Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Raising Children

Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff looked to ancient cultures for solutions to modern-day parenting theories, which she found to be limited and ineffective. She traveled to three cultures and learned that they don't have the same problems with children as Western parents, building relationships based on cooperation, trust, and personalized needs. Doucleff introduces practical takeaways to help rethink how we relate to our children and reveals a universal parenting paradigm adapted for modern families.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

In her groundbreaking book, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff delves into the wisdom of our ancestors to offer solutions to the prevailing parenting theories of our modern times. As a mother, Doucleff became disillusioned with the limited evidence and often ineffective conclusions in contemporary parenting guidance. She embarked on a journey to explore alternative approaches, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions and knowledge passed down within ancient cultures.

With her young daughter in tow, Doucleff traveled across the globe, immersing herself in the parenting practices of three remarkable communities: the Maya families in Mexico, the Inuit families in the Arctic Circle, and the Hadza families in Tanzania. What she discovered was astonishing. These cultures did not face the same challenges as Western parents when it came to children. Parents in these communities cultivated a unique relationship with their young ones, based on cooperation rather than control, trust rather than fear, and personalized needs rather than standardized developmental milestones.

In Hunt, Gather, Parent, Doucleff presents us with captivating accounts of families who have mastered the art of parenting. These parents employ innovative techniques to help their children develop emotional regulation, reduce tantrums, and foster self-sufficiency. By controlling their own frustrations, they teach their children to manage risks and explore their boundaries safely. They also motivate children to assist with household chores without resorting to bribery or threats. Doucleff's book is a treasure trove of practical takeaways, offering insights from psychologists, neuroscientists, anthropologists, and sociologists on how these tools and tips can positively impact children's mental health and overall development.

Through her profound exploration, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff has shown us that there is a wealth of wisdom and guidance from our ancestors that can help us navigate the complexities of modern parenting. By embracing these timeless principles, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment for our children, fostering their growth and well-being.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008406912