Parenting Pages Worth Turning: How to Find Quality Parenting Books That Actually Help
Parenting is tough, and kids don’t come with an instruction manual. What is a parent to do when they don’t know the best way to handle a situation or their kids have challenging behaviors? Parents often turn to parenting books or the internet for their answers. There are so many parenting books out there, you may wonder how to know which one to choose from or if parenting books really help at all.
Reading a parenting book can be very useful, and I’ve got some questions you can think about when deciding on the best parenting book for you.
1. Who Wrote It?
Generally, I’m looking for an author who IS a parent, and has been for a good number of years. I also look for someone with an advanced degree in a field related to parenting, education, psychology, etc. This is not to say someone without kids isn’t capable of being an expert on parenting, someone without a degree in the field isn’t capable of being an expert on parenting, or having kids or an advanced degree in the field automatically means someone is an expert on parenting. Just do your research and pay attention the the specifics of customer reviews.
2. Is the information in the book science or evidence-based?
Parenting books by authors talking about their own upbringing or their own personal parenting beliefs, take with a grain of salt. I’m all for hearing others’ opinions and beliefs as we can learn greatly from it, however, I encourage you to opt for science-based (it may be worded as evidence-based) when it comes to parenting books.
3. Does the book seem interesting to you? Is it easy for you to read?
Let’s face it, you’re probably not going to finish or learn from the book if you find it to be difficult to read or it doesn’t spark your interest. Try checking out the book from the library first, read a few pages or skim through it a little bit, and see if it interests you.
4. Does the book include practical and realistic advice?
Parenting books are designed to give you general advice and guidance; it’s impossible to provide this to every single parent or situation out there. A great parenting book is informative and actionable, and avoids a “one size fits all” kind of message. Any parenting book that states their method is the only method to work, pass on it!
5. Does the book address your specific needs?
I encourage you to look for parenting books that address your specific needs. For example, if you’re struggling with handling toddler tantrums, try to find a book that specifically focuses on the science behind toddler tantrums and strategies on how to manage them consistently and effectively. Generalized parenting books are still a great option, but parenting books with a specific topic can often leave you feeling more motivated.
Parenting Book Recommendations:
The 5 Principles of Parenting by Dr. Aliza Pressman
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
Check out my own collection of mini e-books, each packed with practical advice to help make parenting a little easier. All of my mini e-books are 10 pages, straight to the point, and have the same structure: why the behavior/parenting challenge happens, how to manage it in the moment, and how to prevent it in the future. My mini e-book topics include (more are added regularly!) tantrums, parental burnout, sibling rivalry, picky eating, and more! Just $5 each, or any 3 for $10.
As a thank you for reading this blog, enjoy 10% off my 3 for $10 bundle deal! At checkout, you’ll select which 3 mini e-books you’d like and I will send them to you via e-mail after I receive your order. Use code BUNDLE10 to receive your discount. Visit my parenting resource library to explore your options.
