Not too many years ago Dr. Spock's, "Baby and Child Care" was it. Now, the number of "parenting" books is downright overwhelming. 

Whether a child is “spirited”, “difficult”, “indigo”, learning disabled, out of the box, food sensitive, hyperactive, obsessive/compulsive, “explosive”, un-focused, gay, speech-delayed, spiritual, sensitive, “out of sync”, shy, coping with a parent’s divorce, gifted, or unmotivated -- there is a book available.

The trouble is not every read is worth the time or money. Many books offer tricks and tools that may work temporarily but offer little in the way of genuine guidance.  Titles, such as “Have a New Kid by Friday,”“The Difficult Child,” or  “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” may grab a reader’s attention, however, they usually end up doing little more than gathering dust.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to sample, both personally and professionally, a number of parenting books. Following are some of the ones I have found to be most helpful. As noted, several are available at the C.H. Booth Library.

These titles primarily offer valuable information and useful insight rather than gimmicks to implement, scripts to remember or charts to adhere to. In my experience, regardless of the "issue," the deeper understanding that can result from constructive and compassionate information goes a lot further than quick fixes.  

General Parenting:

The Hurried Child – Growing up Too Fast Too Soon

by David Elkind

This “classic,” first published in 1981, continues to stand the test of time.  The book offers parents a clear look at how, where and why our kids are pressured to “hurry” and how this rush to mature can lead to a multitude of problems. The book offers sound advice for encouraging healthy development while protecting the joy of childhood. A great resource for parents hoping to understand and to minimize the influence our high-pressure society has on children. (This book is available at the C.H. Booth Library.)

Raising Resilient Children– Fostering Strength, Hope and Optimism in Your Child

by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein

If you had asked me as a new mother the things I most hoped for my kids, happiness would have topped the list. Today that would be replaced by resilience. All families live with stress, but children who learn resilience from their parents’ handling of these stresses develop an inner strength. This book demonstrates how resilience helps kids cope, survive and thrive. A good choice for parents who want to help their kids become self-directed, competent and independent.  

Connection Parenting – Parenting through Connection instead of Coercion, Through Love instead of Fear

by Pam Leo

This book is a little gem. Wise, concise, simple and considerate, it offers a positive and proactive approach to parenting. Great for parents, new or seasoned, wishing to establish a better connection with their child.

Last Child in the Woods – Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

by Richard Louv

Most parents are aware that being outside is good for kids. However, few are aware of how and why a prolonged disconnect from nature can be so detrimental. This book links the absence of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation to some disturbing childhood trends like obesity and attention disorders yet it also offers very practical and doable solutions for parents wishing to help their children connect or re-connect with the natural world. (This book is available at the C.H. Booth Library.)

Discipline, Peer Pressure and Parent/Child Conflicts:

The Price of Privilege – How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids

by Madeline Levine

This book is a captivating wake-up call for any parent who thinks that good grades, material advantages and social status are enough to keep kids safe from destructive behaviors. The author offers compassion to privileged but struggling parents who want to teach their children how to manage their emotions and impulses, form healthy relationships, think for themselves and become well-adjusted people. It’s a great one to have on the shelf – especially for parents concerned about materialism, pressures to achieve and perfectionism. (This book is available at the C.H. Booth Library.)

Respectful Parents Respectful Kids – 7 Keys to Turn Family Conflict Into Co-operation

by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson

For parents who do prefer a step-by step approach with practical tools, this one does it quite well. It’s a great choice for parents who need guidance on how to change their family dynamics so they can foster more respect, harmony and a more positive home atmosphere. (This book is available at the C.H. Booth Library.)

Unconditional Parenting – Moving From Rewards and Punishment to Love and Reason

by Alfie Kohn

This book challenges most conventional beliefs about discipline. Kohn outlines why he feels rewards and punishment are actually detrimental to our kids. It’s a very thought-provoking read. I’d recommend it for parents who are not satisfied with  conventional modes of discipline and who are seeking new perspectives. (This book is available at the C.H. Booth Library.)

Hold on to Your Kids – Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers

by Gordon Newfeld and Gabor Mate

Many kids today look more to their peers for direction than to their parents. As a result, being “cool” starts mattering more than anything else. This books offers helpful ways to “re-attach” to your kids. A great guide for parents who are concerned they may be losing their child’s loyalty and/or love and who hope to help their children become less “peer-oriented.”

Learning and Attention Difficulties:

It’s So Much Work to Be your Friend: Helping the Child With Learning Disablities Find Social Success

by Rick Lavoie

Parents of children with learning or attention difficulties know that it is not just academics that are hard for their children. Establishing and maintaining friendships can also be painful, difficult and frustrating. No one tackles this better than author and educator Rick Lavoie.

The Edison Trait – Saving the Spirit of Your Nonconforming Child

by Lucy Jo Palladino

Before declaring that your child has a learning or attention difficulty, read this book. The author puts a positive perspective on many of the “frustrating” traits common to kids of this generation who are growing up in a world of accelerated change. This book is a great choice for the parent of a child who may have great leadership and life skills yet who struggles with schooling or taking directions.