The 4 Parenting Books I’ve Read

Guys, I’m not here to tell you how to parent your child. And I definitely don’t want anyone thinking that I think I know what I’m doing as a parent. I certainly am learning and trying my best (sometimes) to be a “good parent.” I know people have opinions about parenting books. But I’m going to take a risk and share the ones I’ve actually read through to the end and have really liked. The way I see it there is definitely more than one “right” way to raise a kid, but plenty of wrong ways. 🫠

One last thing, why is it that every single parenting book has a mega-long subtitle??

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Okay, this one is my number one favorite, but the thing is, I can’t even remember why. Instead I’ll tell you why I actually enjoy reading parenting books–even if I don’t agree with or can’t relate to everything in them. Just by reading a parenting book in my day-to-day life I am wayyyy more mindful of how I think about and talk to my children. It helps me be more present and intentional with my children. Which usually means I yell at my kids less!! *Applause* We take our wins where we can get them. This is a book that, as I wrote in my extremely impressive Good Reads review, “I want to read every year to refresh what I’ve learned and apply it to the different stages my children are in.”

The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising A Curious and Responsible Human Being by Simone Davies

You may have caught on by now that I’m kind of one of those annoying moms that really love Montessori pedagogy, but I’d just like to let you know that I could be way more annoying. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, I grew up going to an AMI Montessori school through the third grade and I have felt that those years were extremely formative. 

I’ve latched onto this educational and parenting approach as I’ve become a parent because it’s what I know and what I’m familiar with. I’ve seen good things come from it and have fond memories of it. This is a wonderful book written by someone who knows what they are talking about. It’s also beautiful which makes it even more enjoyable to read. If you’re curious about the Montessori method, I would definitely encourage you to read this book.

Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff

This book was very fun to read. A lot of parenting books, bless their hearts, can be a drag to read. You know, great material for putting you to sleep at the end of the day? But this was enriching and engaging as it shared some of the practices of peoples and cultures all over the world.


The Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding by Simone Davies

Similar idea as the other Montessori book listed by this author.It is a very great intro to Montessori for babies. I just liked the toddler one more.


Other books I’d like to read, but please let me know if they are worth it:

  1. Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

  2. No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

  3. Bringing up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting

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My Montessori Story - Pt. 3

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