The Best Parenting Books

Parenting Books

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs we have as adults and it’s also one that many of us don’t completely prepare for.  Most of us have spent years (and a lot of money) preparing for our career but when it comes to parenting our children we feel it should come naturally.  Being a good parent is hard.  It’s a difficult job raising independent and confident kids with good moral compasses.  It’s even trickier to raise kids that do the right thing because it’s right and not because they are afraid of consequences.   Parenting research has improved in the last few decades and we have a lot more information on how different parenting styles can influence life-long success and happiness.  With my job (and my interests) I’m always sorting through the latest parenting research.  I’ve also been on a book reading self improvement kick lately.  Here are some of my more recent reads.

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Now Say This – The Right Words to Solve Every Parenting Dilemma

3 Step Approach to Effective Communication

By Heather Turgeon, MFT and Julie Wright, MFT

I’m currently half way through this book and I have to say it’s given me some great advice.  The book reminds us of effective ways to talk to and treat our children.  It also gives very specific and practical examples of how to handle tough situations.  Most parents will be sure to have some “oh, crap – I can’t believe I spoke to my child like that moments” (me, included) but the book is very effective at helping manage those moments and move on.   As an “adult” I handle situations better when I am listened to, I’m treated in a respectful way, my feelings are validated, and I have space to process my feelings.  Why would I expect that children who are just developing control of their feelings would be different.

Parenting Without Borders:  Surprising Lessons Parents Around the World Can Teach Us

By Christina Gross-LOH, Ph.D

This is a lovely book that delves into parenting styles around the world.  I really enjoyed the contrasting styles of different cultures and it was a fun read.  This book gave me more confidence to allow my kids a little more freedom and a little less micro-managing.  I also like to read about eating habits and societal expectations of children in different societies.  I also love that the author does not say that one style or another is better.  She objectively describes the benefits of each style.  This is a great read.

I’ll be updating this list over time.  What are your favorite parenting books?