A parenting manual would have been the one thing that any parent would love to have with their child. What levers must you pull to get this tiny person to work correctly? Can you restart in case something goes wrong? How can you practice “gentle parenting every day” when your child’s actions go against gentleness?
That’s wishful thinking. We can get close to this by reading the information provided by parents and parenting specialists. They are parents who have made it their goal to guide other parents through the process of raising a child. They simplify research studies for non-experts and offer practical suggestions to help parents. Many of them have written books that parents should (and can) read.
Gentle Parenting books on how to discipline kids
Janet Lansbury, No Bad Kids: Toddler discipline without shame
- This book, written by a parenting expert who is well-known in the field, compiles some of his most popular articles about common toddler behavior. The book also offers advice on how to deal with them. Lansbury’s teachings are based primarily on research. She has also done her formal study and has more than 20 years of experience as a proponent of respectful parenting. This article will help you understand your child and know what to do when they test your limits.
The Whole Brain Child, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Parents who are interested in scientific approaches to parenting concepts
- This book is written by a neuropsychiatrist who also happens to be a parenting specialist. The authors identify child-rearing strategies that not only calm down rowdy kids but also boost their brain development. Neuroscience concepts can help you understand “how the brain of a child is wired.” Connect it to your own experiences. Focus on developing positive habits and address behavior in an age-appropriate manner.
No Drama Discipline Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- This New York Times bestseller explains a child’s behavior in relation to brain development. The book also focuses on how parents respond to their child’s unruly behavior. This book helps parents deal with tantrums, tensions, and tears without causing a fuss. It also explains the meaning of discipline. You won’t create a vicious cycle of punishment and negative behavior. This is a great way to help kids and parents develop a problem-solving mindset and to unlearn that discipline means reprimanding.
Sarah Ockwell Smith, Gentle Discipline: Raising Confident and Capable Kids through Emotional Connection, Not Punishment
- Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is part of what we mean by gentleness. For effective disciplinary measures, parents and children need to feel a connection. This book is aimed at parents who want to avoid shouting, shaming, and blaming. It focuses on ways to help kids grow up successful and happy without having to deal with our struggles or resentment. The book also dispels outdated parenting methods and myths. Find out the true impact of punishments such as putting a child in timeout by designating a naughty chair.
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, How to Talk so that kids will listen & Listen so that kids will talk.
- This book is a guide on how to create open lines of communication between you and your children. This book, written by one of the top New York Times bestsellers, offers tips on how to deal with negative feelings in children. This includes anger and frustration. You can also use it to discipline your child or express yourself without hurting them.
Hunter Clarke Fields, Raising Good Humans – A Mindful Guide for Breaking the Cycle Reactive Parenting & Raising Kind Confident Children by Hunter Clarke Fields
- Many people are unaware of “reactive parenting,” but they may do it every day. You react to the situation without thinking about its possible consequences. You could yell at your child if they spill their milk. This book is meant to help you understand these everyday situations. With this information, you will be able to respond to your child’s actions with more consideration. This enables you to stop going on autopilot in those times when you need to maintain your composure.
Break Free from Reactive parenting: Gentle-Parenting tips, Self-Regulation strategies, and Kid-Friendly Activities for Creating Calm and Happiness at Home by Laura Linn Knight.
- All of us know that children are precious, but few of us realize that being kind to them 100% of the time can be difficult. It’s actually easier to be angry or frustrated at them. In addition to these negative reactions, you may also be tempted to over-reward them or bribe them with screentime, treats, etc. This book offers parents ways to “improve, connect, and find calm within the chaos.” It helps them to let go of their guilt and lessens overwhelming feelings. Learn to control your anxieties so that you can create a calmer and more balanced environment for the entire family.
How to Stop Losing It with Your Kids by Carla Naumburg
- Do you often experience parental meltdowns? You’re not the only one. This book aims to correct this with evidence-based methods. This guide will give you a reality check that is much needed, as well as a healthy dose of humor to help ease your stress. You will feel empowered by the end of this guide and be able to stay calm, no matter how crazy parenting gets.
Ready, Set, Go! Sarah Ockwell Smith’s A Gentle Parenting Guide to Calmer and Quicker Potty Training
- Transitioning from diapers to toilets can be a difficult time for parents and children. This step-by-step manual will help you through the entire process. This is not going to be just a collection of random facts or life hacks. The book focuses on the importance of establishing a positive and strong connection with your child. You’ll find tips on potty training in the home and when traveling, as well as relatable stories from parents who have been there and done that.
