Top Five Books for Parents
Posted on: September 26, 2022 | Babies, Children, education, Famillies, Fatherhood, Friendship, Grandparents, Health, Information, Love, Motherhood, Parenting, Relationships
We’ve all done it, right? Had a stack of books on the nightstand, a quick reference read thrown into the diaper bag, and a list of all the books to read to help make us a “better parent” with this or that. I know I did! I enjoy reading. With so many lists of ‘great reads to read’ I have curated a top five books for parents list of my own. I felt it was about time, and I’m excited to share it.
I Love You Forever
Let’s start off my top five favorite books for parents with a book that (in my opinion) needs no introduction. If you are a parent, more specifically a mother to a son, then you NEED this book! I Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw is a quintessential nursery library staple. I Love You Forever follows the story of a mother and a son as they travel through the journey of parenthood.
As a mom of 4 rambunctious, talented, beautiful, amazing kiddos this story exemplifies the roller coaster of emotions as you watch your heart mold into little people of their own, with their own minds and antics perfectly. The theme of the story of how much the love of a parent remains forever, even when we question everything.
Watch a Video Here: LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw – Children’s Books Read Aloud
Grow Healthy, Grow Happy: The Whole Baby Guide
I will admit that I am NOT a fan of baby “how-to” books. While there is a general foundation when it comes to caregiving, there’s SO MUCH that gets left out, or else the book would literally be a million pages. THEN I came across Grow Healthy, Grow Happy: The Whole Baby Guide by Becky Cannon and was taken aback.
I chose this book in my top five books for parents because this book goes back-to-basics with caregiving. It strips down the outside noises and influences, and caters to our natural instincts as parents. From child development and milestones, to feeding and play, this truly is an encyclopedia of babies. This book makes a great baby shower gift for any new parent.
Watch a Video Here: Grow Healthy. Grow Happy. The Whole Baby Guide by Becky Cannon
The 5 Love Languages of Children
If you are familiar with The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman then it’s no surprise to you that children have love languages too. They express (and receive) love in the same realm that we do as their parents. Having the ability to understand the “why” behind a certain actions, verbal expressions, the extra wanted cuddles, their enjoyment of all the gifts they can get, and the moments together that melt time like butter.
The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell is a resource that I felt enhanced the way that I personally have attuned to my own children. This book is a short reference read of just over 200 pages, that one can be thrown in a diaper bag, and read while awaiting the appointments that concur in the first few years of parenting. Connecting with individuals is such a big part of what we do as doulas. Imagine how it hits when that connection is with your own child.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
I came across this book at a time when as parents we just feel like we’re just getting this whole parenting thing wrong. As I began to parent a toddler, into a preschooler, then an adolescent, and now teenagers, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Farber & Elaine Mazlish struck a chord big time. Undoing language, nuances, and lessons that were put on us as children is not an easy feat for one to manage. This book made my top five books for parents for so many reasons beyond the ones I listed. As parents, the best gift one can give their children is one of firm foundation in love and communication.
Your Favorite Childhood Story by YOU
Saving the best for last, I give you ::drum roll:: YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY! That’s right. Rounding off my list of top five books for parents is the book that you loved, adored, and read on repeat as a child. Sharing your childhood favorites with your own children harbor the joys of reading and create a special bond. For my family, it’s all of Shel Silberstein’s gems; AND now that my kiddos are older, the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark set. The world is vast with stories, and sharing yours and your favorites is a pastime that will stand the tests of time. Don’t have a childhood fave? Become a storyteller! Create a story that your child will remember, even better create it together.. As the child ages, add new aspects to keep the intrigue while still remaining familiar.
“Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. “
— Neil Gaiman
I love learning all the things that I feel will help me better understand…well…anything! I encourage everyone to pick up a good book, one for fun and one for education. Keep learning, keep growing! Make a list of your own top five parenting books, and share it with a new parent. Even better, gift the books at their baby shower, as a homecoming gift (with a tasty meal) or at their baby’s first birthday!