7 Favorite Parenting Books

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I had a major discussion about parenting styles, particularly regarding our sensitive, 6-year old son. Our parenting styles differ and while we respect that about each other, there are just some aspects of parenting we feel that we need to be more aligned. While I approach parenting from a compassionate, mutual respect, and functional behavioral (why we do the things we do) style, he is more traditional. Again, totally fine to come at this from different angles and we are appreciative that we can balance each other out in most cases. As our two children continue to grow, we want to be sure we are considering all approaches that fit us as parents, individuals, and ultimately, gives our family the best foundation as possible. We came up with an idea-a parent book club! It's just something for us. We will choose a book and read it at the same time (my husband is choosing an audible version). Then we will discuss our thoughts/opinions of topics and themes we found interesting.

As a therapist, I recognize how much parenting challenges become a main source of stress. So I decided to share this idea with you all. Below are the books we are considering, along with a little summary to help us decide where to start. I hope you find this helpful as well.

The Whole-Brain Child

12 strategies to foster health brain development for calmer, happier kids. Provides scientific evidence of how the brain is wired and develops over time. How the brain balances emotions: right brain=emotions which rule over logic (in the left brain). This explains tantrums, shutting down, crying, etc. This book shows you how to use healthy emotions & intelligence to feel more connected to your child and family.

The 5 Love Languages of Children

Discover your child’s love language and how to apply it to build a strong relational foundation. Based on the 5 Love Languages book, the authors tailor this book for a deeper understanding of the child’s best way of communicating, feeling loved & appreciated and how to share this information with your child.

The Highly Sensitive Child

Approximately 15-20% of children are born highly sensitive. They are deeply empathic, reflective, and sensitive to subtleties. This book is written by a psychotherapist, backed by her years of research in this field of study. This book will address 4 keys of parenting your highly sensitive child and how to help your child

thrive. There are specific ages and developmental stages addressed in the book.

Parenting with Love and Logic

This book gives practical techniques to use with your child over time. Concepts include: sharing control and decision making, using empathy with consequences, and helping child develop healthy self-concept. Parenting should be fun and rewarding, this book helps take out the stress and chaos that may be currently occurring. More info here: http://seattlelearningcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Love-and-Logic.pdf

Raising Good Humans

Offers practical mindfulness skills to help you stay grounded as a parent. Includes ways to build strong, healthy relationships with your children, based on love and mutual respect.

How to Talk to Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk

A down to earth, respectful approach to parenting. This teaches parents how to cope with the frustrations of child’s negative feelings and behaviors. You will also gain techniques of boundary-setting with children and engaging them to cooperate. This book can help resolve family frustrations and conflict when it comes to parenting differences.

The Wonder Years

This book is more of a text-book style for parents of younger children (birth to 5 years). The first five years are major in terms of development. You will read up on how to make the most of those years through understanding important milestones, behavioral development, activity & bonding suggestions and much more!

Have other suggestions of parenting books? I'd love to hear them: familycounseling21@gmail.com

And please let me know if you read any from this list and find them helpful for your family. Good luck, parents!