The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius compared children to tender sprouts, shaped by soil, sunlight, water, and the efforts of patient gardeners. At times children require our protection, other times we must take a step back and allow them to grow. A practical parenting manual, philosophical reflection on the relationship between parent and child, and necessary response to modern stereotypes of Eastern parenting, Little Sprouts and the Dao of Parenting reconsiders cultural definitions of success and explores how we might support and nourish young people. Engaging deeply with foundational Daoist and Confucian thinkers, philosopher Erin Cline shows how we can strengthen innate virtues of compassion, generosity, and individuality in our own tender sprouts.

About the Author
Erin Cline is a professor of comparative ethics at Georgetown University, a senior research fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, and a mother of three. The author of four books that explore Chinese philosophy and theology, she lives in Washington, DC, with her family.

Reviews
"A deeply inspiring work about what classical Chinese philosophy can teach us about the art of parenting." -- Michael Puett, coauthor of The Path
"Erin Cline illustrates an ancient wisdom on the craft of parenting, which is not about being a soccer mom or a tiger mom, but flowing with the Dao." -- Robin R. Wang, author of Yinyang
"Drawing from the best of Chinese philosophy, Erin Cline gives us antidotes to offset the intense pressures we face by showing us how to cultivate awareness, inquisitiveness, and empathy in the details of everyday life-birthday parties, walks, and even technology." -- Becky Yang Hsu, coeditor of The Chinese Pursuit of Happiness



Book Information
ISBN 9780393541519
Author Erin Cline
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 202g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 18mm