How to Choose the Best Parenting Books

The best parenting books are those that resonate with you, fit your family’s values, and provide practical advice for your unique situation

Books For Best Parenting Page

You might turn to books that are specifically for parents when you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for guidance.

Problem is there are so many books out there, how do you choose?

Whether it’s a toddler you are raising or maybe your child is a teenager.

You are likely to find a book that provides the support and guidance you will need.

Here are 12 of the best parenting books that have high ratings at Amazon and some of which I have read in the past that cover various ages and stages of development.

1. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” (Updated 2024) by Heidi Murkoff - 2016 - 4.7 stars - 28,490 ratings

#1 Best Seller in Pregnancy & Childbirth and Women's Health

This book takes a different approach to parenting, focusing on the parent's own personal growth as a key to effective parenting. It covers everything you will need to know from conception to the postpartum period.

The book provides support for both mothers and fathers throughout their pregnancy journey. It covers all practical advice on lifestyles choices and birthing options.

As well it answers many of the questions or concerns soon-to-be parents have.

Personal Review: I actually never read this book, I only adopted, never had my own, but it has some really good reviews on amazon and I am recommending it due to it’s popularity and the fact that it has a series.

It was originally published in 1969 and has been updated regularly through the years. This one being the latest edition. You can also check out the complete series, you may discover something of interest to you.


2. "The Happiest Baby on the Block": Fully Revised and Updated Second Edition: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer - by Harvey Karp2015 - 4.6 stars - 5,034 ratings

#3 Most Gifted in Children's Health

If your a new parent, this one’s a lifesaver. It’s about soothing techniques for newborns & infants. Dr. Karp introduces the "5 S’s" method to calm a fussy baby: swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking.

Personal review: I read the first edition, it has since been updated, still as good, maybe even better. I can’t recommend this book enough for new parents. The "5 S’s" technique worked wonders with my daughter. It’s practical, easy to follow, and provides instant results.

3. "The Whole-Brain Child": 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind - by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson- 2012 - 4.7 stars. - 18,901 ratings

This book explains your child’s brain development and offers practical strategies that will help you. You’ll learn how to connect with your child emotionally, making it easier to guide them through challenging behaviours.

Personal review: I found "The Whole-Brain Child" incredibly helpful when dealing with meltdowns as a foster parent. You will learn about both the emotional and logical sides of a child’s brain and be able to calm them down quicker.

It’s a great book for parents of younger kids but can be of value for all stages of development.

4. "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish - 2012 - 4.6 stars - 11,400 ratings

Part of: How To Talk (4 books)

Effective communication is key in any relationship, especially with your children. It’s not always easy to get them to open up and talk to you about things and as they get older it is increasingly difficult.

From this book you will learn to deal with those tricky conversations, whether it’s with a toddler or teenager. There are also other books by this author that focuses on children of different ages, you may want to consider.

Personal review: I read the 2000 edition. This was one of the first best parenting books I read. The examples in the book are real, and the practical advice on how to speak to your child respectfully really hit home. The conversations I had with my kids were almost always positive. Well, at least until they became teens.

5. "Parenting with Love and Logic":  Teaching Children Responsibility -by Jim Fay and Foster Cline - 2020 - 4.7 stars - 841 ratings

This book focuses on teaching children responsibility through natural consequences, a method that reduces power struggles. The authors teach their readers how to give children choices, and to learn from the mistakes they make.

Personal review: I read the 1990 edition. What I liked most about this book is that it emphasizes empathy while still teaching important life lessons. It was especially useful when my kids started pushing boundaries in their early school years.

6. "Oh Crap! Potty Training": Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right (Volume 1)  - by Jamie Glowacki - 2019 - 4.4 stars - 13,033 ratings

#1 Best Seller in Toilet Training

Potty training can be difficult, but with a little help from this book, the process may go a bit smoother. Follow her six-step proven process and your child will be out of diapers in no time.

She answers many of the questions you may be asking yourself everyday like: How do I know if my kid is ready? How do I avoid “potty power struggles”? And many more.

7. "Raising Good Humans": A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids - by Hunter Clarke-Fields – Dec 1 2019 - 4.7 stars - 4,843 ratings

#2 Most Gifted in Child Psychology & Development

Who doesn’t want to raise good kids? This book teaches you how to manage your own emotions, showing you that you can raise kind, confident children.

It’s a gentle guide for anyone who is looking for a more peaceful, mindful approach to parenting, helping to create stronger bonds and reduce family stress.

8. "Simplicity Parenting": Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids - by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross. - 2009. - 4.6 stars - 2,132 ratings

Part of: Early Years (7 books)

Parenting in a fast-paced, materialistic world can be overwhelming. "Simplicity Parenting" promotes slowing down, de-cluttering your child’s life, and reducing stress. The idea is that a more simple, structured environment allows children to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Personal review: This book came at a time when I felt like our family was doing too much, too fast. I had my two daughters and three foster kids (2 of them had disabilities). It helped me realize that by simplifying our routine the kids and myself became calmer and happier. A perfect book if you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life.

9. "The Explosive Child":  [Sixth Edition]: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children - by Ross W. Greene 2021 - 4.6 stars - 6,768 ratings

#1 Best Seller in Programming Languages

If you have a child who is dealing with challenging behaviours, you really must read this book. Dr. Greene’s problem-solving approach helps parents understand what triggers their child's explosive behavior and how to help them manage it.

Personal review: Once again, I bought the 2001 edition of this book in 2004. ”The Explosive Child" explained why my child reacted with such intensity when she had a tantrum.

The strategies it offers made a huge difference, allowing me to approach tantrums in a way that defused the situation rather than escalating it.

It's been particularly helpful in my work with special needs children and in foster care situations. Especially with my foster child who was very loud and destructive and only 10 yrs. old.

10. "Good Inside": A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be  Dr. Becky Kennedy - Sept. 13 2022   - 4.8 stars - 3,016 ratings

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Dr. Becky Kennedy, a popular parenting expert shares her approach and strategies to raising kids. It will teach you how to connect with your children.

She offers suggestions to her approach as well as giving you the actual language to use when helping kids through challenges and frustrations. A supportive resource for overwhelmed parents.

11. "No-Drama Discipline" : The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind - by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson- 2016 - 4.7 stars - 8,217 ratings

From the authors of "The Whole-Brain Child," this book focuses specifically on discipline. Where it is explained that discipline is not about shame or punishment, rather how you can discipline a child in a way that promotes learning.

12. "Be Prepared: Be Prepared" - by Gary Greenberg (Author), Jeannie Hayden (Author) - June 1 2004
4.7 stars - 3,127 ratings
    
One of the best parenting books for dad's that teaches them about all the things they really need to know about fatherhood...including how to:

  • Change a baby at a packed sports stadium
  • Create a decoy drawer full of old wallets, remote controls, and cell phones to throw baby off the scent of your real gear
  • Stay awake (or at least upright) at work
  • Babyproof a hotel room in four minutes flat
  • Construct an emergency diaper out of a towel, a sock, and duct tape

Final Thoughts on Best Parenting Books

Choosing the right book for your parenting journey depends on where you are and what challenges you’re facing.

Whether you’re looking for strategies to handle tantrums, improve communication, or create a calmer home environment, one of these best parenting books is sure to have the answers you need.

You’ve got this! Cheerio!