There’s Still No Such Thing As ‘Naughty’: Parenting the Primary Years, 5–12

At 6 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches, this book is a substantial read focused on supporting children’s mental health through the primary years. Its full title sets out the central idea: looking beyond the label of “naughty” to consider children’s behaviour and development between the ages of five and twelve.

Published on 28 March 2024, it is aimed at parents and others involved in a child’s care who want accessible guidance on this stage of childhood. The title points to a practical parenting approach, rather than a general account of child development.

Technical overview

• Format: Book
• Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches
• Publication date: 28 March 2024

The available details do not specify a print length, so there is no reliable page count to use when judging how long it may take to read. The listed dimensions give a sense of its physical size, but do not identify a binding type. That matters if you are choosing between formats or want a particular kind of book for carrying around.

The focus is narrower than a broad parenting handbook: this title centres on children aged 5–12, their mental health and how behaviour can be understood. Is that perspective useful in your day-to-day parenting? It may be, if you are looking for practical ways to think about common challenges rather than a book covering every age and topic equally.

How to use it

This is best approached as a guide to dip into thoughtfully, rather than as a promise of a single fix for difficult behaviour. Its subject makes it relevant when you are trying to make sense of a child’s actions or reflect on what may be influencing their development. For instance, a parent facing a recurring disagreement at home could use the book’s guidance to consider the behaviour in the wider context of the child’s needs and mental health.

Readers describe the content as informative and clear, and say it offers practical tips and thought-provoking advice. Some also value its explanations of children’s behaviour and development. These are readers’ impressions, not a guarantee that every suggestion will suit every family, children and circumstances differ, so the guidance is best treated as a starting point for reflection.

Who it’s for

You’ll like it if you are caring for a child in the primary years and want a book that brings parenting, behaviour and mental health together. It may also suit grandparents or other family members looking for context on this age group, rather than advice aimed at babies, teenagers or adults.

It might not be a great match if you need guidance for a child outside the stated 5–12 age range, or you are specifically seeking an individual clinical assessment. A parenting book can offer general information, but it cannot assess a particular child’s needs.

Is it worth it?

The appeal here is the defined age range and the focus on understanding behaviour alongside children’s mental health. Compared with a broad parenting book, this title is more clearly directed at the primary years, that focus is useful if it matches the child you have in mind, but less relevant if you want advice across several stages of childhood. Positive reader comments on clarity and practical guidance support considering it as a resource for reflection, though they cannot establish that its approach will work for every family. Choose it for its specific perspective on ages 5–12, not as a substitute for personalised support where that is needed.