Parenting and "What Kids Need" Books
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If you're like me, you've wasted both time and money on parenting and "what kids need" books you thought would be helpful. For years, I wished I would have my own personalized bookseller who'd already read each book I was considering. (I imagined him looking a bit like Yoda and wearing a tan cardigan sweater.) I could get an educated review of each book and I'd know exactly what to buy. Alas, my wishes went unanswered and no Yoda-like all-knowing bookseller appeared in any of the many bookstores I entered. The result: lots of time and money wasted, lots of books to return/donate and the feelings listed below.
My General Feelings About Parenting and What Kids Need Books
1) Any parent who is a good writer can write a good parenting book.
2) An "expert" does not need to have letters like M.Ed., P.Hd, or M.D. after his/her name, although I'm always interested to see what letters people do have after their names. Many people see these letters as signs of wisdom. I know very wise people who never went to high school and other people who have those letters and are truly despicable.
3) Parenting books can be helpful and I have used techniques from several of them over the past 17 years.
4) There is a point in time for every parenting-book-reading-parent when s/he has become saturated with "expert information." At this point, the parent must do what we all do: punt and hope for the best.
There are so many books available today, and it's easy for parents (newbie and experienced) to become overwhelmed. Which books are good? Which ones will help me? I don't want you to waste your time or money, so I've listed eight books worth checking out and I've provided more information on three of them. If you have any questions about any of these books, feel free to leave me your question in the comments or email [email protected].
One book that may seem out of place in this group is Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. I came across this book as a teacher, but parents, coaches and business leaders use it, as well.) Dweck speaks of two types of mindsets that people have: fixed and growth. People with fixed mindsets believe their basic qualities (intelligence or talent) are fixed traits. They are what they are and can't be changed. Those with growth mindsets, on the other hand, believe that their basic abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication--intelligence and talent included.
Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?: A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager by Anthony Wolf Ph.D is both helpful and humorous. This books is a pleasure to read and provides the reader accurate, intuitive and insightful information about the push-pull relationship that teenagers have with their parents. Wolf writes with empathy and uses language that is easy to understand.
The Blessing of a B-by Wendy Mogel Ph.D is a follow-up to her acclaimed Blessing of a Skinned Knee. You can read about both of these books at http://www.wendymogel.com. Wendy Mogel is a talented writer and affable public speaker. I really enjoyed reading both of these books and it was helpful to be reminded that a child's falter does not automatically mean the end of the world, i.e. all of that child's future accomplishments are in the toilet.
What Kids Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids (Revised & Updated 3rd Edition)By: Peter L. Benson Ph.D., Judy Galbraith M.A., Pamela Espeland
The Everything Guide To Raising Adolescent Boys by Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE and Mary E. Muscari, Ph.D. , R.N.
The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping Your Child Thrive in an Extroverted World by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D.
How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
Screamfree Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool by Hal Edward Runkel
My General Feelings About Parenting and What Kids Need Books
1) Any parent who is a good writer can write a good parenting book.
2) An "expert" does not need to have letters like M.Ed., P.Hd, or M.D. after his/her name, although I'm always interested to see what letters people do have after their names. Many people see these letters as signs of wisdom. I know very wise people who never went to high school and other people who have those letters and are truly despicable.
3) Parenting books can be helpful and I have used techniques from several of them over the past 17 years.
4) There is a point in time for every parenting-book-reading-parent when s/he has become saturated with "expert information." At this point, the parent must do what we all do: punt and hope for the best.
There are so many books available today, and it's easy for parents (newbie and experienced) to become overwhelmed. Which books are good? Which ones will help me? I don't want you to waste your time or money, so I've listed eight books worth checking out and I've provided more information on three of them. If you have any questions about any of these books, feel free to leave me your question in the comments or email [email protected].
One book that may seem out of place in this group is Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. I came across this book as a teacher, but parents, coaches and business leaders use it, as well.) Dweck speaks of two types of mindsets that people have: fixed and growth. People with fixed mindsets believe their basic qualities (intelligence or talent) are fixed traits. They are what they are and can't be changed. Those with growth mindsets, on the other hand, believe that their basic abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication--intelligence and talent included.
Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?: A Parent's Guide to the New Teenager by Anthony Wolf Ph.D is both helpful and humorous. This books is a pleasure to read and provides the reader accurate, intuitive and insightful information about the push-pull relationship that teenagers have with their parents. Wolf writes with empathy and uses language that is easy to understand.
The Blessing of a B-by Wendy Mogel Ph.D is a follow-up to her acclaimed Blessing of a Skinned Knee. You can read about both of these books at http://www.wendymogel.com. Wendy Mogel is a talented writer and affable public speaker. I really enjoyed reading both of these books and it was helpful to be reminded that a child's falter does not automatically mean the end of the world, i.e. all of that child's future accomplishments are in the toilet.
What Kids Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids (Revised & Updated 3rd Edition)By: Peter L. Benson Ph.D., Judy Galbraith M.A., Pamela Espeland
The Everything Guide To Raising Adolescent Boys by Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE and Mary E. Muscari, Ph.D. , R.N.
The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping Your Child Thrive in an Extroverted World by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D.
How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
Screamfree Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool by Hal Edward Runkel
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