Being a parent is hard. Like, really hard. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either A) A liar, or B) Not a parent. If you're in the throes of early parenting and feeling lost, know that you are not alone. The good news is that there are plenty of books out there that purport to have all the answers to your burning parenting questions. The bad news is that parenting books are often wildly contradictory, and it can be tough to sift through the options to find the gems.
The Good: Where to start? There are some absolutely fantastic parenting books out there that offer advice that is both actionable and evidence-based. These are the sorts of books that can help parents feel like they're doing something right when everything else feels wrong. A few of our favorites include How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King, The Baby Book by William Sears and Martha Sears, and Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham.
The Bad: For every useful parenting book, there seems to be two or three that are...less than helpful. These are the sort of books that make parents feel guilty for not being perfect, or like they're doing something wrong even when they're not. They often contain unproven "advice" that is actually harmful (like sleep training), and can leave parents feeling like they can't win no matter what they do. Our advice? Steer clear of books like these, and don't beat yourself up if you can't live up to their impossible standards.
The Ugly: And then there are the truly terrible parenting books. These are the ones with click-baity titles designed to sell copies rather than actually help parents. They contain outdated advice, dangerous "tips" (sleep training falls into this category), and generally do more harm than good. Unfortunately, these types of books are often the most popular ones on the shelves. Our best piece of advice? Buyer beware, and don't believe everything you read (even if it's in a parenting book!)
Parenting books can be a fantastic resource for parents who feel lost, but it's important to select them carefully. There are some great ones out there that offer evidence-based advice, but there are also plenty of poor quality ones that do more harm than good. When in doubt, chat with your pediatrician or other trusted parenting experts before taking any advice from a parenting book - no matter how well-intentioned it may be.
If you're looking to be the best parent you can be, then you need to check out these amazing books on parenting! With practical advice and insightful tips, these books will help you become a better caregiver and give your kids the love and support they need. And the best part is that they're all right here – just click the link and explore all your options for the best parenting books on the market today. So what are you waiting for?