I don’t usually write Book Notes on parenting books. I figure, if you’re a parent and you read Stacy’s Book Notes, you probably already read such books on your own. Instead, I try to select books you may not read, so you don’t have to…unless of course, you want to.
Last week, however, my children shared this quote with me:
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” – Groucho Marx
After chuckling then mulling it over, I realized there are 5 books on my shelf I can always turn to when I am struggling with a parenting issue. Like good friends, one of them will manage to calm and guide me. Even when they highlight my mistakes, they encourage me.
We could all use more friends, right? Here are…
My 5 most helpful parenting books
In order of descending age (publication date)…
- Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
- The Best Old Movies for Families: A Guide to Watching Together by Ty Burr
- Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success: Why Values and Coping Skills Matter More than Grades, Trophies or “Fat Envelopes” by Madeline Levine
- Talking Back to Facebook: The Common Sense Guide to Raising Kids in the Digital Age by James P. Steyer
One bonus
And, here’s a new friend I met this year that I believe will be joining the group above:
The Gift of Failure: How The Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey
It has a similar thesis to # 4 above. But, because Jessica Lahey is a teacher, while Madeline Levine is a psychologist, her advice applies more directly to school issues.
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