Do you enjoy reading parenting books? I must admit that I don’t always devour the books cover to cover and at some, I just roll my eyes. I do however dip into them when I am having a parenting crisis. Parenting is not easy, there is no rule book and decisions need to be made that are right for your family – and each family is different.
These are my personal opinions of books that I have read and thought I would share. All authors, except for Kohn, are Australian, which helps to put aspects in an Australian context.
1. Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn. The focus of this book is what it means to raise a compassionate and moral child without the threat of punishment or the promise of rewards. It is a challenging read especially as it questions parents interactions with their children.
2. Ten Conversations You Must Have With Your Son by Dr Tim Hawkes. A friend recommended this book to me and it has been an extremely interesting read. It gives parents a ‘way in’ to have some of those difficult and ‘must have’ conversations that need to take place with your child.
3. Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph and Raising Girls by Steve Biddulph.
What I like about both these books is that they are written in accessible language and you find yourself nodding along and having a lot of “aha” moments.
4. What’s Happening to Our Girls? by Maggie Hamilton and What’s Happening to Our Boys? by Maggie Hamilton.
A different author voice to Biddulph, Hamilton looks at the darker side of growing up. She talks about all the things our children face that we didn’t necessarily have access or exposure to. A tough read in the reality of certain situations, but worth reading, knowing there is hope and learning how you can best support your child.
5. What Your Child Needs From You – Creating a Connected Family by Justin Coulson, PhD.
This book addresses the importance of building meaningful relationships with our children. Coulson gives much insight into parenting.
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