Korzcak & others

Janusz Korzcak, a remarkable Polish man who was born in 1878, wrote many books on raising children. "Simply understanding chidlren is the key to being able to take care of them." This rings true, but is easier said than done.

More quotes 

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Elizabeth Stone

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings." Hodding Carter Jr. 

On being a parent

Being a parent is endlessly rewarding, but also exhausting at times. That's why I believe it is a sign of strength rather than of weakness to accept all the help one can get. I have learned a lot from my own mum, relatives and friends (both from friends with and from friends without children!). Books and magazines on parenting have been very useful as well, see the section 'Books' for the books I recommend. And last but not least, courses on parenting have been real eye-openers. For instance, I followed a Gordon parenting course which was very down to earth and useful.

Even the stern nanny, Jo Frost, sums it up rather nicely: "Bringing up kids is rewarding, but it's also had work. You need to take every opportunity you can to turn that work into fun."

My son Thomas, apple of my eye