The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting

Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Brené Brown

Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

We all know that perfect parenting does not exist, yet we still struggle with the social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. These messages are powerful and we end up spending precious time and energy managing perception and the carefully edited versions of the families we show to the world. On The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, Dr. Brené Brown invites us on a journey to transform the lives of parents and children alike. Drawing on her 12 years of research on vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame, she presents ten guideposts to creating what she describes as "wholehearted" families where each of us can continually learn and grow as we reach our full potential.

"It's actually our ability to embrace imperfection that will help us teach our children to have the courage to be authentic, the compassion to love themselves and others, and the sense of connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life," states Dr. Brown. The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting is a practical and hopeful program for raising children who know that they are worthy of love, belonging, and joy.

©2013 Brené Brown (P)2013 Brené Brown

This book reframed how I view my own parenting and how I was raised!

I couldn’t recommend this book more! It gives you so much perspective and insight in navigating the differences between parenting using the concept of shame vs guilt. I have completely changed my approach with my son and it has profoundly improved our communication and connection!

Whole-hearted Parenting woohoo!

This was absolutely what I needed to hear at this exact moment in my life as I am raising my 2 year old and thinking about the kind of mother I want to be. Brene Brown suggests that there is mo such thing as a parent expert but in her humbleness to make thar declaration she, in fact, just might be that accidental expert.

Just what I needed right when I needed it

I’ve always been a huge Brene fan since I first had the opportunity to hear her speak years ago but as a mother of a 4 and 1.5 year old I don’t get much time to read. I’ve been craving something quick and concrete that could encourage me on this difficult parenting journey and give me ideas to implement in our family to have an immediate and lasting impact on our connectedness and this was perfect. She speaks to all of the most desperate parts of my mother’s heart in a way I can hear and do something about. The most encouraging element for me has been that it’s not nearly too late to make small changes that have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of our family life. So grateful for this gem.

This material truly made me a better parent

This may be her best material yet. I've watched all her TED talks and read all of her books. I love audiobooks so I feel thankful that this was available via audio instead of a book. It's consistent with all of her material and her philosophy.
I was surprised at her description of hope and while I disagree that hope is not a feeling, I still think she made excellent points.
My four year old daughter threw her breakfast plate at me during one of her rare tantrums, and I was about 80% through this material and thanks to it, my daughter was taught how to express anger appropriately, experienced my emotions in a healthy and connecting to way, and she felt loved and understood she hurt my feelings, and what the consequences were without a need for timeouts, punishment, or any negative consequences.
My daughter and me are closer than ever thanks to Brené (and her mom for starting her on this journey)

Absolutely love this!

I listen to this over and over again. So easy to listen to. So true to life and I appreciate her words of wisdom and encouragement as I go through my parenting journey!

Words of wisdom

There is simply so much to learn, gain and strive for in Brenés concept of wholeheartedness.
Having this concept mirrored in the ever ongoing struggle of parenting is truly inspiring.

Wow!

Wow! What a great book and she reads it more like a podcast or seminar than a book! What a great listen! She is truly engaging and entertaining and life changing! This is my very first book by Brene Brown and it feels like a perfect start to her series of books and teachings! I really loved listening to her and I am so excited to listen to her other books!

must read

As a single parent of 3 boys, I truly recommend it and I will share it with them as well.

Perfect timing in my parenting journey

Where does The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best one

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting?

Her personal examples are so relevant to my experiences with my own children.

What about Brené Brown’s performance did you like?

Her narration is so conversational and interesting. Perfect mix of personal stories with the research to back up parenting choices.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Guilt vs Shame in parenting was very eye opening.

Such an important message!

Incredible. So timely. So important. Brene speaks to life and family and parenting with such wisdom and authority. Her message is vital for every generation. Shame has patented for way too long...it's time for a generation of wholehearted people to rise up. Excited to join this movement and journey toward health and wholeness for me individually and for my amazing little people!