A warm, thoughtful guide to raising curious, resilient children in an age of constant distraction, as a mother and journalist reflects on how simple, nature-centered experiences can nurture wonder, independence, and connection. For parents drawn to the thoughtful, back-to-basics wisdom of Kim John Payne and the respectful, child-centered guidance of Janet Lansbury—and for anyone searching for meaningful, grounded ways to help children grow in a complicated world.
Written in short, engaging chapters perfect for reading during a baby’s nap, the book addresses the everyday dilemmas that quietly shape family life—from sleep and siblings to caregivers, co-parenting, pacifiers, and temper tantrums. Drawing on their own experiences as mothers and on extensive research, Teich and France de Bravo encourage what they call “present parenting”: treating even routine tasks such as feeding, bathing, or diapering as opportunities for humor, tenderness, and connection. With practical advice and a refreshing rejection of the pressure to constantly stimulate children or buy more things, Trees Make the Best Mobiles reminds parents that what children need most is simple, unhurried time with the people who love them—sometimes as simple as watching the branches of a tree sway outside the window.
PRAISE
“What a wonderful world we’d have if all children were raised with the sensitivity, insight, and wisdom found in this delightful book.”
—Elaine St. James, author of Simplify Your Life with Kids
“The authors speak with a warmth and clarity that reassures and informs parents just when they need it most. Theirs is a deft, appreciated touch in the shouting match that so often characterizes parenting books.”
—Kyle D. Pruett M.D., Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry, Yale University,
and author of Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self
“A light and lovely Zen-influenced collection… Their practical advice is peppered with loving reminders that for many mothers, life is too pressured and too fast.”
—Fit Pregnancy
“In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s easy to get drawn into a stressful, painstaking form of parenting. In this lovely little book, Jessica Teich and Brandel France de Bravo remind us that the best parenting is often simple and instinctive—and they give practical ideas for helping parents stay present and see the wonder and connection, even when changing diapers.”
—Richard Carlson, Ph.D. author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
“This book is a practical contemplation—a haiku for parents… helping relocate the values of listening, seeing, and sharing the discovery of each day with a child.”
— Meryl Streep
“It’s a small book but has some calming, practical ideas about how to keep things simple, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of helping your child grow up.”
— Heidi Klum