Book excerpt: As featured in Grazia's 21 of the Best Parenting Books in 2020 ‘Joanna's books give you every answer to every question you have as a parent with practical methods to tackle every obstacle and connect with your child and help them flourish.’ Madeleine Shaw ‘When I tried Joanna’s approach during the first lockdown, I was both comforted and excited by how such a small change could have such a big impact.’ Dr. Suzanne McClean A mindful and practical parenting roadmap for busy, time-poor parents. Based on a simple and effective formula, it will transform family life in just 15 minutes of daily play, resulting in fewer tears and more laughter. Middle childhood, the period for those aged 8–12 years old, is often the most overlooked phase of a child’s development, but it’s the age where play continues to serve an important role in their emotional growth. It’s also a time where we are most likely to stop playing with our children. With over 20 years of clinical and neuroscientific expertise, psychotherapist and parenting expert Joanna Fortune shares her proven techniques that will enable you to better understand your relationship with your children as they grow and ensure that your parenting is developing with them. Packed with 15-minute games and activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, Joanna also explores the neurological, physical and emotional development of 8–12 year olds and offers parents hands-on advice on how to deal with: Friendships and bullying Sibling relationships Difficult conversations (the ones that catch you off guard!) Risk-taking behaviour Building independence, self-esteem and emotional resilience Resistance 15-Minute Parenting 8-12 years will show you how to keep play alive with your child, foster great communication and help to secure strong foundations for adolescence. 15-Minute Parenting 0-7 years: Quick and easy way to connect with your child, is also available now! Praise for the 15-Minute Parenting series: ‘Now that we have to be teachers and coaches as well as parents — and feel guilty and overburdened — it’s the perfect time for psychotherapist Joanna Fortune’s new book.’ Sunday Independent ‘Absolutely love this! I’ve read multiple parenting books as a daddy blogger and this is BY FAR one of my favorites!’ Amazon Reviewer ‘A must read for all parents! Absolutely loving this book. Joanna has a no frills, relaxed attitude towards parenting & brings fun into it. She made me realise that we don't need to question ourselves as much as we do.’ Amazon Reviewer ‘All of my friends love this. It’s expert advice but… accessible and smart and actually kind of fun. All the exercises are easily implemented and kids respond to them immediately… this book is well broken down so that whatever crisis you’re dealing with today you can check the chapter outline and jump straight to the few pages (and solutions) about that issue…’ Amazon Reviewer ‘Simple and effective reading. Totally love this book… Fabulous chapter on relationships covering how to stay connected to your partner which I feel gets left out from other books I’ve read… my friend already has her hands on it so I will definitely be passing on.’ Amazon Reviewer ‘A well thought out and written book to nudge you and guide you to better parenting without any self-flagellation… a gentle and kind written piece of work…Certainly think it can help parents that feel they can’t find their own way back.’ Goodreads Reviewer