Episode 5 of the Motherhood Grace Podcast
5 Favorite Parenting Books
I'll tell you a secret, it's more than 5!
Anything by Janet Lansbury
Janet Lansbury is by far one of my favorite parenting experts out there. She has a podcast called Unruffled, and I'm sure I'll do a round-up of favorites soon, but she has been truly instrumental in how I approach parenting.
I listened to both of these on Audible and they were read by Janet... who probably has one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard... does that sound creepy?
It covers such common topics as punishment, cooperation, boundaries, testing, tantrums, hitting, and more. “No Bad Kids” provides a practical, indispensable tool for parents who are anticipating or experiencing those critical years when toddlers are developmentally obliged to test the limits of our patience and love.
Focuses on some of the most common infant/toddler issues: eating, sleeping, diaper changes, communication, separation, focus and attention span, creativity, boundaries, and more
This book was actually life-changing for me, and I pick it up often to just reread parts of it. It helped with my relationships, how I understand myself, the way I view parenthood. I really can't recommend it more.
"This book will take you on a journey to transcending your fears and illusions around parenting and help you become the parent you always wanted to be: fully present and conscious. It will arm you with practical, hands-on strategies and real-life examples from my experience as a parent and clinical psychologist that show the extraordinary power of being a conscious parent. "
"In Dr. Shefali Tsabary's conscious approach to parenting, however, children serve as mirrors of their parents' forgotten self. Those willing to look in the mirror have an opportunity to establish a relationship with their own inner state of wholeness. Once they find their way back to their essence, parents enter into communion with their children, shifting away from the traditional parent-to-child "know it all" approach and more towards a mutual parent-with-child relationship. The pillars of the parental ego crumble as the parents awaken to the ability of their children to transport them into a state of presence."
Twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.
Strategies that help parents identify their own discipline philosophy—and master the best methods to communicate the lessons they are trying to impart
Facts on child brain development—and what kind of discipline is most appropriate and constructive at all ages and stages
The way to calmly and lovingly connect with a child—no matter how extreme the behavior—while still setting clear and consistent limits
Tips for navigating your child through a tantrum to achieve insight, empathy, and repair
Twenty discipline mistakes even the best parents make—and how to stay focused on the principles of whole-brain parenting and discipline techniques
I saw a doula recommend this book and picked it up not really knowing what to expect. I found it really fascinating.. especially the fact that parenting is LITERALLY a new term, like seriously new.
"In the past thirty years, the concept of parenting and the multibillion-dollar industry surrounding it have transformed child care into obsessive, controlling, and goal-oriented labor intended to create a particular kind of child and therefore a particular kind of adult.
Gopnik shows that although caring for children is profoundly important, it is not a matter of shaping them to turn out a particular way. Children are designed to be messy and unpredictable, playful and imaginative―and to be very different both from their parents and from each other."
I loved this book for many reasons. It is probably the most practical/applicable of the books I've listed. It has wonderful activities and suggestions for approaching the toddler years, which can be a rollercoaster as our little ones learn their range of emotions.
And if you've enjoyed the affirmation, you can join my daily affirmation message by texting "PODCAST" to 412-775-3511. I'll send you a positive affirmation every day.
Comments