Choosing books for parenting advice and for your littles ones can be a daunting task. Summit Children’s Center wants to help, and we’ve provided the 10 best books for parenting and the best books for kids. Let’s face it, parenting really begins the moment you receive positive test results. Then after delivery, parenting becomes the most important full-time job you’ll ever have. Whether you are about to experience your first turn at parenthood or if you have been a parent for a long time, it never hurts to learn more or seek advice. We have assembled a list of the top ten parenting books we have found to be essential reading. We hope you enjoy our selection.
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Top Books for Parenting
1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting
This is a classic and the perfect book for expectant mothers. It is chock-full of important information and answers a wide range of questions ranging from preconception to monthly fetal development. The book even covers the latest in obstetrics, lifestyles, and overflows with hints, tips, and humor.
2. The Happiest Baby on the Block
Dr. Harvey Karp answers the question sought by every parent: how to “switch-off” your baby’s crying automatically. You will be happy to know the secret of calming your child, and it’s easy as switching off a light.
3. The Whole-Brain Child
Neuropsychiatrist Daniel Siegel and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson coauthor this informative book on child education, complete with twelve strategies for contributing to brain development that leads to calm and happy children. They tell us how your child’s brain develops and matures, and puts you on the path to nurturing your child’s emotional and intellectual life. This book will help you prepare your child to read the best books for kids.
4. How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
This is a sensational book that discusses all of the common problems that parents face when raising children, and when installing a firm foundation for genuine relationships with them. Some of the issues are dealing with their negative feelings, impressing upon them your strong feelings without hurting them, appropriate punishment techniques, acquiring self-discipline, and conflict resolution. The Boston Globe called it the “parenting bible,” and we feel it should be handy at all times.
5. Einstein Never Used Flashcards
Before sending your child off to preschool, read this important book. Parents naturally stress about how much their children should be learning and retaining while in the early grades. The research in this book, all compiled by three different psychologists, explain math, reading, science, communication, and social skills in children, and how each child is different from another.
6. Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings
Are fighting siblings really just a way of life? In some ways, it is honestly how siblings express their love. But if you are seeing your kids fight every day, this book provides great advice and solutions for parents. Dr. Laura Markham shows successful methods for dealing with fighting, maintaining harmony, and building strong connections between brothers and sisters. The methods are simple and easy to use.
7. Design Mom
This is a terrific book for moms, and especially for moms who struggle to remain sane with toys and tantrums and clothes and runny noses. This book helps with chaos. It provides great analysis for dealing with your children and their environment – your home. It also gives great ideas for keeping your home design and decor child-ready and child-proof. Creative, fun, and stylish.
8. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
Growing kids must depend on their father. The role is such a vital one for their maturation. This book brings to light a girl’s relationship with her dad. It shows the true bond that exists and can blossom. Life lessons and advice are shared on topics ranging from self-respect, alcohol, relationships, and drugs. More than anything, however, it shows dads everywhere how to become the hero his daughter wants and needs. A terrific book well ahead of its time.
9. Strong Mothers, Strong Sons
Just as dad’s role is important for bringing up daughters, a mother’s role is equally as important to her son. Boys face a wide range of difficult challenges growing up. A mother’s love and encouragement are extremely crucial for properly raising a son. This book helps a mother gain the courage, confidence, and wisdom needed is helping to develop great boys. Its encouraging, educational, and supportive for all.
10. Mothering and Daughtering
There may not be a more sensitive time for young girls than teenage times. A mom can guide and help her through this difficult transition. The book tackles separation anxiety, nurturing and listening, setting boundaries, and everything in between. Learn to “keep it real” with your daughters, trust them, and find strength for their young adulthood. This book is jammed with great pieces of practical information on the mother-daughter relationship.
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It is said that a good book on parenting is like a holy tome: Read it, refer to it, and follow it. Mahatma Gandhi said, “There is no school equal to a decent home, and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent”. Keep educated and wise so you give your kids the best possible chance at a stable life.
10 Best Books for Kids
Kids love to read, but only if you give them the right book. The next ten books are the best books for kids and have been thrilling kids for years. Every child should have the opportunity to read them.
1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown
The School Library Journal lists it as one of the ‘Top 100 Picture Books’ ever. Goodnight Moon is so simple but a genuinely lovable book that has been loved at bedtime for generations. The bunny proceeds through the process of telling his friends goodnight and it’s just wonderful.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
One of the great children’s classics, The Very Hungry Caterpillar picture book shows the evolution of a caterpillar transitioning into a butterfly. Amazon reports this book is sold every 30 seconds. It educates kids about foods, days of the week and the natural life cycle on Earth.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
One of the great American picture books, Where the Wild Things Are is an award-winning book by Maurice Sendak and it has delighted children and adults for decades. It follows the journey of Max who, dressed like a wolf, adventures to a mysterious island where he meets with ‘wild things’ and other creatures.
4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Highly regarded as the best-selling book ever, Theodor Geisel authored The Cat in the Hat by his pen name, Dr. Seuss. It tells of a cat who arrives at Sally’s house and entertains her and her brother. Thing 1 and Thing 2 assist with cleaning up the mess before Sally’s mother discovers the adventure.
5. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Charlotte’s Web has been everything from a book to an inspiring animation, live-action film, a video game, and a video sequel and is regarded as a classic in English literature. Charlotte the spider discovers a farmer ready to take Wilbur the pig to slaughter. Charlotte uses her web-making ability to save him. One of Summit Children’s personal favorite best books for kids!
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6. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could draw the world in exactly the way we understand it? Harold and the Purple Crayon tells the story of a four-year-old boy designing the world with his magic purple crayon. He encounters adventures along the way until he feels sleepy and draws a bed for resting. Great for bedtime.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of Charlie. Charlie secretly loves the delicious chocolate made by Willy Wonka and wants to see inside the chocolate factory. In the end, Charlie becomes the heir to the entire operation. The book is regarded as one every child should read at least one time before reaching adulthood. An important book when your child is going through all the best books for kids.
8. Little Women by Louis May Alcott
This all-time classic is suitable for children and grown-ups. Little Women involves romance, adventure, drama and female themes like love, identity, character, and domesticity. It revolves around four sisters and their path to becoming women.
9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
This is the first book in a seven-part series by J. K. Rowling. It’s a legacy that will, no doubt, continue for decades. Harry Potter is a wizard that lives at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Summit Children’s Center is with everyone else on this one – Harry Potter is the best of the best books for kids.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis
In a land called Narnia, filled with mythical creatures, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of four children, visiting Narnia through a wardrobe chest. It was named one of the ‘All-Time 100 Novels’ by TIME magazine. We believe this book is not only one of the best children’s books of all time, but one of the best adult books of all time as well.
Great books for you and your kids are an essential part of the family journey, and Summit Children’s Center hopes you round out your home library with the best books for kids and parenting.
