The Self-Aware Parent: 19 Lessons for Growing with Your Children

by Cathy Cassani Adams

If we are open to it, we can learn a great deal about ourselves through parenting. When we can tap into this wonderful gift of self-awareness, we naturally become better parents. Parenting endures from a child’s birth to adulthood, and there are new and important lessons for us to embrace at every age. Through a series of relatable essays, Cathy Cassani Adams highlights the rich learning moments in our everyday experiences with children. Practical, yet profound, lessons • Taking care of yourself makes you a better parent • Accepting your children for who they are is the key to their self worth • Talking about feelings is essential at every stage of development • Understanding children’s misbehavior makes discipline less daunting • Slowing down and simplifying makes parenting more enjoyable • Practicing self awareness leads to a healthy and trusting relationship with your children

Genres: Parenting, Childrens

78 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW, is the co-host of the long-running Zen Parenting Radio podcast and founder of the Zen Parenting Conference in Chicago. She is the author of Zen Parenting and Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn, both of which have won the Nautilus Award and the International Book Award. Her latest book, Restoring Our Girls, will be released in 2025. Cathy is a clinical social worker, certified parent coach, former elementary school educator, and yoga teacher. She currently teaches in the Sociology/Criminology Department at Dominican University and lives outside of Chicago with her husband, Todd, and their three daughters.

Reviews

[Kate Campos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I was surprised at how short this book was, I enjoyed reading the vignettes shared by CCA about her journey into self-aware parenting. I'm an avid listener to the Zen Parenting podcast (highly recommend it, regardless of whether you have kids!) hosted by Todd and Cathy, and reading this book introduces, or at least touches on, a lot of what they discuss at length in their podcast. I love the podcast because they are so candid and human about the ups and downs of parenting but always bring a much needed dose of positivity and perspective to it. With that being said, I enjoyed this book but look forward to reading more of her work in the hope that she delves a lot deeper into the topics like they do in their weekly episodes. I got the sense that this book was written early in her self-aware parenting journey, or at least was written along the way, as opposed to something written right now. I'm anxious to read her new book to see how it compares, how her language compares between the two considering the separation of their writings. If you're looking for a great bedside read to pick up every now and then for a refresher or bit of encouragement, this little number is the one for you.

Overall grade: 4 stars. I really enjoyed the book and would consider reading it again.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman and her husband have a podcast called Zen Parenting Radio and live in Elmhurst where I work. They came to the library last year, and did a mindfulness program. They are awesome, and I enjoy their podcast. I really enjoyed this past, it is a quick read, but one that resonates with me as I am constantly worried about making mistakes with my kid. This book reassures that if you practice self-care, you will have the mind, energy, and ability to be there for your kid when they need you. Good for new parents.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book! It isn't your average parenting book that is preachy or judgmental--it is very warm and I felt like I was just listening to a wise friend share stories about parenting. As the mother of a 2 year old, and #2 on the way, I found it comforting to hear another woman's child rearing experiences, while also trying to maintain a spiritual and professional life of her own. The brief stories talk about topics such as self-care as a parent, accepting your children as they are, trying to understand children's misbehavior--rather than always instantly negatively reacting, and trying to slow down and live in the moment. Also a touching story on dealing with miscarriage, and one on dealing/sharing grief with your children. This book is really accessible and inspirational. Good for parents with children of all ages.