"Every parent needs this book." Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks, Therapist and Health Writer
If you feel overwhelmed, guilty, or like you're failing more often than you'd like to admit... you're not alone. When you're stressed it can be hard to show up calmly for your child. Once you learn self-compassion, everything gets easier: your relationships, your reactions, your patience, your peace.
In this book you’ll discover:
* What self-compassion means, why it's so important, and how you can practice it
* Why perfectionism is not your friend and how you can let it go
* The art of asking for help, with ways to get the support you need and deserve
* How to choose the right words to encourage the behaviors you want to see in your child
* Why not all battles need to be fought, and how you an improve your experience by picking the right ones
* Why empathy matters and how to teach it to your children
* The difference between discipline and punishment, with clear strategies like parent time-outs and the 5 x 5 rule
* All the advice you need to parent in the era of screens-including technology tips and when to get your child a phone
* Why it isn't selfish to take time for yourself, the benefits it will bring you, and practical ways to make it happen
And much more.
It's an easy-to-read book packed with realistic examples, science-backed practices, and short reflections you can do even on hectic days. If you want calmer days, softer reactions, and a deeper connection with your child... start here. Read it cover to cover or dip in and out as needed.
"A quick read survival guide for busy parents." Corinne Crossley, Author of "Self-Care for New Moms"
"Packed with actionable, nonjudgmental, practical advice and support from an expert source, this book is a comprehensive guide to showing up for our kids in a way that feels good for us all." Shonda Moralis, Psychotherapist, Speaker, and Author of "Breathe Mama Breathe" and "Don't Forget to Breathe"
"This book is the guide every parent needs. If you're looking for a parenting book that reassures, empowers, and truly understands the struggles of modern parenthood, this is it!" Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Perinatal Psychologist, Writer, and Co-Founder of Phoenix Health
“With clear, doable strategies, and real-life examples, this book helps parents navigate daily challenges—like setting boundaries, managing screen time, or staying calm in tough moments. It’s a guide for building stronger relationships with your kids... without losing yourself in the process.” Emily Kircher-Morris, counselor, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, and author of Raising Twice-Exceptional Children and Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools
"A warm and practical guide to parenting with more self-compassion." Dr. Sharon Martin, Psychotherapist and Author of "The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism" and "The Better Boundaries Workbook"
"This book helps blend practical advice with a gentle nudge to prioritize our own well-being." Rashi Kakkar, Author of "Decks and Diapers" newsletter
"Great wisdom and valuable assistance for parents. It's easy to read and should be kept by the bedside." Joanne Greene, Author of "By Accident" and Host of the Podcast "In This Story...with Joanne Greene"
Book Review
Parenting with Self-Compassion: 12 Ways to Improve Your Parenting, While Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Jen Ferris is a practical, reassuring guide for parents who feel overwhelmed, guilty, or like they’re constantly falling short.
Instead of pushing perfection, Ferris shows how self-compassion can actually make parenting easier—helping you respond with more calm, patience, and connection, even on stressful days. The book breaks down what self-compassion really means, why perfectionism creates more pressure than progress, and how to ask for support without shame. It also offers clear, real-world strategies for everyday struggles: choosing your battles, using the right words to encourage positive behavior, teaching empathy, and understanding the difference between discipline and punishment.
With tools like parent time-outs, the 5x5 rule, and guidance for parenting in the era of screens, this book balances emotional support with actionable advice. Short reflections and science-backed practices make it easy to read—even for busy parents.
Warm, realistic, and nonjudgmental, it’s a strong starting point for anyone who wants calmer days, healthier boundaries, and a stronger relationship with their child—without losing themselves in the process.
