Parenting books worth a read for newborn and beyond.

Many books we read when we learn we are pregnant, mostly talk about pregnancy and the first week postpartum. These books are full of what to expect and how to cope with delivery, but do not always share the successes of the long term postpartum, and how to raise your child throughout their most formative years. My own children have been a form of “science experiment” as I have always practiced these forms of language and support, but they are the first two who I have seen through from infancy to kindergarten. Many of these books created the foundation of how I speak to my children, and how I imagine them as individuals.  Others I have read after having my first born, and still use the methods today.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, and Tina Payne Bryson

​In this revolutionary parenting book, Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson share twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. This book coined our understanding of the upstairs, and downstairs brain offering a more basic and approachable understanding of brain development, especially in children, and how to support children where they are. I personally use the upstairs, and downstairs brain, and the language “flipping your lid” in not only working with young children, but coping with my own parenting moments lead by dysregulation, and in teaching those yoga and mindfulness. Honestly, anything by Daniel Siegel, and/or Tina Payne Bryson will be a life altering book choice, including The Yes Brain, Parenting from the Inside Out and No Drama Discipline.
 

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​The Montessori Baby: A Parent's Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding by  Simone Davies

Maria Montessori  (1870-1952) was a physician and anthropologist  who devoted her life to understanding how children develop socially, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. The Montessori Method of Early Learning is still a sought after, and reputable strategy to lay down the foundation for infants, into toddlerhood and beyond, so they feel confident and comfortable being the leaders of their own world. Parents who take the time to support and facilitate these approaches report  to having less battles and find more joy with their children during the day. There is a second book, The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being

​Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell

​Written by the founder of the “Circle of Security” founder, this parenting book has practical tools to foster healthy attachments with children.
The language and examples are easy to understand and implement

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​How to talk so little kids will listen and how to listen so little kids will talk by Joanna Faber and Julie King 

​This book really spends time explaining how to speak to children, and what are age-appropriate expectations for them to communicate back. Another foundational book, this literature really supports parents in how to communicate to cope with big feelings and lay down boundaries and expectations.

​No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury

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​Janet Lansbury has a fantastic, free podcast called “Unruffled” which covers lots of strategies and advice on working with and supporting young children to encourage independence, respectfully. While, as a professional, there are some theories she shares I don’t always follow, there are so many great options and supports in order to help parents feel comfortable and confident with their parenting choices.

It's Ok Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids by Heather Shumaker

​​This book is for parents of children around toddler and older, but still a valuable read at any time, to set young children up for success around conflict with peers, including siblings. Often adults will tell children they need to share, when in reality sharing is not appropriate or even fair. 

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Check out these books and comment below which ones you enjoyed the most or if you have any other recommendations for us. 

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