It’s been said that being a parent is a full-time job — and, it is — but the reality is that there’s not one particular way to parent, nor is there a “how-to” manual that everyone abides by.
Oftentimes, we’re influenced by how we were raised. Other times, we pick up on more modern parenting practices (the swaddling method, the mission to find fragrance-free baby lotions and more).
Then, there are times when parents — whether caring for a baby, a toddler, an elementary schooler or a young adult — feel like they’re at their wits end and could use a little more guidance. That’s where the parenting section at your local bookshop comes in handy.
“The wide variety of books that exist on the market include: pre-conception and pregnancy, first aid, practical parenting strategies for navigating different ages and stages, child development, help parents understand themselves, navigate relationships and parenting together [and much more depending on what you’re looking for],” Rosina McAlpine, MD, CEO of Win Win Parenting and parenting expert who develops and delivers workplace education programs to support working parents better multi-task while raising a family, told the New York Post. “It’s important to be discerning when reading books vary in reliability and quality.”
Ahead, we turned to a team of parenting experts to share specific reading material (aka, our assortment of the best parenting books to add to your reading list). While you’re shopping for your next new paperback or hardcover, check out our guide to the best murder-mystery and thriller books, too — just in case you want another escape.
Oh, and while you’re browsing our curated reading list, check out our in-depth FAQ section where the parenting experts we turned to give the 411 on navigating parenthood for each life stage and personality.
“Would you know what to do if your child or a child in your care had an accident?” Dr. McAlpine flags. “Having this reference handbook on hand means you can respond quickly and may save a child’s life.”
Specifically, it touches on helpful practices to brush up on and understand to be prepared for the inevitable. Consider it your all-in-one guide or next-best-thing to a first-aid certification.
“While not your typical parenting how-to book, this one is recommended for all the nitty gritty details about pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood that give you a better understanding of your own body,” Suzanne Skyvara, VP of marketing and editorial at Goodreads and mom of two college-aged boys, tells The Post. “This part-memoir/part-science-guide is becoming a favorite gift from some moms to their newly pregnant friends.”
This title offers a rigorously researched approach of the physiology, biology and psychology of both pregnancy and motherhood, which is all informed by in-depth reporting and personal experience.
“Learn about traditional Tibetan approaches to pre-conception, conception, pregnancy, birth and bonding during the early years,” McAlpine says. “It’s valuable for those interested in learning about ancient wisdom, cultural and spiritual practices.”
Additionally, this title spans beyond your run-of-the-mill parenting guide; it’s a “fascinating look into the intimate and revered part of the Tibetan culture.”
“Parenting can be tough; this book gives you the insight to understand your own feelings, not just what your child is feeling,” Skyvara relays. “Parents recommend it for the practical strategies on how you can help your younger child and yourself.”
Impressively, it provides a comprehensive, insightful overview of traditional parenting tactics — like reward charts and time-outs — and how they may not be as beneficial as one may think.
“Truly, the title says it all,” McAlpine says. “If you want to be able to understand and communicate with your baby from day one, then learn Dr Vivien Sabel’s extraordinary, revolutionary Blossom Method.”
And, it helps you better conceptualize a baby’s non-verbal cues — which will surely come in handy during the infancy stage.
“This came recommended by a colleague with a two-year-old who said: ‘While I was not raised by ‘tiger parents,’ I’ve really appreciated learning from Iris Chen’s ‘Untigering’ when it comes to raising my own toddler and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore peaceful parenting,” Skyvara shares.
Stunning cover aside, this title helps you better understand how to heal from childhood wounds, change your beliefs about yourself and your children and how to parent through connection instead of control — among other topics.
“Communication is at the heart of developing strong and loving bonds between family members and creating family peace!” McAlpine tips off. “[This is] a great book on how to nurture effective family communication.”
With an impressive 11,000 rave reviews on Amazon — and counting — this book helps you best understand how to cope with your child’s negative feelings (such as frustration, anger and disappointment), express your strong feelings without being hurtful, engage your child’s willing cooperation and more.
“Given how important financial literacy is to succeeding in adult life, it’s shocking how little this topic is covered in education,” Skyvara mentions. “For parents looking to teach good money habits by giving an allowance to their kids, this book has great advice around why Spend-Save-Share doesn’t work, and how to help kids experience the miracle of compounding interest in a way that matches their more limited understanding of time.”
Not to mention, it’s a wonderful pre-cursor to financial literacy that can be supplemented with additional, personal instruction — an important topic to touch on from a young age.
“This book helps parents uncover how their parenting approach (beliefs and strategies impact their child’s development,” McAlpine explains. “It also provides insights into understanding and nurturing a child’s potential.”
Plus, learning about personality types also helps you understand an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, which is always helpful when parenting for any age.
“Two best friends, single mothers, and creators of the popular Good Moms Bad Choices podcast bring their humor, hard won experience and vulnerabilities to show how you can resist the judgmental version of what it takes to be a ‘good mom’ and stay true to yourself,” Skyvara sums up. “If you’re struggling with mom guilt or just want to spend some time with two fellow moms as they use trial and error to figure things out, this one’s for you.”
Not to mention, this book is described as “a breath of fresh air for all moms today” — the ideal title if you’re looking for a more modernized approach to parenting.
“Imagine growing up in a family where there are no rewards and no punishment,” McAlpine considers. “Imagine being loved unconditionally by your parents and not having to behave in a certain way to be loved – that’s unconditional parenting.”
Deeply informative and a terrific reference, this title provides parents with powerful alternatives that help children thrive and embrace their intrinsic caring and responsible selves.
