About Jonathan

A practical guide to parenting with more presence,
less control, and relationships that last.

About The Author

Jonathan Smolowe is an author, father of three adult children, and longtime business executive whose perspective has been shaped by leadership, entrepreneurship, and hard-earned life experience.

In You Don’t Own Them, he brings a grounded, honest voice to parenting not as a psychologist or parenting expert, but as a father who has made mistakes, paid attention, and come to believe that parenting is ultimately about presence, humility, and relationship.

What Readers Are Saying

Parents, grandparents, and readers from all walks of life have
connected with the book’s honest, practical, and commonsense approach.

Emily

“This book doesn’t tell you how to parent. It challenges you to think about why you parent the way you do. That made all the difference for me.”

Mark

“I appreciated the honesty. Jonathan admits his own mistakes, which makes the advice feel real instead of preachy.”

Jennifer

“The idea that our children are individuals, not extensions of ourselves, hit me harder than I expected. It’s a message every parent should hear.”

Robert

“What stood out most was the balance. There are no perfect answers here, just thoughtful conversations about raising kids and building lasting relationships.”