Must-Read Parenting Books in 2024

Simplify Life counselors share their book recommendations for parenting.

Scroll below to find the book our counseling team would most recommend for parenting.

Andy Batcheller’s Recommendations

Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys

by Stephen James + David Thomas

I cannot recommend this book enough. This is a must-read for parents of boys. In this book, ages are broken down into groups and the authors give you information on what you can expect to see developmentally in your child, what your child needs, and practical tips to help you during that stage. This is a book that can be read and reread at every developmental change.

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Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say it, and When to Listen

by Wendy Mogel, PhD

This book offers excellent tips for how to communicate with your kids at all ages. It provides practical hands on lessons that teens can use as a reference when talking to adults and their friends. There is great wisdom in this book on how words can effect someone from when they are growing as young child to adulthood. Just the difference between the use of a term, as well as, the sound of your voice can change how a child will interpret you.

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Hannah Rinehart’s Recommendations

The Worry Free Parent- Living in confidence so kids can too

bySissy Goff

This book is so, so helpful for parents! It is a great resource for our own anxiety and our children. This book is a must read for every parent, whether they think they are “anxious” or not.

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Sarah Durrance’s Recommendations

Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child

by John Gottman

Dr. Gottman does a phenomenal job instructing parents on how to help their children learn how to regulate their emotions to improve their self-awareness and joy in childhood. He provides a simple 5 step “emotion coaching” method that helps parents improve their child’s emotional intelligence (while also improving their own!). All based in his own research, his insight is extremely applicable and straightforward for parents seeking guidance!

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The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

byDaniel L. Siegal, M.D. + Tina Payne Bryson

This book provides insightful neuroscience that you CAN understand as you foster your child’s brain development. It allows you to understand what is going on in your child’s brain to approach them with more empathy and understanding, while also guiding them towards emotional wholeness. It gives practical ideas to help a child have a healthy relationship with their emotions. These ideas come up almost daily in our sessions with children!

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A Good Place to Start for Everyone.

Each of these books is a great way to start the new year! We love helping create plans to help you live a life you love. Sometimes it’s as easy as a book recommendation, and sometimes it’s through more – relational counseling. At Simplify Life we work with you to focus on and build upon your strengths to equip you for your future.

Now, get reading and continue to pursue a healthier you.