Motherhood Book Series: Best Parenting Books

Joy-Filled Mum

Nov 26, 20196 min read

There are hundreds of books out there! And that makes it all the more difficult to choose which books to read up on when you're becoming a mother. Well, to help you, I will be writing a series of blog posts on what books are the best to read in a particular motherhood topic.

Pregnancy ~ Birth ~ Breastfeeding ~ The Fourth Trimester ~ Weaning ~ Parenting ~ Marriage

Parenting is like entering a different universe. Everything changes in ways you can't even imagine. I heard everyone's comments about it but felt lost. I remember watching Michael McIntyre's video describing the world of parenting and thinking surely it's not that hard. I sat down and researched the top researchers and experts in the field of childcare and parenting. I wanted to know the true way of parenting and not just follow the cultural norms. I read so many books on parenting from experts all around the world trying to get a taste of what it requires. But no matter how many books I read I realised a lot depends on who my child was. Everything I had absorbed before the birth of my child gave me the confidence that I needed to face the unknown. I didn't have any parents or family nearby so I found comfort in the books around me. So here I share with you the crème de la crème.

#1 Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman PhD

This is a MUST-READ! I cannot over-emphasise how brilliant this book is! Dr John Gottman is the leading marriage and children psychology researcher. He has graciously put all his brilliant research in this book. I want to read this book over and over again! We see so many people around us who are unable to control their emotions that it leads to mental illness or incapability of being self-reliant. It really is an epidemic. Dr Gottman outlines in detail what kind of parent we need to be so we can raise our children to be emotionally intelligent. It is probably the best thing we can offer to our children. First, he explains to us the different parenting styles and what they lead to. He then helps us step-by-step on how we can become emotional coaches to our children (gives us a specific dialogue to follow when a child is emotional). Dr Gottman also dedicates a chapter on how your marriage situation greatly impacts their emotional health. One of the last chapters is on the father's role... it's almost the most important role in determining the child's emotional intelligence. I was blown away by how vital the father is! Then Dr Gottman finishes the book by talking about your growing child and how your coaching changes. Buy this book! Your parenting will change forever and your child will grow up with a healthy emotional intelligence. It really is the heart of parenting!

#2 Montessori From The Start by Lynn Lillard Jessen and Paula Polk Lillard

The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a child-centred educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Montessori's method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world. The Montessori approach is holistic and aims to develop the whole child. Fundamental to the approach is the belief that a child’s early years from birth to six are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn. Since discovering Montessori my life and parenting have never been the same. This book instils the confidence you need to understand your child and how to best facilitate their need as a growing person. She helps you know what are the best products that will encourage your child to reach their potential. Her method is all about observing your child and respecting their development. I wish I had read this book earlier (my little one was 7 months when I discovered Montessori)! It would have prevented me from buying into all the baby products society says your baby need. This book helps you understand the complete human being of your child and how they discover the world. It explains the hand-brain connection and how children go from crawling to coordination. Then it outlines the four pillars of the Montessori Method: practical life, personal care, language and intelligence, and the developing will. If you want to see how it is put in practice you can watch hapafamily vlog's Montessori At Home series.

#3 The Wonder Weeks by Hetty Van de Rijt, Frans Plooij and Xaviera Plas-Plooij

I cannot even begin without saying how much I have loved this book! This has been such a true companion this first year! The Wonder Weeks is talks about the age-linked regressions or "stormy periods" that a child goes through when they are experiencing a development leap in their first two years. You are giving a calender in the book of when to expect these leaps and then you have a whole chapter dedicated to helping you know the signs, what to do and what they are developing. It is odd how it seems that babies take 2 steps forward and then all of a sudden a step back and act like a newborn again. This book helps you understand why that happens and what you can do to help your baby as they are developing. I find so much comfort when I read about what other mothers experience with their children during a leap. I absolutely love the lists of what your baby develops in each leap because it helps me know what kind of activities to introduce. In each chapter, you will find ideas about what toys and games your baby will enjoy. These mental leaps sometimes get overshadowed by physical growth spurts, but with this book, you will know how your baby's brain is developing and also understand why they are going through a regression.

#4 Raising Boys/Girls by Steve Biddulph

*Disclaimer: I have not read Raising Girls yet (because I only have a son) but based on Raising Boys I totally recommend the author.

This is a brilliant read for any mums out there who feel lost with how to understand and raise boys. Steve Biddulph opened my mind to what my little one will go through and how I can best help and guide him. He explains the three stages of boyhood (0-6 years, 6-14 years and 14-adult years). By knowing these stages we can be prepared and more relaxed about what is coming and how we can help. There is a whole chapter dedicated to hormones and how their role in your son's life and how to help them navigate through these waves. Steve also takes about the important role of a father and you can teach your son how to be a revolutionary father for future generations. He also discusses the ever-important mother and son connection and how that prepares him for future relationships. Then three important topics are explained sex, school, and sports. My eyes have been open to the world my son will see and because of this book, I feel prepared to best help him.

I have still a long way to go in my journey as a parent so there is so much I have to learn. I am forever grateful for these researchers and doctors who have put their knowledge into books so I can learn from the best right from my home. I love reading about what I can do to improve my parenting to facilitate the best environment for my child so they can grow up to be whole. I know that if you are reading this you have that same desire and I hope these books can give you the best start! I am still reading so many books so as I finish a book and deem it essential, I will add it onto here! (I will give you a peek of my reading list as well if you want more suggestions).