Recommended Books
- Leah Corbett
- Mar 12, 2024
- 5 min read
This list tells you a bit about the books that have had an influence on my parenting over the years. I've found most libraries have a good parenting section and they're normally right next to the kids picture books so have a peruse next time you're there and your little one is engrossed in the kids books!
Discipline without Damage
Dr Vanessa Lapointe
This book helps us to see that children are not just little adults - developmentally they cannot be expected to do everything we demand of them. Dr Vanessa helps parents meet their needs with compassion and not shame. Reading this book empowered me to be the adult and fulfil the parent role in a way that children need us to. If you’re having trouble with disciplining your child (through many old school methods) this is the book for you! It will flip your thinking and truly make a difference to your home life.
Good Inside
Dr Becky Kennedy
This is a really easy read because it’s full of actionable strategies. Dr Becky shares her parenting philosophy which is all about connecting with our children. Like Dr Vanessa LaPointe she also empowers us to be the ‘sturdy leader’ our kids need us to be. Lots of topics are covered like sibling rivalry, tantrums and separation anxiety. She is an expert on ‘deeply feeling kids’ (those that have bigger emotions and reactions than others). Also a really good book to keep going back to.
Parental as Anything
Maggie Dent
This is a good overview of many topics and it’s very easy to read because Maggie is ‘real life’ about things and gives good examples. She also throws her own experiences in a fair bit so very relatable. The book is based on her podcast so it would be good to read and listen to the podcasts to help consolidate the info more. A lot of the book is based on conversations she’s had with experts and she combines that with her own experience working with parents to provide practical solutions parents and caregivers face today.
Kind, Firm, Calm
Jenny Hale
Jenny is a parenting expert here in New Zealand so this is a good ‘local’ book! This book is an easy read because it’s full of scenarios you have no doubt experienced. She gives practical answers to so many common problems and also lots of ideas to prevent the challenges in the first place. A great general read for all parents and a good refresher or one to refer back to as things come up.
Simplicity Parenting
Kim John Payne
This was my first parenting book I ever read and have followed the principles pretty closely ever since. If you want your kids to have a ‘free’ childhood then definitely read this book. It follows the idea that these days life is too busy, there’s too many choices, there’s too much stuff, and information overwhelm. This leads to behavioural problems and anxiety. Kim shares ways that you can lessen the overwhelm and in turn your family will have more moments of joy, laughter and connection.
The Soul of Discipline
Kim John Payne
This would be the one to read after reading Simplicity Parenting because you need to have the foundations from his first book. This book helps you see that children are not being ‘naughty’ or defiant on purpose. Instead see their challenging behaviour as a signal that they are lost and looking to you to guide them back on course. A lot of the suggestions help prevent upsets in the first place so it means you can enjoy your kids more.
Being at your Best when your Kids are at their Worst
Kim John Payne
Meeting a stressed or overwhelmed child with compassion is really hard when we are triggered or stressed ourselves. This is a great read to help you be the parent you want to be - not the old school, punitive, controlling and reactive parent that just makes us feel rotten inside. Not a long read which is good when you’re short on personal reading time right?!
All of Kim’s books available here:
Help your Child Deal with Stress and Thrive
Dr Stuart Shanker
This is a good read especially for parents with children who have neuro diverse children. It provides a different way of looking at your child and a practical method to follow in order to support your child to cope with stress and anxiety. Problematic behaviour is insight into a child being over stressed, so help your child learn to regulate their response to everyday issues. Self-regulation is the key to wellbeing – it makes a difference to one’s mood, concentration, the ability to make friends, feel empathy and develop higher values.
Strengths Based Parenting
From Gallup Strengths finder, Mary Reckmeyer
If you’re into personal growth and like doing personality tests this is an interesting view on parenting. We all have strengths so why not lean into our strengths with our parenting too? The Clifton Strengths finder test is used around the world by millions so this book applies that to figuring out what your kids are naturally good at and where they thrive. Also with this book you can figure out your own talents and apply them to your individual parenting style.
No Bad Kids
Janet Lansbury
Janet follows the amazing Magda Gerber. (Magda was an early childhood educator and is known for teaching parents/caregivers how to understand babies and interact with them respectfully from birth.)
This is the book that transformed the way I saw my baby – they are their own little human being communicating with us and they deserve our respect. This books helps you see the world through their eyes and their feelings. It is about toddler discipline without shaming them so you will not feel the guilt – instead you will feel connected. Janet gives lots of examples in this book and it’s not a long read.
Mum’s the Word
Danielle Wright
This is a fun book with lots of photos in it with ideas to create a fun family life. I’ve referred to this book many times through the years. If you’re having trouble getting your kids off screens or maybe there’s behavioural problems that mean more connection is needed… this is a good book to skim through for a fun idea to do together. Childhood memories may come back as you flick through too! Ideal if you have kids under age 9.
Parenting Creative Problem Solvers
By Matt Hart
This is a quick, fun, easy read but really good when you think about the future jobs our children may have. Knowledge is no longer what is going to be needed… people that are able to innovate and problem solve are going to be in high demand! Learn easy ways that you can nurture your little creative genius.
