The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting

Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

By: Brené Brown PhD

Narrated by: Brené Brown PhD

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

A very good refresher, but not her best book.

Brene Brown truly changed my life. I will buy everything she does without regrets. This is not really a book, but more of a spoken word recording. It is good, but you will get so much more out of her audible book called "The Power Of Vulnerability." That is her masterpiece and it will explain the ideas presented in this book in much greater detail. This is more of a refresher and goes in more depth about how the ideas apply to parenting. like I said before this is a spoken word talk and she is an excellent speaker. And when I say excellent I mean maybe the best I've ever heard. She is very engaging and easy to understand. But, it's not just some touchy-feely junk like some reviewers have stated. Her ideas are backed with real research that she conducted herself. Like I said before she changed my life and I now understand what I need to do to make positive changes in relationships and parenting. This book is good, but it's not the best starting point.

Fabulous!

I am a new grandmother and so wish I had heard this teaching by Brene Brown on whole-hearted parenting! But I am sure it is never too late!

You will add dimension to your parenting skills!

What did you like best about this story?

Since Brene Brown took TEDtalks by storm, I've been following her work. I believe this is a "game-changer" for lack of a better term. We can all improve continuously, and Brene's ten guideposts are to the heart and readily accomplished. I changed my communication immediately and I thought I was pretty aware of the top parenting skills. I learned! A must listen... a "hallpass" to have made mistakes and turn relationships around without shame.

I would recommend this book

If you could sum up The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting in three words, what would they be?

Definitely worth reading!

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

There was a story in this book where Brene Brown talked about how she spoke with her daughter about how her daughter felt like she was an "other" at school, and Brene communicated that she knew how her daughter felt and that she wasn't alone and it was OK to feel that way. I was able to use some of those strategies with my own 5 year old. It was incredible how well it worked! I will continue to use this way of communicating to allow my kids to be OK with expressing their feelings in a comfortable, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment.

What about Brené Brown’s performance did you like?

Everything. She's one of my all time favorite researchers and I thoroughly enjoy the work that she does. It's just so easy to listen to her. Her tone of voice and the way she tells stories makes you feel like she speaking right to you.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How to get your children to finally be OK with expressing their feelings without judgement.

listen to the Power of Vulnerability instead

I wish I had known this book was so similar to the Power of Vulnerability. I read the Power of Vulnerability.... The same examples, and information. and there's a lot more information to get out of the power of vulnerability.

good stuff all the way through

enjoyed the conversational way it was presented. well worth the listen. have a good day.

very good book

Great information. Must read for all parents. it gives you a sense of direction in parenting. I loved the real life examples used by the author to make a point. Very good narration. Hope there are more on this topic by this author.

Awesome Parenting Tool

I will read this again and again because it is full of awesome advice and helpful tips on succeeding as a parent!

Exactly the things I needed to hear

I've been looking for ways to deal with some challenges my family has been having. She gave me insights and tools for those and more. I'm buying and sending this to no less than 5 friends and recommending it to many more!!!!

Brene is brilliant

Would you consider the audio edition of The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting to be better than the print version?

N/a

What did you like best about this story?

I love everything about it. I love how approachable it is, how naturally she speaks, the personal stories she shares that really help to give context to the lessons. It's all just beautiful.

What does Brené Brown bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I don't have time to sit down and read with a new baby (10 month old) while trying to work, fit in time for the gym, my creative hobbies, and of course family time. I don't believe I would have liked it as much if somebody else narrated. It's her life. Her stories. She speaks from the heart.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting?

As much of everything that I can. I intend on referencing it several times over the years.

Any additional comments?

I hope Brene has more of these to purchase in the future. I'm a huge fan....xo

Game Changing

The Profound highlight for me was the difference between Shame & Guilt. The other “guideposts” were also highly valuable. Plus to be reassured that you cannot raise your children to be better than you are. That you Can and Must work on yourself also whilst raising them. To be as good as you want to raise them. And that that’s OK. Empowering.

great wanted more

loved it. only issue was that i wanted it to go on for longer! charming, insightful &gave some practical examples.giving life experiences made it relevent but it could have had even more suggestions outside of her life too to illustrate her points more....that's because i love her insights.thanks Brene

Really thought provoking

Although I have read Brenes work I really enjoyed this and found it very helpful. My only problem is that I wanted more insight into teenagers. I have teenagers who don't study but get stressed that they are not, as they want the results. Its hard to find the right way to encourage them as they don't want to hear it from me - and I have tried every approach! Maybe a future publication could address older children more? Overall a good listen and interesting delivery.

Great stories, great advice.

What made the experience of listening to The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting the most enjoyable?

I admire the author's work, and find her stories touching and very helpful in every day life. This book has really made me reflect on my life as a parent.Another point is that this book doesn't sound like other audiobooks which are being read, she sounds like she's talking to you, you can hear her laugh and you can feel that she truly believes what she's talking about.Can't wait to read another book from Brene Brown.

What did you like best about this story?

Her examples of her own life are funny and real.

What about Brené Brown’s performance did you like?

Her voice is so easy to listen to.

Hits the nail on the head again!

I didn't want it to end. Love BBs reading style, anecdotes, guideposts. Want to implement!

short and sweet

powerful points and nice stories. wish there was more stories and anecdotes. and tips. Also wish she would indicate whether or not her research accounted for cultural differences of families.

Excellent book

loved it so much wish the book didn't end. really practical advice and food for thought for parents

Wonderful, Insightful and illuminating

This was the book I needed to read! Lots to take away from this quick listen!

Love this, Life changing

I'm happy to have found Brené's work. I've found her body of work entirely life changing. Thanks Brené.

Got this for my relationship with my children and learned so much about myself!

So many emotions as I listening to this. The self discovery was what struck me most. Absolutely loved this. Every single moment. Please listen.