Parenting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for new parents. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children, including a wealth of books on the subject.
Goodreads, the popular book review website, has compiled a list of the top parenting books based on reader ratings and reviews. Here are some of the standout titles and what makes them so highly recommended.
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel
“The Whole-Brain Child” offers 12 innovative strategies to support the development of a child’s mind, navigate common parenting challenges, and promote family well-being. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain’s functioning and how it impacts a child’s behaviour and emotions. The strategies presented in the book aim to help parents foster healthy communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in their children.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” is a guidebook for parents and caregivers on effective communication with children. The book provides practical strategies and techniques for dealing with common challenges such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, and discipline. It emphasizes the importance of active listening, empathy, and respect in building strong relationships with children.
Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen
“Playful Parenting” encourages parents to use play as a way to connect with their children and solve behavioral problems. The author argues that play is a powerful tool for building strong relationships and helping children develop emotional intelligence. The book provides practical advice and examples of how parents can incorporate play into their daily routines and offers strategies for dealing with common parenting challenges such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, and discipline.
Teaching Kids to Think by Darlene Sweetland
“Teaching Kids to Think” aims to help parents raise confident, independent, and thoughtful children in a world where instant gratification is the norm. The book provides practical strategies and tips for parents to encourage their children to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions on their own. It also addresses the challenges that parents face in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven society, such as the impact of social media and the pressure to succeed.
Strong As a Mother by Kate Rope
“Strong As a Mother” is a comprehensive guide for mothers on how to take care of themselves during pregnancy and parenthood. The book covers topics such as physical and mental health, relationships, and self-care. Rope emphasizes the importance of prioritizing oneself in order to be a better parent and provides practical tips and advice for achieving this.
Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn
“Unconditional Parenting” challenges traditional methods of parenting that rely on rewards and punishments. Kohn argues that these methods are ineffective and can damage the parent-child relationship. Instead, he advocates for a parenting style that is based on love and reason, where parents focus on understanding their child’s needs and emotions, and work collaboratively with them to find solutions to problems.
How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber
“How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen” is a practical guide for parents and caregivers of children aged 2-7. The book offers effective communication strategies to help adults connect with young children and manage challenging behaviors. The author draws on her experience as a parent and educator to provide real-life examples and practical tips for dealing with common issues such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, and defiance.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Laura Markham
“Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” offers a guide for parents who want to improve their relationships with their children. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy, connection, and communication in creating a peaceful and happy home environment. Markham provides practical strategies for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and resolving conflicts without resorting to yelling or punishment. She also addresses common parenting challenges, such as dealing with tantrums, sibling rivalry, and screen time. Overall, the book aims to help parents build strong, positive relationships with their children based on mutual respect and understanding.
The Milk of Female Kindness edited by Kasia James
“The Milk of Female Kindness” is a collection of honest and raw stories about motherhood, edited by Kasia James. The anthology features a diverse range of voices, sharing their experiences of the joys and challenges of raising children. From the struggles of infertility to the complexities of postpartum depression, these stories offer a glimpse into the realities of motherhood that are often left unspoken.
The Baby Book by William Sears
“The Baby Book” is a comprehensive guide for new parents, covering everything they need to know about their baby from birth to age two. The book provides information on topics such as breastfeeding, sleep, nutrition, and development, as well as advice on how to handle common challenges like colic and teething. With a focus on attachment parenting, the book encourages parents to build a strong bond with their baby through responsive and nurturing care.
For the Love of Discipline by Sara Wallace
“For the Love of Discipline” explores how the gospel can help parents deal with the challenges of disciplining their children. The book offers practical advice and biblical insights on how to handle tantrums, time-outs, and other disciplinary issues. Wallace emphasizes the importance of discipline as a way to show love and care for children and encourages parents to approach discipline with patience, consistency, and grace.
Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber
“Siblings Without Rivalry” is a guidebook for parents on how to foster positive relationships between their children. The book offers practical advice on how to handle common sibling conflicts, such as jealousy and competition, and provides strategies for promoting cooperation and communication. Faber emphasizes the importance of treating each child as an individual and avoiding comparisons, as well as encouraging children to express their feelings and needs.
The Gentle Parent by L.R. Knost
“The Gentle Parent” is a guide to positive, practical, and effective discipline for parents. The author emphasizes the importance of treating children with respect and kindness and offers strategies for communicating with them in a way that fosters cooperation and understanding. The book covers a range of topics, including setting boundaries, dealing with tantrums, and promoting healthy emotional development.
Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal by Scott Benner
“Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal” is a memoir written by Scott Benner, a stay-at-home dad. The book chronicles his experiences as a father and husband and the challenges he faces in balancing his responsibilities at home with his personal goals and aspirations. Benner shares his insights on parenting, marriage, and the importance of finding joy in the everyday moments of life.
Parenting From the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel
“Parenting From the Inside Out” explores the connection between a parent’s emotional state and their child’s development. The author argues that by understanding and addressing their own emotional experiences, parents can better connect with their children and promote healthy development. The book offers practical advice and exercises for parents to improve their emotional awareness and strengthen their relationships with their children.
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
“Raising Your Spirited Child” is a guide for parents who have children that are more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, and energetic. The book provides strategies and techniques for parents to understand and manage their child’s behavior, emotions, and needs. It covers topics such as temperament, communication, discipline, and self-care for parents. The book is highly rated and recommended for parents who are struggling to understand and support their spirited child.
NurtureShock by Po Bronson
“NurtureShock” is a book that challenges traditional thinking about children and parenting. The book presents research and studies that debunk common myths and misconceptions about child development, such as the idea that praising children for their intelligence will boost their self-esteem. Instead, the book suggests that parents should focus on praising effort and hard work to foster a growth mindset in their children. The book also explores topics such as the effects of sleep deprivation on children’s behavior and the impact of racial bias on children’s friendships. Overall, “NurtureShock” offers a fresh perspective on parenting and child development that encourages parents to rethink their approach and embrace new ideas.
Two Thousand Kisses a Day by L.R. Knost
“Two Thousand Kisses a Day” is a guide to gentle parenting that covers various stages of a child’s development. The book emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships with children through positive communication, empathy, and respect. It offers practical advice on how to handle common parenting challenges, such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, and discipline, while promoting a peaceful and loving home environment. The author draws on her own experiences as a mother and incorporates insights from child development experts to provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to parenting.
The Attachment Parenting Book by Martha Sears RN
“The Attachment Parenting Book” is a practical guide for parents to understand and nurture their babies. The book emphasizes the importance of building a strong emotional bond between parents and their children through practices such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and co-sleeping. The author provides evidence-based information and advice on how to create a secure and loving environment for babies to thrive in. The book is a valuable resource for parents who want to raise happy and healthy children.
Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon
“Parent Effectiveness Training” by Thomas Gordon” is a renowned guidebook for parents seeking to raise responsible children. The book offers a proven program that helps parents communicate effectively with their children, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships. The author emphasizes the importance of active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills in parenting. The book also provides practical strategies for dealing with common parenting challenges, such as discipline, sibling rivalry, and teenage rebellion. Overall, Parent Effectiveness Training is a valuable resource for parents who want to improve their parenting skills and create a harmonious family environment.
