The best 36 Parenting books

Parenting Beyond Pink & Blue challenges traditional gender stereotypes and offers practical advice on how to raise children in a more gender-neutral way. Author Christia Spears Brown draws on research and personal anecdotes to demonstrate the negative impact of rigid gender expectations on kids. This thought-provoking book advocates for a more individualized approach to parenting that focuses on children's unique personalities and interests, rather than their gender.

Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson offers a refreshing perspective on parenting. It emphasizes the importance of extending grace to our children, just as God extends grace to us. Through practical advice and biblical wisdom, the book guides parents in raising children who understand and embrace the gospel.

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff is a comprehensive guide for expectant parents. It provides information on each stage of pregnancy, common symptoms, prenatal care, and childbirth. The book also addresses common concerns and offers practical advice for a healthy pregnancy and a smooth transition into parenthood.

Unequal Childhoods by Annette Lareau delves into the impact of social class on child-rearing practices. Through in-depth research, Lareau uncovers how middle-class and working-class families in the United States approach parenting, education, and the development of their children. This thought-provoking book sheds light on the inequalities that exist within our society.

Like a Mother by Angela Garbes is a thought-provoking exploration of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and cultural analysis, Garbes challenges traditional beliefs and provides a fresh perspective on the incredible capabilities of the female body. This book offers empowering insights for expectant mothers and anyone interested in the complexities of motherhood.

Kids Are Worth It! explores the challenges of parenting and offers practical strategies to raise responsible and compassionate children. Drawing on her own experiences and research, Barbara Coloroso provides valuable insights and advice on discipline, communication, and building healthy relationships with kids. This empowering book shows that with patience, understanding, and love, we can guide our children to become confident and independent individuals.

'It’s OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids' challenges conventional parenting wisdom and offers alternative strategies for raising independent and kind-hearted children. With practical advice and real-life examples, Heather Shumaker encourages parents to trust their instincts and empower their kids to make their own choices. This thought-provoking book will change the way you approach parenting.

Bringing Up Boys by James C. Dobson offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents raising sons. Drawing on his expertise in child psychology and family dynamics, Dobson addresses the unique challenges and opportunities involved in nurturing boys from infancy to adulthood. With a blend of research, personal anecdotes, and biblical wisdom, this book provides guidance on discipline, education, and instilling character traits that will help boys grow into responsible and respectful men.

What to Expect the First Year (1989) is a comprehensive guide that helps new parents navigate the joys and challenges of the first year of their child's life. Written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, this book covers topics such as feeding, sleeping, developmental milestones, and common health concerns, offering practical advice and reassurance along the way. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this book provides valuable insights and support for the journey ahead.

Raising Your Spirited Child, Third Edition by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a comprehensive guide for parents of children with intense personalities. Drawing on real-life examples and practical strategies, the book offers insights into understanding and nurturing spirited children. It provides valuable advice on managing challenging behaviors, building a positive parent-child relationship, and helping spirited kids thrive.

The New Strong-Willed Child by James C. Dobson offers practical advice and strategies for parents dealing with challenging and strong-willed children. Drawing on his years of experience as a family psychologist, Dobson provides insights into the nature of strong-willed kids and offers guidance on how to effectively discipline and communicate with them. This book aims to help parents understand and nurture their child's unique personality while also setting appropriate boundaries.

The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler offers practical advice and innovative strategies to help families thrive in today's fast-paced world. Drawing on research and real-life examples, the book explores topics such as communication, decision-making, and creating a strong family culture. It provides valuable insights and actionable tips to help families build stronger, more connected relationships.

The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie is a heartfelt guide to creating a culture of reading in your home. Filled with practical tips and book recommendations, it shows how reading aloud can strengthen family bonds, ignite a love for literature, and nurture a lifelong habit of learning. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or educator, this book will inspire you to make reading a cherished part of your family's daily routine.

Free-Range Kids challenges the culture of overprotection and fear that surrounds modern parenting. Author Lenore Skenazy shares her personal journey as she advocates for giving our children more independence and freedom. Drawing on research and real-life examples, she offers practical tips and reassurance for parents who want to raise self-reliant, resilient kids.

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham offers practical and compassionate strategies for parents to raise emotionally intelligent and resilient children. Focusing on the parent-child relationship, the book provides insights and tools to help parents connect with their children, understand their emotions, and effectively navigate challenges. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and positive discipline in creating a peaceful and harmonious family dynamic.

Operating Instructions recounts author Anne Lamott's humorous and poignant journey through her first year as a single mother. Filled with raw honesty and insightful reflections, this memoir offers a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and joys of motherhood.

The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is a comprehensive guide to the benefits and techniques of reading aloud to children. It provides valuable insights into the importance of this practice in developing a child's literacy skills and love for books. With practical tips and a wealth of book recommendations, this book is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of reading in children.

Elevating Child Care by Janet Lansbury offers a fresh perspective on parenting and childcare. Drawing from her experience as a parent educator, Lansbury provides practical advice and insights on how to raise children with respect, trust, and understanding. This book challenges traditional parenting methods and encourages caregivers to embrace a more mindful and empathetic approach to child-rearing.

