Being a parent isn’t easy. And living life “in the weeds” when you have at least one toddler or preschooler that’s learning boundaries, exploring independence, and gaining their voice is tough.
Like, pull-you-hair-out-cry-and-scream kind of crazy some days, right?
But a little bit of guidance can go a long way whether or not this is your first time raising a young kid or they’re the sixth child but this time is the hardest. It’s worth reading through options and ideas to both help in the current struggles of parenthood, but also to boost confidence about the future.
Equipping yourself with parenting books to empower you and your whole family is essential. Even if they just sit on a book shelf until you’ve hit your breaking point.
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Important books for parents of young kids to read
When our kids are young, we can build a solid foundation for them. So equipping ourselves with lots of ideas sthat have worked for others, helps guide us on our own road to piece together a plan that effectively raise our children in the best way we can.
The Whole-Brain Child
Definitely one of the most recommended parenting books in our time, it’s a great approach to dealing with some of the stresses of parenting and having children. It’s an easy read but is so empowering and can really transform your home and shift your thinking about certain situations and how your child operates by diving into the science of their brain.
Troubleshooting Toddlerhood
Full of real-life struggles parents of tots have, this book offers up practical alternatives to try. So many times it really is about “troubleshooting” in parenthood and finding what works best for your family.
Helpful Phrases
Sometimes, especially when we get stuck in ruts as parents, we fail to know just what to say. This very digestible read helps equip parents with concise phrases that work and also explain how and why to use them.
Positive Parenting the Basics
Amanda outlines tools for building discipline, which is especially important during the young years of a child’s life because it establishes boundaries and builds trust between parents and their kids. It’s an informative and even motivating read.
Hacking Sleep
So many moms and dads struggle with getting their young kids to stay in bed. Liz dives into many different ways to let the entire family get a great night’s rest with practical ideas.
It’s an inexpensive book for parents that need help now getting rest.
No Drama Discipline
Isn’t this something we all struggle with?! No matter how old our children are, discipline is tough and to reduce the frustration and drama in the home while still working to guide our kids along the right path is so important.
It doesn’t advocate for kids running the show, but it is about establishing boundaries in an authoritative rather than authoritarian parent role.
How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk
I first picked this gem up while sitting in a waiting room. it was worn and had a note with it saying “we really enjoyed this, so thought it was important to pass along.” What a great reminder that we all need encouragement and we all go through it.
Once your toddler starts talking, this is absolutely the book to have on hand because it’s all about two-way communication with one another and building trust with each other, but even more than that it’s a peaceful and well-rounded approach to raising a child including alternatives to punishment and really just trying to work through any difficulty your family approaches.
Sensory processing 101
This is asuch a fabulous resource for all parents to understand the 8 sensory systems… yep, not just 5. And Our kids can learn to thrive by tapping into those senses. I loved it so much I bought one for my brother and his family too!
Newbie’s Guide to Positive Parenting
As the title suggests, it’s all about positive parenting whether you’re looking to just get your feet wet and learn about it or are needing some guidance to really dive deeper. The tone of the book is like sitting down to chat with a friend and is helpful and supportive.
What parenting books would you recommend to new parents?
Kara is the mother of 3 children living and working in Boston, MA. She hates to spend money and absolutely has to know that every penny is worth it before buying. Her educational focus both as a student and a teacher was research… she has put those skills to good use to make wise purchases.
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