Of course, parenting books won’t solve all of our parenting problems. But there’s a lot of perspective and wisdom to be found in parenting books sometimes, and I think these books in particular. The books below make me feel lighter, more motivated, and I find myself reaching for them on my nightstand over and over again. They are books that help me be a better mom.
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Carving out time to read can be tough. I find I can only read a few pages in bed at night before I fall asleep. But a little bit of reading goes a long way. I’d rather read just a few pages every night than never read at all.
And, if you don’t have time to curl up on the couch with a good book, try an Audible subscription and a set of headphones. Sometimes I “read” while cooking dinner, running errands, and marking off the things on my to-do list.
Each of these four books that help me be a better mom would also make great gifts for the moms in your life.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk By Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
This gem is a must-read for any parent who frequently finds themselves in the throes of a power struggle—which means every parent. It is easy to read and packed with practical steps to resolve conflict and improve cooperation from your children.
Filled with exact scripts and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to talk with your kids in a way that diffuses their anger and allows you to reconnect with their sweet, loving side.
Depending on the age of your kids, How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen might be the better book for you.
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
In short: for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by parenting in this crazy time (i.e., me and everyone I know), I highly recommend it.
If you want to be more intentional about how you shape your child’s day, schedule, and space, Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne is awesome. Available in paperback, on your Kindle app, or audiobook (free with trial).
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
I LOVED Emily Oster’s first data-driven pregnancy/parenting book Expecting Better. So, when I heard about this follow up I knew I had to have it.
Oster’s key thesis: parents need to realize that they have far less control than they think they do. Oster analyzes parenting from an economist’s point of view, providing data and research to arm every decision, plus she includes anecdotes from her own parenting experiences.
Best of all, Cribsheet uses humor as often as data (one chapter is called “Trust Me: Take the Mesh Underwear”) which is refreshing. She’s also out with a new book for the early school years which I can’t wait to read! Cribsheet is available in hard copy, digital on the Kindle app, or Audible Audiobook (free with trial).
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
You’re right that this isn’t a parenting book, but you’d be wrong to think this won’t change the way you see yourself as a mom.
Glennon tells the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts so that we become women who can finally look at ourselves and say: There She Is.
Afterall, if that’s what we want for our kids we have to want it for ourselves first. Available in hardcover or try an Audible subscription and listen to it for free.
More Great Books for Moms:
- Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting (New York Times Best Seller)
- Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right
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- Condition : Good
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