Love to Learn?
Top 10 Books to Build a Brain, a Relationship and Feel Better while doing so!
- Mindset by Carol Dwek
- The Genius in Every Child by Rick Ackerly
- Simplicity Parenting or The Soul of Discipline by Kim John Payne
- No Bad Kids by Janet Landsbury
- NurtureShock by Po Bronson, Ashely Merryman
- How Children Succeed Paul Tough
- Children the Challenge by Rudolph Dreikurs, Vicki Soltz
- Parenting from The Inside Out by Dan Siegel, Mary
- Kids are Worth It! by Barbara Coloroso
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
Even before I had children, I loved to read about the youngest members of society and why, when and how people raised them to become not only informed and capable people, but also kind, helpful and aware citizens of the world. Raising kids in a culture where parents are quick to be villainized and slow to be supported is still mighty challenging, although we are making progress in many communities. Parenting is a relentless job that often leaves us feeling like we are sprinting only to reach a long line in which we suddenly find ourselves waiting, with little to do.
But take heart! We live in exciting times of research and information! It seems that every day we can read about new research and understanding about Growth Mindset, child development, the plasticity of the brain, the power of modeling and environment. I have hope that the world around us is slowly but surely developing strategies for growing kindness and laying the seeds of empathy in the hearts–and brains– of our children.
When I feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn and wonder whether what I am doing is hurting more than helping, I find solace in books. Sometimes this is an escapist novel, but often it is a book like the ones on this list. Rather than feeling like I am reading a book about everything I am doing wrong, these books help me fill my cup with concepts, strategies, and ultimately, the inspiration to try a different way, keep at it and carry on. Even the most balanced and steady parent with a loving and peaceful upbringing has moments when they wonder, “What is this behavior about? Why is it happening and how do I handle it with this child at this moment?” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed as a parent and wondered how to make things easier or more peaceful (and what parent hasn’t?!), try one of these books and I hope it helps you find encouragement for what is, no doubt, the challenge of a lifetime.
Happy summer reading!