How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids offers practical strategies and mindful approaches to help parents navigate the challenging moments of parenting without losing their cool. Carla Naumburg provides insights and tools to better understand our triggers and respond with more calm and connection. It's a reassuring and down-to-earth guide for every parent striving to be more peaceful and present in their parenting journey.

Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina offers practical advice for parents based on the latest scientific research. The book covers topics such as how to raise a smart and happy child, the importance of early attachment, and how to navigate the challenges of modern parenting. With engaging storytelling and clear explanations, it provides valuable insights into child development and offers evidence-based strategies for raising a healthy and thriving child.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway tells the story of three biological siblings who were separated at birth and raised in different families. When they finally meet, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about their family and themselves. This heartwarming and thought-provoking novel explores the meaning of family and the bonds that connect us.

'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth' is a comprehensive book that shares empowering birth stories and provides practical advice for expectant mothers. Written by renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin, it challenges common childbirth practices and offers valuable insights into natural birthing options. Whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth, this book will help you feel confident and informed about the birthing process. 

Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic offers a refreshing perspective on parenting young children. With humor and wisdom, the book delves into the challenges and joys of raising little ones, providing practical advice and encouragement for parents. Jankovic emphasizes the importance of embracing the chaos and finding joy in the everyday moments of motherhood.

On Becoming Babywise offers practical advice for new parents on how to establish healthy sleep and feeding routines for their babies. It emphasizes the importance of a structured schedule and provides strategies to help babies sleep through the night and develop good feeding habits. Written by pediatrician Robert Bucknam and parent educator Gary Ezzo, On Becoming Babywise aims to guide parents in nurturing a balanced and contented baby.

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee (2001) by Wendy Mogel explores the importance of allowing children to experience failure, frustration, and disappointment in order to foster resilience and independence. Drawing on insights from both secular and religious perspectives, Mogel provides practical advice for parents on how to raise confident and capable children.

Last Child in the Woods (2005) by Richard Louv explores the negative effects of a "nature-deficit disorder" in children who spend less time outdoors, and the importance of reconnecting them with the natural world. It offers compelling evidence and practical solutions to inspire families, educators, and policy makers to prioritize nature experiences for future generations.

'Boys Adrift' by Leonard Sax delves into the factors contributing to the underperformance and disengagement of boys in today's society. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, the book explores issues such as the impact of video games, lack of male role models, and education system shortcomings. Sax offers insights and potential solutions to address this concerning trend.

Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen PhD explores the power of play in building strong connections with our children. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, the book offers creative ways to engage with kids, resolve conflicts, and foster their emotional development. It reminds us that laughter and playfulness can be valuable tools in parenting.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker is a powerful book that delves into the unique and essential role fathers play in the lives of their daughters. Through real-life stories and expert insights, it offers practical advice on how fathers can build a strong, trusting relationship with their daughters, and empower them to navigate the challenges of growing up in today's world. A must-read for fathers who want to make a positive impact on their daughters' lives.

Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki is a practical guide for parents who are ready to tackle the daunting task of potty training. With a no-nonsense approach and step-by-step instructions, Glowacki offers advice on how to prepare for potty training, recognize signs of readiness in your child, and troubleshoot common challenges along the way. This book aims to empower parents and make the potty training process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon provides practical and effective communication strategies for parents to build better relationships with their children. Drawing from his own experiences as a parent and his background in psychology, Gordon offers valuable advice on active listening, conflict resolution, and problem-solving to create a harmonious family dynamic. A must-read for all parents looking to enhance their parenting skills.

Reviving Ophelia explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in today's society and offers insights and advice for parents, educators, and mental health professionals on how to support and empower them. Drawing on real-life stories and research, Mary Pipher sheds light on the pressures and expectations that can negatively impact girls' self-esteem and well-being, and provides strategies for helping them navigate these difficult years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and advocating for the well-being of young women.

As We Grow by Korie Herold is a beautiful and interactive journal that celebrates the growth and milestones of your child's early years. Filled with thoughtful prompts, colorful illustrations, and space to add photos, this book is a perfect way to capture and cherish the precious memories of your little one's journey from infancy to toddlerhood.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby is a heartfelt and honest account of author Giovanna Fletcher's experiences with motherhood. Through personal anecdotes and interviews with other mothers, she explores the challenges and joys of raising children, while also emphasizing the importance of maternal mental health. This book offers a refreshing perspective on parenting and reminds us that it's okay not to have all the answers.

My Book of Pasting by Kumon Workbooks is a fun and educational activity book for young children. Filled with colorful pictures and simple instructions, it helps kids develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through the art of pasting. With engaging exercises and easy-to-follow lessons, this book makes learning a delightful experience for little ones.

Please Don't Take My Sisters by Maggie Hartley is a heart-wrenching memoir that tells the story of three siblings who are placed in foster care after enduring years of neglect and abuse. As their dedicated foster carer, Hartley fights to keep the siblings together and give them the love and stability they deserve. This book sheds light on the flaws within the child welfare system and the resilience of the human spirit.