Brave Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy Kids Against All Odds in Today's World

by Susan Maples

So, you want to know what it will take to assure your child will grow up to become a healthy and happy young adult in today’s world? Dr. Susan Maples, a dentist and passionate pediatric health educator, finally cracks the code on the most critical contemporary elements, and she passionately delivers the Happy Healthy Child
1. Read the book, build a plan and brave it out! 2. Share the book, spread the word and join the Brave Parent tribe 3. Help cultivate a local community of Brave Parents to encircle your child
One healthy, happy child at a time. Becoming a Brave Parent will change the course of your child’s life….and yours! By making the bold decisions you know are best, you’ll help inspire a new generation filled with longevity, optimal health, and happiness— beginning in your own home.

366 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2022

Reviews

[Kathrine Ruthruff]

It's a little preachy. If you can get past that, though, there is a lot of good information presented. A good portion is stuff most people know already (sugar is addictive and bad for you, we should exercise daily), but having all the data presented like this is eye opening and compelling.

That being said, I think there's a missed opportunity for finding a middle ground. Diet isn't a one size fits all model. Sure, eating an organic, plant based, sugar-free diet may be best for some, but maybe not all. My brother feels better when he eats a plant based diet. My husband felt awful when he cut out meat. It isn't always practical, especially during the craziness of life with littles. It may not be financially affordable for many, making the goals seem lofty and completely out of reach. Annnnd "organic" is mostly a marketing buzzword, not inherently better for you.

There were a few things that my own research contradicted, but the research may very well have grown since this was written (ex. erythritol is known to have negative heart effects). I also felt some of it was a little tone deaf (just get enough sleep and you won't need caffeine!... I'll let my 2 month old know).

Things get much more opinionated when it gets into mental health and parenting philosophy. Regardless of whether or not I personally agree, parenting is not a one size fits all model either. These sections, while likely researched based, don't present nearly as much data.

At the end of the day, a worthwhile read! This book covers a wide range of health topics; it's handy to have it all in one place.

[Lori]

The chapters on mouth formation and the whole health ramifications of dental choices was really fascinating. The rest was just meh. I did not really identify with this author or what often just seemed like her opinions. I would not recommend anyone read this (excepting maybe the mouth chapters.)

[Tori Alicea-Price]

As a mom of young adults I wish I had this book when they were younger. I learned so much and will utilize it in so much that I do and who I influence. Great read for EVERYONE!