Published on: 17 May 2018


Families play a critical role in promoting wellbeing and consistently providing a myriad of learning experiences in relation to managing and embracing emotions, leaning into the obstacles that life presents, pursuance of positive relationships and contributing positively to the world around them in a meaningful and purposeful manner.

Parenting can however, be demanding, gratifying, intense and an exciting role all at the same time. Even with the best of intentions, there appears to be more things to consistently worry about and this keeps parents on edge to the vast obstacles that this day and age presents as part of the ever-changing world.

“As a mother of two children (10 and 14) I know first-hand that parenting can feel overwhelming. We’re the CEOs of our children’s lives, responsible for all the different departments: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, moral, sexual, spiritual, cultural and educational,” says Professor Lea Waters, organisational psychologist and author of The Strength Switch.

Her latest book reveals the extraordinary results of focusing on children’s strengths rather than always trying to correct their weaknesses and how parents can help their children build resilience, optimism and achievement by throwing the ‘strength switch.’

“As a strength-based researcher with over 20 years’ experience and a lighthouse in this particular field of positive psychology, Professor Lea Waters has seen how this approach enhances self-esteem and energy in both children and teenagers,” says Director of The Wynne Centre for Boys’ Health and Wellbeing, Liam Casson.

“With many suggestions for specific techniques to interact with your children, Waters demonstrates how to discover their strengths and talents, use positive emotions as a resource, build strong brains, and even how to deal with difficult situations and emotions.”

Limited free copies (with the opportunity for signing) of The Strength Switch will be available at Professor Lea Waters’ upcoming community talk on Monday 11 June at Christ Church.

Interested in attending? Please click here.