I am a reader. I love learning about other people’s perspectives on the world. So when I became a mom, it was almost like I was doing a book report on sleep, feeding, and all other things related to taking care of the babe. After reading quite a few parenting books, it became clear to me that you can find a book on any topic to support any idea in the parenting world. This was not helpful! I quickly learned I needed to trust my own gut and go with my heart on most parenting choices. However, there were some books that were wonderful and really helped me find my way in this absurdly bountiful landscape of parenting advice. Here are some of my favorite picks:

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The Blessing of A Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel: I read this book in graduate school for education and just loved it. It’s all about taking the traits of your child that challenge you and shifting the lens so you see those challenges as strengths, not weaknesses. The favorite quote I think of often is to teach your child to “keep two pieces of paper in your pockets at all times. On one write, ‘I am a speck of dust.’ On the other, ‘The world was created for me.’” While Mogel’s lens is parenting through Jewish teachings, her message is for all.

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Too Many Cooks by Emily Franklin: Foodies, grab this one! If you are a cook, this book will inspire you. If you’re not comfortable in the kitchen, this book might get you cooking immediately! Each chapter includes stories about Franklin’s four kids and her culinary journey with them. The book includes 102 recipes to try.

too many cooks book cover

The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary: This book is intense but beautiful. Dr. Tsabary helps parents realize that our children are here to teach us. We must honor them for who they are, not who we want them to be, by awakening ourselves to be present in all our small moments. While this book has many lessons for parents of teenagers, it is also a soulful book that helps us recognize each stage of parenting.

the conscious parent book cover

Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax: The idea that boys and girls are different is not new. However, this book allows teachers and parents to learn about the biological differences children have based on gender. Now, I am all for gender equality, but we also need to honor differences in our kids. For example, girls’ brains develop the cerebral cortex earlier than boys, allowing them to talk about their feelings at a younger age. As an art teacher, my other favorite concept that is often true is when Sax says “boys draw verbs and girls draw nouns.” If you are like me and have daughters (or not!), Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein is a fascinating follow up.

why gender matters book cover

How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm by Mei-Ling Hopgood: If you liked Bringing Up Bébé, this is a great book to show you how the world is doing this parenting thing in different ways. Want to let your kids stay up until midnight and not feel guilty? This book has a whole chapter on Argentine parents who do that, and often. This book is a great reminder that there are many different ways to be a great parent.

how eskimos keep their babies warm book cover

Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan: You know that wonderful stage when baby takes a nap on your chest? I read this book while my littlest love was on my chest, but I was so busy laughing out loud that I woke my poor baby. This book is ridiculously on point and comes from a man who has five kids and lives in a two-bedroom apartment — he has to have a great sense of humor!

dad is fat book cover

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross: If you’re feeling like you just can’t keep up — with your kids or with the Joneses — then this is your book. I love everything about this read because it helps us remember what our kids really want (hint: not stuff!). I try to revisit this book often, as it has very helpful reminders on how to streamline my home to create a healthy rhythm that fosters independence and joy in our media-laden, ever-changing, fast-paced world.

NurtureShock by Po Bronson: This book was recommended to me long ago, and I finally grabbed it at Brookline Booksmith, my favorite bookstore. This book consolidates every challenging question you want to have answered, from sibling dynamics to talking about race with your kids.

everyday blessings, the vaccine book, reviving ophelia, the idle parent, raising an emotionally intelligent child, the sleep lady's good night, sleep tight
A sample of some other books on my shelf.

What did I miss? I would love to hear your favorite reads!

 

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. During the baby stage, I clung to Dr. Karp’s “Happiest Baby on the Block.” Also loved “Baby-led Weaning,” which I have loaned to literally more than 10 friends.

    Right now I’m really into “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child” by John Gottman. Good stuff!

  2. Thanks Ashley….I love John Gottman’s book too- see it on my bookshelf? Have you checked out the baby led weaning cookbook? It’s a good one! The 5S’s are essential!!!

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