1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: In Hunt, Gather, Parent, Michaeleen Doucleff explores how traditional parenting methods from around the world can be adapted in modern times to help create stronger, more resilient families.
“A parent is the one who has the most powerful influence on a child’s life, because it is a parent who defines the life a child can imagine for themself.” – Michaeleen Doucleff
Quick Info

Category: Parenting
Publish Date: 2022-03-08
# Pages: 352
ISBN: 198214968X
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Table of Contents
Overview
Hunt, Gather, Parent is a book by Michaeleen Doucleff that explores the parenting techniques of traditional societies and how they can be applied to modern life.
Drawing on her own experiences as an anthropologist and mother, Doucleff investigates the parenting practices of a variety of cultures, from the Kalahari Bushmen to the !Kung people of Namibia and the Aka of Central Africa.
Through her research, she reveals the wisdom of these societies and how their methods can be adapted to help parents in the 21st century.
She also shows how the principles of hunter-gatherer parenting can be used in combination with the more modern approaches that have become the norm in much of the Western world.
4 Key Lessons from Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff
1. Create a Connected Environment
Doucleff encourages parents to create a home environment that promotes connectedness.
She suggests parents provide their children with access to activities that promote creativity, exploration and problem-solving.
This will help them develop skills and knowledge needed to navigate life’s challenges.
In addition, parents should provide their children with the opportunity to interact with nature and other cultures.
Doing so will help them gain a better understanding of the world, and how their actions can affect it.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Doucleff urges parents to practice mindfulness when interacting with their children.
This means using the present moment to be aware of the thoughts, feelings and sensations in the body.
Mindfulness can help parents stay focused and present, and better connect with their children.
3. Balance Work and Play
Doucleff advocates for parents to create a balance between work and play for their children.
She recommends parents create a living space that encourages exploration and creativity.
Parents should also ensure their children have enough time for free play, as this helps them develop their skills and knowledge.
4. Respect Different Learning Styles
Doucleff encourages parents to respect and recognize their children’s different learning styles.
Some children learn best through hands-on activities, while others learn best through visual or auditory methods.
Doucleff suggests parents provide their children with multiple opportunities to explore different learning styles.
Doing so will help them discover the best way to learn and retain information.
Who Should Read It
This book would be of interest to parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children of all ages who are interested in learning more about the benefits of connecting their children to the natural world through hunting, gathering, and primitive living skills.
Where to Get It
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About Michaeleen Doucleff
Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and anthropologist who currently works for National Public Radio (NPR).
She has an MA in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has written for publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Science.
Hunt, Gather, Parent is her first book and it explores how traditional cultures raise children in a world of modern parenting.
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Over to You
If you already read Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.
Thanks a lot,
Simon

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