Over the last 4ish years I have read 4 parenting books. Do I wish I had the desire to read more? Yes. Should I read more? Probably. But let’s face it, while we are parenting (which takes up 100% of your time, and 130% of your energy), I find it’s challenging to want to read about the experience.
Luckily, the books I have read I liked and would recommend. And I always suggest researching books before you dive in because they may just not be the right fit for you. So I had a pretty good idea before starting that the philosophies and strategies would jive with our family.
the whole brain child Daniel Siegel, M.D., and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.
recommended: early toddler years, science of the developing brain.
We read this during a parent-and-me course with prospective school for Maddy when he was about 18mos. We didn’t end up sending Maddy there because we moved, but the book was a great in helping to prepare us for his transition to the toddler years and school. I liked that it explained the connection and the science between the two hemispheres of the brain and the facts behind why toddlers act the way they do. If you don’t have time to read the book, or you want a taste of what it will be like, check out this podcast episode on one of my favorite new series, Raising Good Humans.
the happiest toddler on the block Harvey Karp, M.D.
recommended: terrible twos and the threenager
Maddox was always a super happy baby. But around 18 months, when his language was exploding, we started to get hints of the terrible twos. And just to be clear, for us two was no where near the battle 3 has been. But we saw the tantrums coming and I really thought that this book helped us handle them in an adequate way. I really liked his theory on distraction and redirection which I found to be the absolute best strategy/tool to avoid and handle meltdowns. Nick and I had watched his video Happiest Baby on the Block and those strategies worked. So after the video and the book, we sprung for the Snoo which he co-invented.
the conscious parent Dr. Shefali Tsabary
recommended: parenting in general
This book is a lot less about the kids we are raising and more about the parents we are. I am super duper type A and this book helped me to understand that I need to let go. Maddy is his own person, and I have to let him be the person he is going to be while putting boundaries in place to keep him safe and be a good human, but not to meet my expectations. Heavy stuff, but totally worth the read and one I will read over and over again.
babywise Gary Ezzo M.A., Robert Bucknam M.D.
recommended: if you’re a parent and you want to sleep start here.
Man, this book is like the foundation of our sanity. I need sleep. And the way I get sleep is by getting my kids into a healthy sleep routine. That can happen at any point, but it’s much, much easier during infancy. Much. My second, who is 6mos old as I write this, currently goes to sleep smiling and doesn’t wake up for 12 hours. And then sleeps on a schedule for 3.5hrs a day. Anyone can have that. Anyone. I do have sleep training notes for anyone that wants them. Send me a note!