Choosing the right parenting book can sometimes feel overwhelming — there are so many to choose from! I have selected a range of tried-and-tested books that offer practical advice, real-life examples, encouragement, and fresh perspectives. I hope you find something here to support you on your parenting journey. As I discover new gems, I will continue to add to this list over time.
1. General Parenting
Steve Biddulph’s Books:
Steve Biddulph is one of the world’s best-loved parenting authors, offering practical, down-to-earth advice with a big dose of kindness and understanding.
- How to Raise Boys in the 21st Century
A thoughtful guide to raising emotionally strong, kind and resilient boys, adapted to today’s world. Steve Biddulph shares important milestones in a boy’s development and shows how parents can help boys grow into happy, healthy men. - Raising Girls in the 21st Century
This supportive and wise book explores the unique challenges girls face today and how parents can nurture their daughters’ confidence, strength and happiness from early childhood through to the teenage years. - The Complete Secrets of Happy Children
Full of practical tips for everyday life, this gentle guide covers everything from managing tantrums to building lasting self-esteem. A wonderfully reassuring book for parents of young children.
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
A classic parenting guide that offers simple, powerful techniques to improve communication with children. This book helps you listen more effectively, set clear limits, and encourage cooperation without shouting or lecturing.
How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2–7
by Joanna Faber & Julie King
Written especially for parents of young children, this book is packed with creative, real-world strategies for handling tantrums, tears, and tricky moments with little ones — while building connection and trust.
Calm Parents, Happy Kids: The Secrets of Stress-Free Parenting
by Dr. Laura Markham
Dr. Laura Markham shares a warm and science-based approach to parenting that focuses on connection, not control. Learn how to stay calm during meltdowns, set healthy limits with love, and raise emotionally intelligent, confident children.
Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility
by Charles Fay and Foster Cline
This much-loved classic offers a practical approach to raising responsible, confident children. Through everyday examples, it shows how to set loving limits without power struggles, encouraging children to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes in a supportive environment. A reassuring guide for parents who want to combine kindness with firm guidance.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Understanding how a child’s brain develops can make parenting feel so much easier. This warm, accessible book explains how to respond to big emotions and everyday challenges in ways that nurture resilience, calmness, and empathy. Full of simple, practical strategies you can use straight away.
No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Discipline doesn’t have to mean shouting or punishment. In this gentle and encouraging book, the authors show how parents can guide their children’s behaviour through connection, empathy, and understanding — leading to fewer battles and stronger bonds. A valuable resource for calmer, happier family life.
2. Sibling Relationships
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
From the authors of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, this book focuses on sibling relationships — helping parents guide children to resolve conflicts, reduce jealousy, and build a foundation for a lifelong bond.
Siblings: A Parenting Guide to Managing Sibling Rivalry and Raising Happy Children by Linda Blair
Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist with many years of experience, offers practical strategies for understanding and easing sibling rivalry. This guide helps parents to foster strong, supportive bonds between brothers and sisters, while also giving clear advice on handling conflict when it arises. A thoughtful, down-to-earth resource for creating a more harmonious family life.
Welcoming a new baby is a big change for young children. We have gathered a selection of beautiful storybooks that you can read with your child to help them prepare for their new role as a big brother or sister: Books to Help Your Child Welcome a New Baby.
3. Parenting Teenagers
The teenage years bring new joys, challenges, and questions for parents. These books offer understanding, humour, and practical tools to help you stay connected with your teenager, support their growing independence, and navigate the changes — both theirs and yours — with confidence.
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel
This insightful book explores the incredible changes taking place in the teenage brain, helping parents understand what’s behind the mood swings, risk-taking, and need for independence. Dr. Siegel blends neuroscience with empathy to show that the teen years are a time of opportunity, not just turmoil. It’s a reassuring and enlightening read for any parent navigating adolescence.
Get Out of My Life, but First Take Me and Alex into Town by Anthony E. Wolf
With warmth and humour, this beloved classic captures the highs and lows of parenting teens — from door-slamming drama to last-minute taxi requests. Anthony E. Wolf offers practical advice for handling conflict, communication, and changing family dynamics, all delivered in a relatable tone that makes parents feel seen and supported.
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour
Lisa Damour draws on her experience as a psychologist and parent to explain the seven key developmental stages that girls typically go through on their way to adulthood. With warmth, humour, and practical advice, Untangled helps parents understand their daughters’ emotions and behaviour, offering guidance on how best to support them during these often turbulent years.
I hope this collection helps you find the support or inspiration you are looking for. Parenting is full of ups and downs, and sometimes just a few good ideas can make all the difference. If you come across a book you think should be included here, do let me know — I love discovering new favourites!