Richard Glover’s New Book Reveals Australia’s Parenting Past
Richard Glover’s latest book, *How to Ruin a Child*, dives into Australia’s parenting history, from strict early discipline to today’s helicopter‑care culture. Drawing on archival research and personal anecdotes, Glover shows how past expert advice was often misguided and how modern parents can lea…
By Felo News Desk · Published
When Richard Glover stepped into the corner booth of the Tropicana Café in Darlinghurst, he was already a year into what he calls “archive fever.” The former ABC radio host, who left the network in 2024 after 26 years of live broadcasting, has finally found the time to focus on a project that has long fascinated him: the evolution of child‑rearing in Australia.
From Library Halls to a New Book
Glover spent countless hours in the State Library, sifting through manuscripts and early teaching notes written in copperplate. He recalls the thrill of discovering century‑old documents that reveal how early educators approached parenting. “It was incredible how mad the ideas were,” he says. “None of the experts actually had kids.” The book, titled How to Ruin a Child, is the culmination of this research, offering a humorous yet moving look at how advice has shifted from harsh discipline to the modern mix of helicopter parenting and internet‑driven fads.
The History of Parenting Advice in Australia
Glover’s research shows that from the Federation era through the 1970s, government and medical experts promoted distance and coolness between mothers and babies. Official guidelines even suggested toilet training as early as two days old. In 1974, the Whitlam government commissioned a Royal Commission on Human Relationships to modernise family planning and parenting. The findings, which Glover combed through, reveal a pattern of harsh advice that persisted until the 1980s, when a backlash led to a more permissive approach.
By the late 1990s, the pendulum swung again. Left‑wing critics argued that intensive parenting turned women into “slaves,” while evangelical right‑wing voices claimed it was permissive and undermined moral values. Today, parents find themselves caught in a culture war, with conflicting messages from experts, social media, and the internet.
Personal Stories and Public Lessons
Glover draws on his own upbringing to illustrate the absurdity of past advice. He describes a visit with his sons to his mother’s house, where a fear of germs led to a bizarre seating arrangement on a plastic pouffe. The anecdote highlights how government‑issued guidelines often shaped everyday family life.
He also reflects on the loss of his friend and former ABC presenter James Valentine, whose death in April 2024 prompted Glover to speak at Valentine’s memorial. Valentine’s belief that everyday moments mattered deeply influenced Glover’s own writing style, which blends humor with a keen eye for the ordinary.
What Modern Parents Can Take Away
Glover argues that many online parenting tips are recycled from past experiments that failed. He stresses that parenting is inherently difficult and that extreme discipline rarely works. Instead, he encourages parents to find a balanced approach: reliable rules, consistent love, and an understanding of their child’s needs.
He concludes that while the past offers cautionary tales, it also provides a roadmap for healthier, more realistic parenting practices today.
For those interested, the book releases on September 29 and promises to spark conversation about the future of child‑rearing in Australia.
Key facts
- Past Australian parenting advice was harsh and often misguided.
- Government guidelines promoted distance between parents and children.
- Modern parenting has swung between strict discipline and helicopter care.
- Personal stories reveal the lasting impact of outdated advice.
- Balanced, realistic parenting is more effective than extremes.
Why it matters
By exposing the absurdity of past parenting guidelines, Glover empowers modern parents to choose balanced, evidence‑based practices rather than blindly following outdated or extreme advice.
Frequently asked questions
When does the book release?
September 29.
What is the main theme?
The evolution of Australian parenting advice and its impact on families.
Who is the author?
Richard Glover, former ABC radio host and author.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Richard Glover reflects on his new book, How to Ruin a Child, and big parenting revelations”
