Please view this list as a buffet-consuming too much could give you a stomach ache (or a migraine). And while these resources will hopefully offer you some new tools, you are the expert on your child.
Take what you like and leave the rest.
My Favorite Books and DVDs for Parents
Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Simple and effective ways to soothe your baby! A must read for expecting and/or new parents.
Sleeping Like A Baby by Avi Sadeh
Highly readable and concise explanation of current sleep science, as well as a very balanced approach to solving an array of sleep problems based on Sadeh’s research at the Laboratory for Children’s Sleep and Arousal Disorders at Tel Aviv University.
Amazing Baby Sleep Secrets by Michael Quarles, Sr.
Very succinct survey of the major sleep experts’ philosophies that concludes with a sound, balanced approach by Quarles to solving your child’s sleep problems.
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
A great resource for parents whether your child is spirited or not. Kurcinka details the impact of temperament and needs and gives parents concrete and highly effective ways to manage previously challenging, even explosive, situations. And each chapter, from sleep to tantrums, has a brief summary at the end!
Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Also an excellent resource to better understand your child’s temperament and related interventions. Geared to slightly older children than Spirited Child (elementary and adolescents).
Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Helpful tools to tame your toddler’s tantrums. Try viewing the DVD by the same title to learn Karp’s approach in just 30 minutes!
Touchpoints: The Essential Reference by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.
A bit analytic in terms of parenting advice, but a solid reference on emotional and physical development from birth to 3, as well as some helpful tips on a wide variety of issues: toileting, sleep, allergies, loss, speech and hearing problems, hospitalization, school readiness, etc.
Kids Are Worth It by Barbara Coloroso
Enjoyable and very well balanced approach to an array of parenting issues from childhood to adolescence including discipline, sibling rivalry, mealtime, potty time and bedtime, rebellious behavior and even a chapter on sexuality.
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
A classic that is chockfull of concrete and effective ways to communicate with children and adolescents. Faber and Mazlish are also known for their book on siblings, Siblings Without Rivalry.
How To Get Your Child To Eat by Ellyn Satter
Gives sound, research based advice on how to handle any and all eating issues you could possibly encounter from birth to adolescence.
Raising Children Compassionately by Marshall Rosenberg
A very brief introduction to Rosenberg’s wonderful work on Non Violent Communication (needs that drive behavior and the win-win solutions that are possible) as it relates to parenting young children. For a more detailed understanding of Rosenberg’s work, you can read “Nonviolent Communcation: A Language of Life” or go to the Nonviolent Communication website at www.CNVC.org.
Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy by Michael J. Bradley, Ed.D.
A very insightful and comprehensive approach that helps parents understand the neuroscience of adolescence, as well as what parents can do.
Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall? by Anthony Wolf, Ph.D.
Another wonderful resource for parents of adolescents. Humorous approach with great, real-life vignettes, plus tons of solid advice.
The Out-Of-Sync-Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Raising A Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Beiland & Nancy Peske
Both super books for parents of children with sensory issues and/or sensory processing disorder. Great, detailed explanations and tons of concrete tools and resources!
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide To Understanding Death by Laurie Krasney Brown & Caring For A Grieving Child: Engaging Activities For Dealing With Loss and Transition by Martha Wakenshaw and Herman Frankel
Two helpful books to guide parents when helping children cope with death and/or loss.
And Some Books for Young Children by Subject
On Feelings:
How Are You Peeling?
Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day
When Sophie Gets Really Really Angry
On Death And Loss
I Miss You: A First Look At Death by Pat Thomas
We Were Gonna Have A Baby, But We Had An Angel Instead by Pat Shwiebert and Taylor Bills
