I am often asked what my favourite “parenting books” are. This is really quite a difficult question to answer as many books address very specific concerns regarding parenting, and the list is long of books I would consider worthwhile and useful for one reason or another. Sometimes, however, we aren’t quite sure what topic we are looking for when we are seeking some new parenting inspiration, so it can be tricky to wade through all the various lists and recommendations.
Therefore I decided to share a list of the parenting books that have answered some of my own parenting questions, books that I feel have offered practical solutions plus inspiration for many of the basic challenges mothers face. Obviously everyone will have their own favourites (and I don’t know every parenting book, by far!) so feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.
10 Favourite Parenting Books
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Practical solutions
What in the world am I doing? (basic answers for practical questions during the first two years of being a parent) The Baby Book (Sears Parenting Library)
How can I create a daily routine? Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
How can I deal with the accumulating *stuff* *stress* and *lack of time* in my house? Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
Relationships
How can I effectively discipline my kids? Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
How can I help my kids develop good sibling relationships? Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
How can I nurture a healthy relationship with my kids that will last for the long run? Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
How can our family thrive through the inevitable challenges we will face? The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families
Self improvement
I’m not perfect – and I am reminded of this every.single.day. Am I ruining my kids? The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
I’m having issues unplugging and being present. How can I become less distracted and enjoy my life more? Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!
I’m really struggling and need to take care of myself. How can I do better? Replenish: Experience Radiant Calm and True Vitality in Your Everyday Life
What are your favourite parenting books – and why?
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I absolutely love reading about parenting and motherhood. I find all of it incredibly helpful, because heck, I don’t exactly know what I’m doing half the time. Books made the world of difference when my son was born, and the information I learned has had a lasting impact on our family life, our parenting style, and our marriage. Obviously, it’s a work in progress and I am always reading something new along the way. Moms are also so helpful! So in your relationship and practical solutions categories, which book do you think would be most useful to a mom of one toddler (hoping for more)?
Lauren
Hi Lauren! I relate in that books have definitely affected my own perspective about parenting and our home life as well… I am so very thankful for the vast amounts of info out there (even though no book is a “perfect fit” necessarily and I don’t always agree/relate to every single thing!). Hmmm I can’t really say I can know which would be the MOST helpful to you however if you haven’t considered simplifying yet… I’d go with Simplicity Parenting. It was a HUGE eye opener to me regarding which toys, books, and activities I wanted my kids to have access to, and really changed my whole perspective on giving my kids a childhood. I read it and made changes before my second child was born, and it was very helpful in that way. xx
Thanks! I’m going to grab it from your link now before I forget!
Thanks. What a useful list! Pinned 😀
I struggle to get into parenting books and tend to leave them unread on my bedside table… can’t quite figure out why!
There are a few ‘new to me’ books on this list so I’m pinning so I can find it easily when I’m at the library!
Gah – – – so much I want to read. I’m waiting for the new Kindle to be released – and those lovely summer school holidays to get stuck into some much needed reading time. Thanks for the recommendations Chelsea. xo P