Books on Parenting | Books We Love and Recommend

Books, books and more books!

There are so many good books out there, for kids, for parents, for parents to read to their children, and vice versa. But which ones are the best to read, and which will help the most?

It differs for every parent and every family dynamic. As stages change with ages, there are always new things to learn!

So we asked our Team for some of their favourite books, and have come up with the list below. Please let us know of any other goodies?

If you don't want to buy a hardcopy of the book, you could always check if it is available at your local library, or available for download as an e-book or audiobook (available through the Christchurch City Libraries' e-resources, or online book services such as Audible).

Books for parents

Books for older kids

Books for younger kids

Books we love - an assortment!

	Anxious Kids, by Michael Grose How children can turn their anxiety into resilience. Sooooooo extensive so go easy, but great information. See book
	Step Monster, by Wednesday Martin Awful title, but a great book for step-mums. An empowering and original book that unlocks the emotional mysteries of why they think and feel and act the way they do. See book
	Siblings without Rivalry, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish How to help your children live together so you can live too. The #1 New York Times best-selling guide to reducing hostility and generating goodwill between siblings. See book
	Mindset, by Carol Dweck Not really a parenting book, but good for us as parents to read. The information in this book applies everywhere. See book
	Resilient Grieving, by Christchurch’s own Dr Lucy Hone Finding strength and embracing life after a loss that changes everything. The text provides an honest account of the personal struggles of families who experience a sudden loss. This book aims to help you relearn your world, to help you navigate the grieving process as best you can — without hiding from your feelings or denying the reality, or significance, of your loss. See book
	The Danish Way of Parenting, by Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Sandahl What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world--and how do Danish parents raise happy, confident, successful kids, year after year? This upbeat and practical book presents six essential principles, which spell out P-A-R-E-N-T. See book
	Raising Competent Children, by Jesper Juul Copies available for free from us. (Dean was given them by Jespur as they have editing errors in them - Jesper says it's a reminder that nothing is ever perfect!). See book or contact us if you would like a copy.
	Brainwave Trust Books & Resources We recommend anything by these guys, especially relating to early years and teens. Have a good read of their website to discover some valuable information. Visit website

Books for, and about, older kids

	Brainstorm, by Dr Daniel Siegel The author illuminates how brain development impacts teenagers' behaviour and relationships. See book
	The Good Teen, by Richard M Lerner Changed our lives as parents of teens and we keep going back to it. See book
	How to talk so teens will listen and listen so teens will talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish The authors share their advice and expertise with parents and teens in this accessible, indispensable guide to surviving adolescence. See book
	Queen Bees and Wannabes, by Rosalind Wiseman Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl. Especially great when our girls are facing school challenges with peers groups and social pressures. See book
	Starving the Anger Gremlin, by Kate Collins-Donnelly Work through with kids. A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Anger Management for Young People. See book
	Rising Tide, by Sarina Dickson Written by a Cantabrian, this is a great book for tweens - read it with them or as well - great discussions will ensue. See book
	The 10pm Question, by Kate de Goldi A fab reminder of childhood, worries and stuff that happens when it comes bedtime (covering stuff that we, as adults, might've forgotten about). See book

Books for, and about, younger kids

	Aroha’s Way, by Craig Phillips Not so much a parenting book, but a super cool, New Zealand way of talking about worries with our kids. See book
	From Worrier to Warrior, by Dr Dan Peters Highly recommended as a work-through your worries book for kids and parents. The best we've seen. See book
	The Carpenter and the Gardener, by Alison Gopnik A goodie that was recommended to us, we read and we loved too. See book
	Mindsight, by Dr Daniel Siegel The author explains how to reach your child, redirect emotions, and turn a meltdown into an opportunity for growth. See book
	No-Drama Discipline, by Dr Daniel Siegel "The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind." This is where most of the brain stuff comes from here in New Zealand. When you hear someone speak about the brain of a baby or teen, it's almost guaranteed that Dr Dan Siegel will be a reference point. See book
	The Strength Switch, by Lea Waters "How the New Science of Strength-Based Parenting Helps Your Child and Teen to Flourish." This game-changing book reveals the extraordinary results of focusing on our children’s strengths rather than always trying to correct their weaknesses. By showing us how to throw the ‘strength switch’, Dr Lea Waters demonstrates how we can help our children build resilience, optimism and achievement. See book