“Self-resilient kids are happier and have more confidence in themselves, but well-meaning parents can fall into the trap of accidentally diminishing their kids by doing too much for them for too long,” Skyvara says. “This book is a favorite with parents due to the concrete suggestions on what your kids can start to do for themselves at different ages.”
On a personal note: as a result of reading this book, Skyvara’s two boys were doing their own laundry from the age of 11.
“Breastfeeding, while one of the most natural ways to nourish and bond with our baby, can have its challenges,” McAlpine notes. “Internationally recognized experts guide mothers in the natural way to better breastfeeding in this book.”
For shopping options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best breast pumps.
“Teenage years are the high-stakes years of parenting; your child needs to pull away from you as they move further towards being an independent adult, yet they also need to navigate the intensity of the complex emotions that come with adolescence,” Skyvara explains. “Readers describe this as a must-read for parents of tweens and teens thanks to the practical advice grounded in research.”
Not to mention, this title is an Amazon best-seller with a near five-star rating.
“Understanding how children’s brains develop provides parents with great insights into setting age-appropriate expectations and practical strategies to deal with every-day challenges,” McAlpine says.
More, this book demonstrates how to best cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that children can “lead balanced, meaningful and connected lives,” per the blurb.
“The world is changing at a fast pace,” McAlpine considers. “This book offers insights into how we can prepare our children to step into and succeed in an unknown future.”
Even better, you’ll find educational material pertaining to the unique opportunities presented to today’s children, how to best prepare them for whatever life throws at them and how to support them with the skills they need to thrive.
“This book provides an evidence-based gentle approach to managing the daily challenges of helping babies and toddlers manage emotions, develop coping skills and have a strong sense of self by nurturing brain development,” McAlpine details.
Overall, it’s a psychology-backed read that’s helpful for any parent — whether first-time or not.
“The reader is invited to take a big-picture approach to the next generation,” McAlpine says. “By nurturing life in utero we provide the foundation for life-long physical and mental wellbeing — benefiting all humanity.”
Out of all the books on this list, Sasone’s book reads most like a textbook, serving as worthwhile reference material.
“You won’t run out of screen free ideas for inside or outside play with these two books!” McAlpine says. “Perfect for school holidays or weekends when the kids are begging for more screen time or saying ‘I’m bored!'”
Dare we say it’s the best rainy day read? Naturally, yes.
“The acclaimed psychologist John Gottman shows parents how to teach their children to regulate their emotions,” McAlpine pinpoints. “Emotional regulation impacts all areas of life and helps children make better choices in life.”
Not to mention, it’s affordable, information-packed and insightful, especially for new parents.
“This is a well-researched book on the many current challenges facing our sons — and, most importantly, how we might support our boys’ sense of self-worth and purpose for a happier and healthier life,” McAlpine shares.
Uniquely, this is a take on raising a boy and learning about his self-esteem; a refreshing take on the usual girl’s perspective on growing up and navigating varying confidence levels (though, that perspective is equally as important).
“This is the deeply personal true story of psychologist Dr, Christina Hibbert,” McAlpines begins to explain. “Overnight, she becomes mother to six children after birthing her fourth baby and inheriting two children when her sister and brother-in-law die.”
It’s both moving and inspirational, blended with psychological insights throughout.
“When our children encounter challenges in life they need to navigate, like understanding why a grandparent is losing their memories, a heart-warming story can convey the message in profound ways,” McAlpine suggests. “Get your tissues ready…”
Plus, it’s one of the easiest parenting books to flip through and empathize with.
Ahead, our team of parenting experts share helpful advice and notes on the acclaim for parenting books in this comprehensive learning guide.
Of course, not one size fits all (or, should we say, not one parenting book addresses the same points).
“Parenting is the most important role — as well as one the most challenging roles a person will take on in life,” McAlpine tells The Post. “Right alongside the immense love and joy parenthood can bring, is the responsibility of raising a child from the time they are conceived and through every stage of development to adulthood — and the support and care doesn’t even stop there. You are a parent, for life.”
What’s more, reading high-quality parenting books allows parents to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to help their children become the best versions of themselves and get through the tough times a little wiser and kinder.
“How many of us joked when we drove home with our first child, ‘I can’t believe they sent me home with a human being without giving me an instruction manual!'” Skyvara reflects. “With parenting, there’s always a feeling of uncharted territory. Even when you might be a parent of a second or third child, you quickly realize that each child is taking you on a different journey, based on their personality and needs.”
Many parents and caregivers don’t have parents or extended family living nearby, so they’re essentially missing the “village” of advice. Or perhaps, they’re the first in their family to experience a particular parenting challenge.
“That’s where parenting books come in,” Skyvara affirms. “There’s always someone who has traveled the road before you and is there to light the way.”
Evidence-based parenting books can be educational in many ways.
“In particular, helping parents to understand the various stages of child development and provides them with the knowledge and strategies to help their children master the various skills that will help their children lead happy, healthy and meaningful lives,” McAlpine overviews.
“We’re not born knowing how to cook, so we can use cooking books to master baking and creating nutritious meals for our family,” McAlpine says. “In the same way, we’re not born with parenting skills, and despite our parents trying to do the best they could when raising us, they may not have been ideal role models. This leaves most people unprepared and confused about how to parent and raise children in a way that will support them to live their lives to the fullest.”
That said, reading high quality parenting books can provide new parent with knowledge, skills and confidence as they navigate parenting their chid(ren) from conception right through to empty nest.
Parenting a child with special needs often requires additional knowledge and skills and may result in parents needing extra support for themselves and for their child.
“There may also be difficult circumstances a family may experience such as separation, divorce, death, bullying or illness where an in-depth book on such a topic may provide comfort and guidance for the family to successfully navigate loss, grief or mental or physical conditions that have arisen,” McAlpine adds.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.