The Idle Parent

The Idle Parent is Tom Hodgkinsons radical parenting remedy against stifled, mollycoddled children.

Modern life is wrecking childhood. Why cant we just leave our kids alone?

If youve ever wondered why so many of todays children are unhappy, spoilt, stressed and selfish, then the answers and the remedy are to be found in The Idle Parent.

Tom Hodgkinson wants us to leave our kids be, to give them the space and time to grow into self-reliant, confident, inquisitive, happy and free people. Full of practical tips of what to do and (more importantly) what not to do, Tom will not only help your kids be happier, but also help you, their parents, live happier and more fulfilled lives.

Wise, practical, funny, personal, it will make you a much better parent Oliver James

An inspiring book, genuinely subversive. Time to put away "silly adult things" and embrace childhood in all its messy gloryLondon Lite

A recipe for bright, happy people with need of neither television nor shrink. Who could ask for more? Evening Standard

An original, thought-provoking book Toby Young, Mail on Sunday

Tom Hodgkinson is the founder and editor of The Idler and the author of How to be Idle, How to be Free, The Idle Parent and Brave Old World. In spring 2011 he founded The Idler Academy in London, a bookshop, coffeehouse and cultural centre which hosts literary events and offers courses in academic and practical subjects - from Latin to embroidery. Its motto is Liberty through Education.

Find out more at www.idler.co.uk.