Parenting is often a juggling act. You question if you’re doing the right thing, at the right time, while maintaining a good connection and relationship with your child. One thing that I have learned is that I benefit from reading about parenting for inspiration and advice. The best parenting books are the ones that jive with my style of parenting and also give me new ways to parent in a positive way. Whether you are a new parent, or a parent with some years under your belt, these parenting books will guide you and give you fresh insight and perspective.
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What I look for in a parenting book:
I’m pretty picky when it comes to who I am going to take parenting advice from. Because I believe in positive parenting, I don’t read books that encourage time-outs or spanking.
They just don’t mix well with my parenting philosophy.
When I am looking for a book to read on parenting, I make sure that the bottom line of the book is that kids need connection and respect from their parents.
When those two things show up in a book, then I am on board to learn more from the author.
I also look for books that are written in plain language, with no frills.
Sometimes I want to know the science behind things, but sometimes I just want quick information that I can understand easily.
The list below is a mix of both.
When to read parenting books:
I think that people should treat parenting as they would a job that requires continuing education, because it really does require learning.
Just when you think you have it all figured out with your baby, she becomes a toddler who has new abilities and requirements.
Next your toddler becomes an independent preschooler and all bets are off.
Reading parenting books should happen even before you have kids!
I also read parenting books when I have a specific issue I am dealing with. It might be my child’s selective eating, or it might be my toddler hitting.
I look for books that address those problems and jive with my parenting philosophy.
Here is my list of the best parenting books to read:
No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury
The Highly Sensitive Child:Â Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them by Elain N. Aron PhD
Positive Parenting:Â A Simple, Concise and Complete Guide to Positive Parenting by Jessica Ford
Stop Yelling and Love Me More, Please Mom by Jennifer N. Smith
No Drama Discipline by Daniel J Siegal
The Positive Parenting Workbook by Rebecca Eanes
Boundaries With Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
How to Talk to Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
Elevating Child Care:Â A Guide to Respectful Parenting by Janet Lansbury
Do you have a favorite parenting book you would recommend? Â
