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I tend to collect parenting books.
Rearing Godly children is something I’m passionate about, so it’s hard for me to pass up a book that might present a principle in a unique way or encourage me in my role as a mother.
Here I’m sharing twelve of my favorite parenting books from the many that I’ve read over the years.
[My own little disclaimer: There are few books outside of the Bible that I would agree with 100%. And while I definitely recommend the books on this list, that doesn’t mean that I endorse every single word that the author’s written.]
1. On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, MD
I’ve heard lots of different opinions on the scheduling and sleep training ideas presented in this book. All I can speak to is my own experience. I followed many of the authors’ suggestions with both of our girls and they were sleeping through the night at an early age. Having a simple schedule to follow gave me a lot of confidence as a new mom.
2. Raising a Happy, Unspoiled Child by Burton L. White
I enjoyed the basic parenting principles in this classic book. It’s broken down into chapters that cover the first three years of a child’s life and talks about how children develop at each stage.
3. Making Home Work in a Broken Society by Paul Chappell
It’s hard to raise Godly children in a culture that leans away from God. This book reminds us that by following Biblical principles in our homes we can still have families that love and serve Jesus.
4. John Rosemond’s Six Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children
John Rosemond is one of my favorite parenting authors. His advice is so practical and his writing style is down-to-earth.
5. Different Children, Different Needs by Dr. Charles F. Boyd with Robert A. Rohm, PHD
This book helps you evaluate your own personality style as well as that of your child. Then it gives you pointers on how to effectively parent based on those individual personalities.
6. On Becoming Childwise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D.
This book generally covers ages three through seven of your child’s life. That’s one of my favorite segments of parenting! Included are 15 principles to help you parent well through this season.
7. Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman
First of all, what a great book title! Dr. Leman uses humor to help us see the lighter side of parenting, yet includes reasonable solutions to many of our parenting dilemmas.
8. Passionate Parenting by Cary Schmidt
If you’re parenting teenagers, this book is for you. It’s full of helpful advice and also showed me that many of the parenting struggles I faced during my girls’ teen years were shared by others!
9. The Pursuit of Godly Seed by Danny Kenaston
Here’s an in-depth parenting book that covers all the basics in regards to having a solid Christian home. It’s not a light read, but worth investing your time in.
10. The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Nothing has inspired me to pray like having children! This book is a great reminder of the impact we can have on our children as we cover every area of their life in prayer.
11. Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna
If you have a middle schooler, I’d encourage you to read this book. The authors are experts in dealing with children in this age group and offer plenty of practical advice and encouragement.
12. Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Just like the other books in the Boundaries series, this one helps you set reasonable limits where needed so that your child can develop personal responsibility.
A book that almost made the list: Making the “Terrible” Two’s Terrific by John Rosemond. Another very practical book on dealing with some of the issues that make parenting this age group a little scary 🙂
As I reviewed these titles, I noticed that I’m drawn to books that help parents teach their children personal responsibility. How about you? Have you read any of these books? What other parenting books would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
Originally posted September 2010. Updated September 2021.
Several months ago I picked up The Birth Order Book by Kevin Lemam at the thrift store. I haven't read it yet, but look forward to ….once things settle down and I can focus again.
What a great list of resources ~ thank you!!
A few years back, our pastor gave the following book to each family in our church: "A Gift from God: Foundational Principles of Biblical Parenting". It's wonderful!!
I hope you are having a great week!
Yes, yes! I agree with you about enjoying parenting books. Babywise was a lifesaver when my kids were born. The Power of a Praying Parent is a beautifully wise book too. Thank you for the excellent list.
I really like "Relational Parenting" by Ross Campbell, "Heartfelt Discipline" by Clay Clarkson, and "Families Where Grace is in Place," by Jeff Von Vonderan. Of course, the same disclaimer you gave applies. . . *grin*
I've liked both "The Intentional Family" and "Putting Family First" by William Doherty. (There is some overlap in the contents of these books.)
I have Babywise, the 6 point plan, and a different Kevin Leman book…thanks for sharing your list…title #8 interests me!
I've never read any of those books…
There is one book that I would recommend though – "The Olive Plants: Raising Spiritual Children" by Warren Henderson. It is *fantastic*. Here's the blurb from the back, to whet your appetite for it: "Most of the Christian children's ministry today is aimed at raising "moral" children. The teaching of right and wrong is necessary, but this agenda will fall pitifully short of producing "spiritual" children. Children must develop morally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and academically, to really thrive and reach God's full potential for their lives. When children have a balanced development they lay hold on self-acceptance and self-awareness of their calling in God's master plan. In so doing, they gain a sense of importance and security – God is in control and has a plan for my life…. The Lord has plainly shown my wife and I that He develops parents as He raises up spiritual children for Himself – to this end, we praise God that children survive despite their parents."
great list!! babywise and power of a praying parent are on my shelf – but there are a few that i need to go and google 🙂 thanks for sharing!!
I admit that I don't have any or have read any of these. I have heard of a few of them though. 🙂
I like John Rosemond as well and have read a few of his books. I also really appreciate Cynthia Tobias although I haven’t read the book about middle school.
I’m not big on parenting books, but I do know & respect several of these authors!