The Best Parenting Books I’ve Read (So Far)
I’m an avid reader and love to soak up nonfiction books in addition to my frequent fiction reads. Since becoming a mom almost five years ago, I’ve picked up a fair share of parenting books that have helped shape my parenting philosophy. As a Christian mom, many of the titles I’ve picked up have been encouraging in raising children with a foundation of faith, but I’ve found many non-Christian resources extremely helpful as well!
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Here’s a list of my favorites:
Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley - this book centers on creating habits for yourself and your home. It offers easy-to-implement practices that you can start right away. It’s an easy read with simple applications after each chapter. We’ve already implemented many of the suggested practices - most recently, saying a prayer of blessing over our kids before bed. I’d highly recommend the read as a Christian parent.
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil and Diane Comer - I’ve gone to conferences that Phil and Diane have led and listened to numerous podcasts through their ministry, Intentional Parents. They have incredible wisdom from what they learned as young parents and are encouraging to listen to and learn from. This book is divided into stages (birth through early adulthood) and offers practical advice tailored to each stage. They’ve encouraged me to embrace more fun in parenting, as I tend more towards expecting rules to be followed above having fun. There’s totally a place for both, but this book has helped me lean into fun more than I naturally would have. This book is another fantastic resource for Christian parents!
Hunt, Gather, Parent, by Michaeleen Doucleff - this book changed how I view parenting! Michaeleen travels around the world to learn more about how different cultures parent, challenging the modern/Western parenting norms. And I was intrigued and inspired by the principles these non-Western families held. I’m probably due for another read-through!
The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies - I went to a Montessori school, trained as a Montessori teacher, and worked for many years at a Montessori preschool, so I’m a huge fan of all things Montessori! This book helps break down many of Maria Montessori’s philosophies that can be used directly with toddlers. The author also has a book for babies and school-aged children! As a random bonus, the book's formatting is beautiful, too.
Satisfied by Alyssa Joy Bethke - this one may not be directly for parenting, but I found many of the stories to be so encouraging along the journey of motherhood. The chapters are short and easy to read. I read this with some mom friends and found it encouraging to discuss each chapter topic together.
Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler - this book helps view motherhood through the lens of the gospel. It tackles topics like community, income-producing work, schooling choices, and more. I read this book with my community and found it more insightful when we read and discussed it together.
The Six Needs of Every Child— this book examines children's innate needs and how parents can meet them where they are developmentally. Each chapter has space for reflecting on current wins and struggles in each area (delight, support, boundaries, protection, comfort, and equipping) and how to grow and improve. It's a great scientific-based Christian perspective!
Take Back Your Family - this book reframes our current culture of family and individualism and analyzes what it would look like to treat family as a team. This book offers a fun, different perspective of support and camaraderie within families instead of typical sibling “me-against-you” mentalities.
Tech-Wise Family—this book is an incredible guide for properly utilizing technology with children and the importance of prioritizing high-quality, non-screen, hands-on activities instead. I highly recommend this read!
The Anxious Generation— while this isn’t specifically a parenting book, it is packed with helpful ideas on how and when to introduce smartphones and social media to kids. Most of the book covers how Gen X has become one of the most anxious generations of modern times, but the practical tips are parenting GOLD!
I’ll be adding to this list as I read more! I have so many on my list, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
(updated 8/24!)