The way we parent our children has a tremendous impact on the type of adult they will become. Much of who we are as adults can be linked to how we experienced the world when we were really young, for better or worse.
If you’re interested in learning some really interesting and helpful parenting insights based on research, check out these five recommended books, listed in no particular order.
Boundaries With Kids – When to Say Yes, When to Say No, to Help Your Children Gain Control of Their Lives
Co-written by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, this book will help you develop healthy character in your children by setting limits while allowing you to still be a loving parent. Additional goals of this book include bringing control to a chaotic family life and defining age-appropriate boundaries and related consequences. This book will also help you teach your kids to learn to set firm boundaries for their own lives.
Loving Your Kids on Purpose
This book by Pastor Danny Silk will give you tools to protect your connection with your children, teach them to manage increasing levels of freedom and create a safe place for them to build confidence and personal responsibility.
The 5 Love Languages of Children
Each one of us has one main love language and a secondary love language: gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service (devotion), and physical touch (intimacy). Co-written with Ross Campbell M.D., Dr. Gary Chapman applies the innovative system of the five love languages from his previous best-selling book for adults on the same topic. He helps you communicate with your child in his or her primary and secondary love languages.
This book is designed to help you discern your child’s love language and learn how to create a safe atmosphere where your child can thrive.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
This bestselling classic from Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish includes fresh insights and suggestions to solve common problems and build foundations for lasting relationships. This little gem offers innovative ways to express your strong feelings without being hurtful, engage your child’s willing cooperation, and use alternatives to punishment that promote self-discipline while understanding the difference between helpful and unhelpful praise.
Parent Effectiveness Training: The Proven Program for Raising Responsible Children
This book by Thomas Gordon will help you avoid being a permissive parent and listen so your kids will talk to you and talk so they will listen to you. You’ll also gain insight into how to teach your children problem-solving skills and learn the “No-Lose” method to resolving conflicts. This timeless classic offers something for all parents, whether newbies who have a toddler striking out for independence or seasoned parents of rebellious teenagers. This book will help you find compassionate, effective ways to instill responsibility and create a nurturing family environment in which your child will prosper.