to both new and veteran parents. While it is not a substitute for professional advice, her insight from her own years of clinical practice to questions that many parents face is useful to help a parent get a dose of objectivity of their situation to help them pause, take a breath, and then proceed as more educated consumers of medical advice. Her inquiry-based approach gives parents tools to probe to find root causes. I am impressed with the scope of the book, including considering multiple cultural and family backgrounds. She considers difficult situations and always offers compassionate and warm advice. She seems to virtually reach out and hold the reader's hand by assuring them that they are not alone by also revealing her own stories, such as having a difficult experience when her parents tried to teach her about certain concepts such as humble living."
Dilip Barman, PhD
Executive Producer of "Code Blue" about lifestyle medicine
Whole food plant-based nutrition instructor
