When I embarked on my journey into motherhood, one of my initial thoughts –mixed with a bit of fear– was about bringing another human being into the world and teaching them as best I could, hoping to raise a person better than myself. It’s daunting to consider that, even though we have our parents as a foundational source of education, our lives and daily experiences are completely different, and sometimes, we may not recognise that certain aspects of the education we received are fundamentally correct.
Becoming a mother at 35, as I always envisioned, gave me a maturity that allowed me to reflect on these topics more deeply. With so much life experience—more than in my twenties—you will likely develop a better understanding and realise that raising a child goes far beyond the basics. It involves emotional and intellectual aspects, and often, we are bound by childhood traumas that we inadvertently pass on to our children.
To navigate this exciting new phase of life, I turned to several books for guidance. Here are the top 5 must-read books for new parents that I found exceptionally helpful.
Top 5 Must-Read Books for New Parents:
Essential Reads for Every Mum and Dad
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
This was the very first book I listened to. Philippa Perry’s book is an insightful guide on how to better understand and improve parental situations. It offers numerous real-life examples and case studies drawn from her background as a psychotherapist, challenging readers to provoke thought and reflection. The book provides valuable advice and serves as a guide to enhancing the relationship with your child. Whether you are a new parent or already have children, this book is a true eye-opener.
The Montessori Baby
It’s amazing how much a baby can learn in their first year of life, yet many are often treated as fragile beings who can’t grasp or understand what’s happening around them. The Montessori philosophy is a game changer. This book introduces the principles of the Montessori method and how they can be applied from birth. It emphasises creating a stimulating environment that nurtures your baby’s natural curiosity and desire to learn by supporting their natural development. Packed with practical tips and activities, this book helps support your child’s development during those crucial early years.
The Silent Guides: How to understand and develop children’s emotions, thinking and behaviours
Written by Prof. Steve Peters, who developed the Chimp Model, this book delves into the psychological frameworks that shape our minds from childhood. Using the Chimp Model as its foundation, it explains how our minds operate and behave. It explores the silent guides within our brains that influence our thoughts and behaviours. By understanding these guides, we as parents can better support our children’s mental health and emotional development. There is also a companion book that is suitable for children to read along with their parents, making it a great resource for the whole family.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Proven Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
This book, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, offers 12 strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. It provides insights into how different parts of a child’s brain develop and how parents can help integrate them for better emotional regulation and resilience with many examples and solutions. The strategies are practical and backed by the latest neuroscience.
Beginnings: A Guide to Child Psychology and Development for Parents of 0-5 Year-Olds
As a new parent, I found Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s book to be an invaluable resource for understanding the basics of child development. This comprehensive guide covers your child’s psychological and developmental needs from birth to age five, addressing emotional, social, and cognitive growth. It offers practical advice on common challenges like tantrums, sleep issues, and feeding problems.
I’m using it alongside The Montessori Baby book. “The Montessori Baby” book, and together, they provide a well-rounded approach to early parenting. I chose the audiobook version, which includes an accompanying PDF, making it easy to follow along. Whether you prefer reading or listening, this book is a must-have for any new parent.
These books really helping me on my parenting journey, and I hope they bring you the same level of guidance and support. After all, the trip through parenthood is a unique one, even with if you more than one children, so any resources can really make all the difference. I’d love to you to share your experiences and what books helped you with parenting.
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