This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Why I read so many Parenting Books

I have an addiction to parenting books. I’ve always been a person who likes to walk the center line when it comes to parenting.

Although I tend towards the “stricter” side of things, I also see the value (and necessity) of attachment parenting techniques.

I also don’t believe that parenting styles are “one size fits all.”  So by reading 100’s of parenting books – I’ve been able to come up with a “custom” fit for each of my children.

Fortunately – my kindle unlimited subscription allows me to read a lot of these books for free! But cost aside – who has the TIME to read 100s of books? Well, I guess I did.

But YOU don’t have to sort through a huge list of useless books. You can learn from my experience!  I’ve made you a list of my top 10 favorite parenting books that I truly believe are “must-read.”

But fair warning – some of these books have completely contradictory opinions.  You’ll have to use your common sense and discretion to make the right choices for your child(ren) and family.

7 MUST-READ Parenting Books


The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel, M.D.f

I absolutely LOVE this book.  The strategies listed in this book are different from almost anything else you’re going to read.   ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH ADHD OR AUTISM!  This book gives a clear picture of what’s going on inside your child’s brain and how you can leverage that to help them grow at their own pace.
And as a BONUS they offer a workbook with practical exercises for you and your child!

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

 

Another book that may be unpopular at first read, simplicity parenting will leave you questions why YOU do the things you do as a parent rather than solving the question of why your child acts the way he does.   It encourages a sort of  Marie Kondo like approach to life.  It’s an enlighting viewpoint and is definitely worth the read.

The Explosive Child by Ross W Greene

 

This book is especially great if you have a child that tends to be emotional.  As Greene explains at the beginning of the book, “explosive” doesn’t necessarily mean angry or tantruming, but rather it’s speaking of a child with large emotions that aren’t handled well (which is pretty much every child on the planet).

On Becoming Childwise by Gary Ezzo

 

Childwise is one book of a larger series that starts at with parenting an infant and goes all the way up through teen years.   The extremely controversial “babywise” book spouts ideals of teaching your child independence through crying.   Although the jury is still out for me, I don’t think it would be fair to not explore the theories in this book while developing your approach to childcare.  I can say that the foundations of the book are solid and some of the methods have worked miracles with our oldest child.

Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Lehman


Dr. Lehman gives a very direct approach to parenting in this book about discipline techniques.   I must admit that these methods work wonders for your children, but it’s important that they are balanced with love and affection.  If you are a parent who already struggles to be affectionate with your child, this may book may push you over the edge of being “too harsh”

How We Love Our Kids by Milan and Kay Yerkovich

 

This book absolutely changed the way I look at human interaction.  This was probably the main reason I started shifting my own mindset from a harsh, behavior driven parent to a more connection driven parent.  If you are going to read this one, I also HIGHLY SUGGEST you read the original “How We Love.”  It’s specifically written as a marriage book but it included (for me at least) more revelations about my parenting than any official “parenting book” that I’ve read thus far.

The Child Whisperer by Carol Tuttle

 

This is the kind of parenting book that leaves adults thinking… WOW.. Why didn’t I think of that?   It’s super thorough and helps to give you a really good understanding of WHY your little one acts the way he/she does and helps you figure out how to change those behaviors on a long term basis!   The best part is that this one is a freebie with your Kindle Unlimited account.

 

Have you read any of these books or Do you have a favorite parenting book that I didn't list here? Share in the comments below!

Best Parenting books.  Although these books give contradictory opinions, they will give you all the perspective you need to help you make the best parenting decisions. #parenting #parentingbooks