Parenting Outside the Lines

Forget the Rules, Tap into Your Wisdom, and Connect with Your Child

By: Meghan Leahy

Narrated by: Meghan Leahy

Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

No-nonsense, sanity-saving insights from the Washington Post on Parenting columnist - for anyone who's drowning in parental pressure and advice that doesn't work.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the stress and perfectionism of our overparenting culture - and at the same time, still look for solutions to ease the struggles of everyday family life? Parenting coach and Washington Post columnist Meghan Leahy feels your pain. Like her clients and readers, she grew weary of the endless "shoulds" of modern parenting - along with the simplistic rules and advice that often hurt more than help.

Filled with insights based on child development and hard-won lessons in the trenches, this honest guide presents a new approach, offering permission to practice imperfect parenting with a strong dose of common sense, empathy, and laughter. You'll gain perspective on trusting your gut, picking your battles, and when to question what's "normal" (as opposed to what works best for your child).

Forget impossible standards and dogma, and serving organic salmon to four-year-olds. Forget helicopters, tiger moms, and being "mindful" in the middle of a meltdown (your child's or your own). Instead, discover relatable insights for staying connected to your child and true to the parent you want to be (and already are).

©2020 Meghan Leahy (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The unique structure of this wonderful parenting guide brilliantly simulates a live coaching session. Leahy, the expert, casts competing parenting theories aside in favor of empowering the reader to draw upon our intuition and common sense. She frees us from our fears by confessing to the challenges she herself has faced in raising her own kids. She reassures us that by connecting deeply to our own selves, we can show up more meaningfully and effectively with our kids. The reader emerges feeling supported, and with a journal of deep insight about ourselves. Liberating, hilarious, tender, frank, and instructive, this book is a comforting companion.” (Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult)

"What do parents need now more than ever? The tools to know and trust our intuition, manage the discomfort of uncertainty, and connect in ways that inspire and don’t repel our kids. Parenting Outside the Lines shows us that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” (Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out and Enough As She Is)

“In this great read, Leahy encourages parents to stop worrying about whether they’re doing parenting “right” and to instead tap into their own parenting intuition and enjoy building a loving connection with their children. Great insight in fourteen practical (and funny!) chapters.” (Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles)

Exactly the parenting book I needed!

This book was exactly what I needed right now. So many aha moments! I highly recommend it. The chapter alone on technology has been family changing for me. Since starting this book I feel more present with my children and I'm enjoying them much more. I didn't realize that I had gotten into a bit of a parenting slump. With the pandemic and working in healthcare, I have been spending way too much time on my phone, reading all the news and everything new in medicine. My anxiety was high and I was not nearly at my best. There were so many moments in this book where it really shined a mirror on my own behavior and helped me become a better parent. I'm buying the book and print to read it and keep it for referencing and the journaling topics. I truly recommend this book! A great guide to parenting with joy and presence for me!

Breath of fresh air

I loved this book. So real and raw. I will go back and reference it throughout the years I’m sure. Gets to the heart of the issues. It was at times very emotionally packed for me and extremely helpful. Thank you Meghan!

Authentic relatable parenting advice

Meghan Leahy talks from her heart about how to better connect with your child. I loved her honest and down to earth approach. This book cut through the current parenting noise and reminded me to tune in and reflect on myself and my children. The reflect and write questions at the end of every chapter helped me to digest the ideas and apply them to my parenting life. Her final chapter about the “invisible work of parenting” highlights the unseen nature of this important job. One of most encouraging parts of the book is that Leahy is funny and self deprecating. She never seems above you but is rather right there beside you doing the hard work of raising kids.

Worth the read

I really enjoyed this book. Instead of consistently touting one specific philosophy, the author writes about parenting as a whole and emphasizes doing what works for you. I really liked it!

One of the best books for parenting ❤️

I loved this book, it spoke to me alot simple, aplicable and true. Recomended 👍

Only parenting book to recommend!

She spoke to all our feelings and emotions. It made me a kinder more loving in the moment parent.

Just what I needed : )

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, perspective, encouragement, struggles and so much more. Your book is the best parenting book I have ever listened too!!! Thank you!!!

Loved it!

Meghan is so relatable and gives so many great nuggets in this book. Highly recommend to the parent who feels stuck or like they aren’t doing enough.