My Favourite Parenting Books and How They've Shaped Our Approach.

Parenting is a beautiful, challenging journey, and over the years, I've found guidance and inspiration in some truly powerful books. Each of these books has shaped the way my partner and I approach raising our children, helping us to create a nurturing environment rooted in love, understanding, and respect. Below are some of my favourite parenting books, why I loved them, and how they've impacted our approach to parenting.

1. Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras

This book opened my eyes to the impact of screen time on children's brains and behaviour. It made me rethink how technology fits into our family’s life. I appreciate how Kardaras delves into the dangers of excessive screen time and the ways it can affect children’s mental and emotional health. My partner and I decided to limit our kids' screen time and incorporate more outdoor play, reading, and family activities into their daily routine. Glow Kids reminded us that balance is key when it comes to technology use.

2. Peaceful Discipline by Sarah Moore

A big part of our parenting philosophy revolves around maintaining calm and connection during moments of discipline. Sarah Moore’s Peaceful Discipline gave us a fresh perspective on guiding our children with compassion and understanding. Instead of reacting out of frustration, we learned to approach discipline with empathy, focusing on teaching life skills and problem-solving rather than punitive measures. This book has truly influenced how we interact with our children during challenging moments.

3. Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté

This book helped us understand the importance of attachment in parenting. Neufeld and Maté stress the value of maintaining close, secure connections with our children, even as they grow older. It confirmed our belief that children thrive when they feel deeply connected to their caregivers, rather than seeking validation or connection from their peers. We’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize quality time and emotional support, especially as our boys grow more independent.

4. The Awakened Family by Shefali Tsabary

Shefali Tsabary’s work is transformational. The Awakened Family challenged me to see parenting as a journey of personal growth for both the parent and child. The focus is on mindfulness, presence, and self-awareness. It was eye-opening to realize that our children mirror our own emotional states. We’ve worked hard to become more aware of our own triggers and reactions, striving to model emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries.

5. The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary

Another gem by Shefali Tsabary, The Conscious Parent was an eye-opener when it came to understanding the importance of consciousness in parenting. She advocates for parenting from a place of emotional clarity and spiritual awakening. It reinforced the idea that our children are not problems to be fixed, but individuals to be understood and nurtured. My partner and I now take time to reflect on how we can grow alongside our kids, supporting their journey while taking responsibility for our own growth.

6. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

This book is a beautiful tribute to the importance of nature in children’s development. Last Child in the Woods helped us realize just how crucial outdoor experiences are for fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of wonder. We’ve worked hard to integrate nature into our family life, from hikes in the woods to simply playing outside. Nature has become our sacred space for learning and growing together as a family.

7. The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

This book helped us better understand the unique ways our children give and receive love. The 5 Love Languages of Children introduced us to the idea that different kids need different kinds of affirmation. By learning our kids’ love languages, we’ve been able to connect with them more deeply and express our love in ways that resonate with their hearts. It’s brought more peace and understanding to our home, especially during challenging moments.

8. Let Them Eat Dirt by Brett Finlay and Marie-Claire Arrieta

This book was a game-changer when it comes to the role of germs and bacteria in building strong immune systems. Let Them Eat Dirt emphasizes the importance of exposure to dirt, germs, and microbes for developing healthy immune responses. We’ve embraced a more relaxed approach to cleanliness, allowing our kids to explore and get dirty. This book has helped us foster a healthy, balanced perspective on hygiene.

9. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel

Daniel Siegel’s The Whole Brain Child provides valuable insights into how children’s brains develop and how to support them in ways that promote emotional and cognitive growth. The book introduces strategies to nurture the developing brain, such as incorporating both logical and emotional approaches to problem-solving. We use these strategies to help our kids regulate their emotions and develop resilience. It’s been an incredibly helpful resource in understanding how to support their brains in their developmental stages.

10. There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk

This book celebrates the importance of outdoor play, no matter the weather. There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather has inspired us to embrace the seasons fully, even in challenging weather. The idea is that being outside in all kinds of weather helps children develop resilience and a deeper connection to nature. My partner and I now try to get outside with our kids year-round, regardless of rain or snow. It’s become an essential part of our family culture.

11. How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess by Caroline Leaf

Caroline Leaf’s book focuses on the power of the mind and offers practical tools for helping children overcome mental challenges, anxiety, and stress. We’ve found Leaf’s techniques to be invaluable in teaching our kids how to process their thoughts and emotions. We’ve used her approach to help our boys develop mental resilience, teaching them how to identify and manage their thoughts in healthy ways.

12. Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Dr. Becky Kennedy’s Good Inside reinforced the idea that our children are inherently good and that our job as parents is to nurture their inner goodness. The book highlights how to respond to children in ways that validate their emotions and support their development. It has helped us create a more empathetic, supportive environment where our children feel understood and loved, even when they are struggling.

Each of these books has contributed to the way my partner and I approach parenting, giving us tools, insights, and inspiration to raise emotionally healthy, confident children. They’ve helped us align our values and beliefs with our actions, creating a nurturing space where our kids can grow, learn, and thrive. If you're a parent looking for some thoughtful, research-backed parenting resources, I highly recommend these books!