favourite parenting books

Parents often ask me for resources and the truth is, I'm a HUGE fan of the ole parenting book. I love reading other "experts" opinions and rational for said opinions. I also love just getting new books. It's a dangerous habit to say the least. The good news, is that after 8 years of parenting, I have amassed a rather enormous library of helpful, not so helpful and really rather ridiculous books. And now, I can save you some time and tell you about a few of my "go to" faves. 

​The following are also suggested readings for my MBSR course.  

1. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
This is one of my most favourite books I've read lately as it gave me the inspiration to really toss out so much of our emotional, environmental, societal and familial "clutter". After reading it, I sat down with my partner and really set out a game plan to "simplify" our physical, emotional and mental worlds. It was like having someone give me permission to "say no" and put my needs and my family needs above everything else. I still refer back to it when I start to feel emotionally and physically cluttered. It's one of those books that I buy for friends and family. 

2. ready, set breathe: Practicing Mindfulness with Your Children for Fewer Meltdowns and a More Peaceful Family by Carla Naumburg, phD
This is probably the book that started me on my journey to mindfulness. I came across it in the library and it was my first foray into Mindful Parenting (but not my first experience with Mindfulness. After reading Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, I was inspired to use Mindfulness throughout my group therapy sessions when working with women and men suffering with PTSD and issues around sexual trauma). I loved the extraordinarily simple but effective tools that she sprinkled (rather heavily) throughout the book. I've not visited it for a while and after writing this little post, intend to read it again. 

3. The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder, and More Compassionate by Susan Kaiser Greenland
Susan Kaiser Greenland is a favourite author of mine. She also wrote Mindful Games which has been a staple for my Mindfulness in the Classroom program. Her phrases, "is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" have been catch phrases for me as a mindful parent. When my kids are in the throes of "suffering" we often come back to this and once things have calmed down, can use these phrases to focus the discipline of the moment. Kaiser Greenland has also interspersed her text with highly useful games that are great at home and in the classroom. I would suggest it for all teachers and parents alike. 

4. Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive by Dan Siegel, MD & Mary Hartzell,M.Ed.
For all of you who like to take the academic, heady approach to parenting, Dan Siegel is your guy. I've read quite a few books of his and while all of them are excellent, this is a classic for a reason. It's a foundational book that challenges parents to think of their own experiences as those that inform their parenting. It walks you through the fundamentals of attachment and brain science, and provides you with concrete skill building exercises to help you raise compassionate, mindful and securely attached little people. Other excellent books of Siegel's include, Whole Brain Child  and  No Drama Discipline. I really loved both of these as well and would strongly encourage the workbook if you are looking for something more "hands on". 

All of these books can be picked up at your local library. However, feel free to purchase them by clicking them on the links below! 

Happy happy reading! 
Rebekka