A shoot with Philippa Perry is not only fun, but it’s also a good opportunity to try to gage how much you are messing your own kids up. The psychotherapist’s latest book named “The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did)” - is not aimed at telling us what to do, but you know there will be some serious words of wisdom in there. So - I took the opportunity to ask a few questions at least - like any parent I am on a daily basis confronted with new issues, and every issue comes with the doubting question “am I messing my kids up for life?” I don’t know what I hoped for in reply. Maybe I was hoping for an answer, a definite solution to all child rearing issues - a comforting word to say I’m doing ok - standing applause with a definite reply to assure me that my kids will be perfectly balanced when they grow up with no lasting issues - but that is of course not Philippa’s job, especially not on the back of some 30 minute photoshoot. However - the advice to take time and listen seemed to be prominent in what she was saying - and maybe one of the things that is easy to forget in the hectic lives we are living.
Shot for Observer Magazine
