These are a selection of books recommended for further reading on parenting, child development and recovery from trauma.

The Whole Brain Child

The books explains brain development and neurological ideas in a very accessible manner using simple illustrations. It presents 12 specific strategies to help children practice skills that contribute toward connecting different parts of the brain resulting in better emotion regulation.

BRINGING UP BEBE

A humorous take on how the French parenting style is different from most American parenting approaches. It provides clever insights on why the author believes French children are healthier, well-behaved and more independent. An easy read.

Becoming BRILLIANT

The authors believe that “real brilliance comes when we support happy, healthy, thinking, caring, and social children so that they become collaborative, creative, competent, and responsible citizens tomorrow.” While the concept is not new, the book connects the 6Cs together and illustrates how children can build upon these concepts to be successful in the real world.

HOW CHILDREN SUCCEED

This book addresses how character strengths such as perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism, and self-control influence the extent of success in an individuals’ life, and the role parents play in enhancing these attributes in children. This book is geared more toward practitioners so can be dense at times, however, it is still worth reading.

WHAT TO EXPECT - THE TODDLER YEARS

One of the books in the “What to Expect…” series. A basic yet comprehensive guide to the first few years of your child’s life addressing milestones, behavior, and health. A good book to have on the shelf to refer to when you need reassurance in the early years!

SIMPLICITY PARENTING

In a world of over-scheduled children and overwhelmed parents, this book talks about how less can be more. It explains how slowing things down by honoring a child’s natural rhythms, decluttering the environment, and filtering out the adult world allows children to create an inner structure that will be more beneficial to them as adults in this highly competitive, stressful world.  

SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY

A clearly written description of sibling dynamics with practical advice on how to resolve conflicts between children, and raise individuals that are supportive of each other. A good book for parents looking to restore the peace at home!