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Top 5 Parenting Books Every Mom Should Read

Hey mama, we all know that parenting can be overwhelming, right? There are days when you feel like you’ve got it all together, and then there are days when you just need a little extra support. Sometimes, a good book can give us the guidance we need—whether it's offering a fresh perspective, a helpful strategy, or just a little reassurance that we’re not alone on this journey. So, I thought I’d share the top five parenting books that have made a huge difference for me. Trust me, they’re worth every page.



Silhouette of a child's profile on a teal book cover for "The Whole-Brain Child" with colorful text and a red circle noting bestseller status.

If you've ever felt like your child’s emotions are a rollercoaster you just can't keep up with, this one’s for you. The Whole-Brain Child opened my eyes to how a child’s brain works (and trust me, it’s way more complex than I ever realized). What I love most about this book is how practical it is. It breaks down brain science into simple, everyday strategies that help you connect with your little one during those tough emotional moments. It’s not about controlling behavior—it’s about understanding what’s going on in their minds and helping them build resilience. It's like a cheat sheet for raising a kid who can handle their emotions.



Bright yellow book cover with speech bubbles reading How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish.

Let’s be real—communication with kids can be a struggle! Sometimes, it feels like you’re speaking a different language, and they’re just not hearing you. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish was a game-changer for me. It’s full of real-life examples and easy-to-apply techniques that make it so much easier to connect with my kids. Whether it’s dealing with tantrums, sibling drama, or just getting them to listen, this book gave me tools to be heard—and to really hear them, too. It’s like a parenting manual for better conversations.





Book cover of "Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelsen, featuring a mother hugging a child. Text highlights self-discipline and cooperation skills.

Discipline doesn’t have to feel like a battle. Positive Discipline taught me how to approach discipline in a way that’s kind and firm at the same time. It’s not about punishing—it’s about guiding our kids to make better choices and learn responsibility. What I love about this book is that it focuses on the why behind behavior and gives you tools to teach your kids problem-solving and empathy. It’s all about respect—both for them and for ourselves as parents. It’s definitely helped me feel more confident in my parenting.






Children smiling on a book cover titled "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by John Gottman, Ph.D. The design is purple and white.

Mamas, emotional intelligence is such a powerful thing to nurture, and this book really opened my eyes to how much I can help my kids grow their emotional intelligence. Dr. Gottman talks about something called “emotion coaching,” where we guide our kids through their emotions instead of shutting them down or brushing them off. Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child is about helping them understand their feelings, so they can learn how to manage them. I’ve seen such a positive shift in how my kids handle their big emotions, and it’s made me feel more connected to them, too.




Child in a floral dress walking on grass; book cover text: "The 5 Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.

Ever feel like your kid just isn’t getting enough love, no matter how much you give them? Maybe it’s because their love language is different from yours. The 5 Love Languages of Children helped me figure out how to speak my child’s love language in a way that truly resonates with them. Whether it’s through words, touch, gifts, or quality time, we all need to feel loved in different ways. Understanding my kids’ love languages has made a world of difference in how I connect with them. Plus, it’s just really nice to feel like I’m giving them the love they need rather than just the love I think they want.





Give These Parenting Books A Try!


These books have helped me navigate the crazy world of motherhood, and I hope they do the same for you. There’s no “one right way” to parent, but with the right tools and some love, we can all be the best moms we can be. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment here), curl up with one of these, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.

You’ve got this, mama. 💖

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