My Go-To Parenting Books for Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

Ever since becoming a mom, I’ve loved diving into parenting books. I’m a firm believer that they’re not all or nothing. There’s always something to take away, even if it’s just a small piece that resonates with me. I like to pull what fits with my own parenting style and leave the rest.

Over time, I’ve come across a handful that have really stuck with me. These books feel like they truly understand the way I want to show up as a parent. Here are my top five favorites—the ones that have shaped my approach the most and that I find myself returning to again and again.

No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury

This is my number one go-to parenting book when I get in a parenting rut. I love Janet Lansbury’s approach to parenting. She treats children like human beings and focuses a lot on how as parents, we should be the calm, confident leader. I use her analogy of being a loving but firm CEO of your own household all the time when I need to strengthen my own resolve when holding boundaries. Her word “unruffled” has been in many of my own personal daily affirmations to remind myself that I’m calm and in charge.  

She talks about things like setting clear boundaries without yelling, what’s really going on when toddlers hit, bite, or throw tantrums, how to parent a strong-willed child, and how to lead with confidence. If you’re in the thick of the toddler years (or gearing up for them), this book is such a solid, encouraging resource for practicing respectful discipline in a way that actually works. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon.*

The Power of Positive Parenting by Dr. Glenn I. Latham

Okay this one is a straight up parenting workbook that I absolutely love to refer to every few years. If you love the account @simplyonpurpose it’s where she founds a lot of her teachings from. On a podcast, she specifically mentions his books as her favorite parenting resources.

The Power of Positive Parenting by Dr. Glenn Latham is one of those hidden gems I wish more people knew about. It’s clear, practical, and really encouraging. Dr. Latham focuses on the power of calm consistency and positive reinforcement rather than punishment or reacting emotionally—which honestly feels a lot more sustainable in real life.

What stuck with me most is how small, steady changes in how we respond can make a big difference in our home. It’s not about being a perfect parent, but about creating a peaceful, respectful environment where kids know what to expect. This one really helped ground me, especially in moments when I felt overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

No-Drama Discipline is one of those books that so many parents rave about—and for good reason. It helps you really understand what’s going on in your child’s brain during those hard moments, and why traditional discipline methods often miss the mark. Instead of quick fixes or punishments, it focuses on connection and teaching, which honestly just feels better and makes more sense when you’re trying to raise emotionally healthy kids.

What I love about this book is that it gives you actual tools and language for those everyday challenges, but it also shifts your perspective. It reminds you that discipline isn’t about control, it’s about guiding and teaching with calm and empathy. It’s practical, thoughtful, and full of those “ohhh, that makes so much sense” moments. A great one to have on your shelf and refer back to when things get tricky. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

This one is a classic for a reason. It’s one of those books that feels just as helpful the second or third time you read it as it does the first. The thing that makes it stand out is how practical and relatable it is. It gives real-life examples and simple scripts that actually help you communicate with your kids in a way that’s respectful, clear, and calm.

What I love is that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being aware of how we talk to our kids and learning how to really listen. When emotions are high (on their end or mine), I’ve found some of these tools can totally change the tone of a conversation. It’s one of those books that helps you feel more confident and less reactive, and honestly, it’s just full of good, solid parenting wisdom.

I have made copies of a lot of the little illustrations in this book and hang them up in places throughout my house when I need gentle reminders on how to talk to my kids. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

This one is a favorite for when I just need a positive outlook on parenting and a reminder that we’re all doing okay, myself and my kids. Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy is one of those parenting books that just makes you feel seen. Her belief that both kids and parents are inherently good shifts everything. She offers practical tools for handling tough moments with calm and connection, and reminds you that parenting is about growth, not perfection. It’s one I come back to when I need a reset or a fresh perspective. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Honorable Mentions:

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

Simplicity Parenting is all about slowing down and creating more peace and intention in your family life. Kim John Payne’s message really spoke to me—that less stuff, less screen time, and fewer packed schedules can lead to calmer, more secure kids. It’s a gentle reminder that simplifying can actually make room for more connection and joy. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson

The Whole-Brain Child helped me understand what’s really going on in my child’s brain during big emotions and meltdowns. It offers simple, practical tools to help kids manage their feelings and build emotional resilience. This book changed how I respond and made tough moments feel a little easier. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by by Gordon Neufeld and  Gabor Maté MD

Okay, I’m not going to lie-this book is really intense so brace yourself. The first few sections are very gloom and doom but also very honest. He had some really great insights on how you can stay connected with your kids and really got me thinking on what I want our priority to be. 

Hold On to Your Kids is all about the importance of strong, loving connections between parents and kids. It helped me see how staying close emotionally is the foundation for guiding and influencing my child’s choices. This book reminded me that connection comes before correction, and that’s been a game-changer in how I parent. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids by Mona Delahooke

Brain-Body Parenting really changed the way I think about parenting. Instead of just trying to control or manage behavior, Mona Delahooke encourages us to look deeper at what’s going on in our kids’ brains and bodies. The book offers practical advice for supporting kids emotionally and physically so they can grow into joyful, resilient people. It’s a fresh take that feels more connected and compassionate than a lot of other parenting books out there. This book gave me a fresh, compassionate perspective on parenting that feels both realistic and hopeful. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine by Michele Borba Ed D

Thrivers explores why some kids struggle while others manage to shine, even in tough situations. Michele Borba breaks down nine essential character strengths—like empathy, resilience, and self-control—that help children succeed and bounce back from challenges. The book offers practical strategies for parents to nurture these skills, focusing on growth and support rather than perfection. It’s a hopeful, actionable guide for raising strong, confident kids. CLICK HERE for this book on Amazon*.

Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s the point.

At the end of the day, no book has all the answers, but the right ones can offer encouragement, perspective, and a little more confidence as we navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. These are the books I keep coming back to when I need a fresh reminder of the kind of parent I want to be. They are my go-to parenting books for raising happy, healthy kids. I hope one or two of them resonate with you too, and maybe even find a permanent spot on your own shelf.

x.o. Emma

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