Babies are hard work, but in the beginning they have needs rather than wants which, once you’ve figured out what that need is, are generally fairly easy to meet (often either milk, sleep, a nappy change or a cuddle will do the job!).
Once children get a bit older parenting can feel a bit more complicated! What do you do if your child won’t brush their teeth? Or they won’t get in the bath, then in my experience wont get out again?! What about sibling jealousy or rivalry? How on earth do you deal with that?
In this week’s blog we are recommending 10 parenting books we have read and found genuinely useful in coming up with strategies for those trickier moments with our children. They also give a greater understanding of why children behave the way they do at times and what it is reasonable to expect from them at what age in terms of their brain development.
This isn’t an ad. We are not affiliated with these authors in any way. We just wanted to let you know what books we’ve read, loved and recommend! If you don’t have time to read with little ones to look after audiobooks are a great way to use time when you’re feeding or trying to get little ones to sleep!
1. “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
This book combines neuroscience and psychology to explain how a child’s brain develops. It provides practical strategies to help you nurture a child’s developing mind and foster emotional intelligence. It also helps you to understand what is developmentally possible for your child in terms of your expectations of them.
2. Playful Parenting by Lawrence J Cohen
Play is a child’s way of exploring the world, communicating, connecting with people they love, managing stressful situations and blowing off steam! Through playful parenting you can join children in their own world to help them navigate the feelings they have.
3. “No-Drama Discipline” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
A companion to “The Whole-Brain Child,” this book focuses on discipline, providing strategies to calmly and effectively handle tantrums and other challenging behaviors while strengthening the parent-child bond.
4. “The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad you did)” by Phillipa Perry
Whether you’re interested in discovering how your upbringing has shaped you, are looking for ways to cope with your child’s big feelings or hoping to support your partner you will find this book an interesting and useful read.
5. “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Dr. Laura Markham
Dr. Markham offers a comprehensive guide to raising happy and well-adjusted children through a peaceful, loving approach. She provides actionable advice on everything from managing tantrums to fostering sibling harmony.
6. “How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen” by Joanna Faber & Julie King
How do you deal with a toddler who won’t brush their teeth? A five year old who is jealous of a younger sibling? A child who throws everything they get their hands on? This book is full of genuinely useful strategies and examples of how to use them. Give it a try – it’s like magic!
7. “The Gentle Parenting Book” by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
Gentle parenting means parenting with empathy, respect, understanding and boundaries. In this book Sarah Ockwell-Smith covers topics such as sleep, discipline, and education. Her compassionate approach is both practical and reassuring for parents. Be sure to read the most recent revised edition.
8. “Unconditional Parenting” by Alfie Kohn
Kohn challenges conventional parenting wisdom, advocating for unconditional love and support. He provides insights on how to move away from punitive measures and towards fostering intrinsic motivation in children. This was a real eye opener.
9. “How to be the grown up” By Dr Martha Deiros Collado
Clinical psychologist Dr Martha tackles parenting challenges we all face in a down to earth and relatable way. It’s reassuring and practical and Dr Martha aims to empower parents and arm them with the knowledge to allow them to become the parents they want to be.
10. “Raising a happier Mother” by Anna Mathur
This isn’t technically a parenting book but we wanted to include it on this list. The premise of this book is that we can’t nurture, nourish and instill confidence in our children unless we can do this for ourselves. Anna shows that caring for our children starts with caring for yourself. This is a great read for any mum.