Its Not Fair: why its time for a grown-up conversation about how adults treat children

(Paperback)

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A radical yet practical manifesto on why it's time to rethink our treatment of children and their place in society. In It's Not Fair, author and educator Eloise Rickman argues that we need to urgently rethink how we raise, educate, and treat children, and that the discrimination they face is a political and social justice issue that has been ignored for too long. Upholding children's rights is crucial if we want a better world for us all - a future that could be within our grasp. Rickman demonstrates the ways in which children are ignored, repressed, or actively harmed in many aspects of our society, including smacking and public shaming, a school system that disadvantages children, and the governmental failure to confront air pollution. Children are not passive victims though, and It's Not Fair highlights examples of children's resistance, from staging climate protests to 'bad behaviour'. Drawing on sociology, philosophy, children's rights, and educational theory, It's Not Fair is at once a rousing call-to-arms and a hopeful book, featuring practical solutions and the voices of people who are working towards them. From educators creating schools where children are free to be themselves to the political campaigners advocating for children's right to vote, Rickman shows that the positive changes we need are closer than we think. 'There's plenty to learn about and be inspired by in this impressive book. Read it, absorb it, share it, and then get busy making change!' -carla joy bergman, editor of Trust Kids and co-author of Joyful Militancy 'Groundbreaking ... It's Not Fair is an important and illuminating book about the injustices faced by children from adults, and how we can do better. It should be read by everyone who cares about creating a fairer world, whether or not they have children in their lives.' -Professor Susan Golombok, Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge and author of We Are Family Praise for Extraordinary Parenting- 'An inspiring, creative and helpful book for parents. It's reminded me that there are simple tweaks we can make to our daily family lives to boost energy and morale.' -Annie Ridout, author of The Freelance Mum

Reviews

Theres plenty to learn about and be inspired by in this impressive book. Read it, absorb it, share it, and then get busy making change!

-- carla joy bergman, editor of Trust Kids and co-author of Joyful Militancy

Groundbreaking Its Not Fair is an important and illuminating book about the injustices faced by children from adults, and how we can do better. It should be read by everyone who cares about creating a fairer world, whether or not they have children in their lives.

-- Professor Susan Golombok, Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge and author of We Are Family

Revolutionary yet compassionate, Its Not Fair offers a persuasive and paradigm-shifting argument for childrens equality. Rickmans deep research, forensic examination, and passionate yet practical tone make this an engaging and hopeful book that simultaneously challenges our deeply held views and offers radical new ideas for childrens inclusion in the societies they are soon to inherit. A must-read for parents, educators, activists, and anyone who wishes their voice had been heard as a child.

-- Rebecca Schiller, author of Earthed

This is a book steeped in compassion and humanity. Its Not Fair offers hope that a kinder, fairer world is possible. I devoured it.

-- Caro Giles, author of Twelve Moons: a year under a shared sky

Praise for Extraordinary Parenting:

This timely book has something to offer all parents seasoned homeschoolers, those thrust into homeschooling unexpectedly, and those who wish to improve their relationships with children educated at school. Insightful, empowering, and accessible.

-- Professor Susan Golombok, Director of the University of Cambridge Centre for Family Research, and author of We Are Family: what really matters for parents and children

Praise for Extraordinary Parenting:

An inspiring, creative, and helpful book for parents. Its reminded me that there are simple tweaks we can make to our daily family lives to boost energy and morale.

-- Annie Ridout, author of The Freelance Mum

Praise for Extraordinary Parenting:

This book feels like a big hug just when we need it. Eloises words offer reassurance, calm, and lots of practical suggestions.

-- Simone Davies, author of The Montessori Toddler

Author Bio

Eloise Rickman is a writer and parent educator. Her work focuses on challenging adultism (the discrimination children face), championing rights-based parenting and alternative education, and helping parents and educators rethink how they see and treat children. She is studying for an MA in Children's Rights at UCL's Institute of Education and has a degree in Social Anthropology from Cambridge University, where she first became interested in how family practices shape society. Her first book, Extraordinary Parenting, was published in 2020. She lives in London with her husband and daughter.