I don’t know about you, but one of the most significant changes after having a baby in 2014 was in how little time I had to read. I have always been a voracious reader, but unless you count all consults with Dr Google, I barely read at all the first six months of SweetPea’s life.
So my goal for 2015 was to read more. And I did. I went to the library, I reactivated my Kindle. I even asked for a few books for my birthday.
It’s a trend I hope to continue this year!
Not surprisingly, a lot of what I read was about raising kids. So without further ado, here’s the best of the parenting books I read last year.
Baby Hearts by Linda Acredelo, PhD
This is an overall great primer on the emotional development of babies and toddlers. My favorite part was the analogy they used throughout the book of 4 different temperaments of babies. Each chapter gives tips on applying the concepts to your child’s “type.”
Turns out SweetPea is a dandelion: very active, a bit headstrong, full of energy and personality.
Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman
While not really a parenting book, it has definitely changed the way I do certain things. We eat breakfast and lunch sitting on the kitchen floor. We go outside every day (yes, even the day when the high was 12). I mostly ditched my Ergo for in-arms carrying. Unlike Katy, I haven’t ditched my sofa, but I did get SweetPea a rope ladder for Christmas. Small changes, but I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. Most importantly, I’m much more aware of my movement (or lack of it) throughout the day.
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Ever wonder why your child can have a total meltdown over something seemingly little (like ours yesterday: me offering to help SweetPea put on her mitten.) The authors present 12 strategies based on the latest research in neuroscience to help you not only understand such baffling behavior, but also transform those challenging moments into powerful growth opportunities.
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
As a former science teacher, I know that there is much room for improvement in education. But this book has challenged me to reconsider my basic beliefs about what education is, how children become educated, and what “fundamental skills” one really needs to live a rich, meaningful life.
Parenting without Borders by Christine Gross-Loh
Did you know that Japanese kids are allowed to play with sticks? Yes, even the sword-fighting kind of play that we shy away from. This quick-read book takes a look at parenting practices around world. It opened my eyes to new possibilities, and best of all, gave me a sense of freedom and confidence on following my own inner guidance when it collided with conventional parenting advice.
On my reading list for 2016: What Not to Say, Hands Free Life, and Homegrown
Tell us: What are the best books you read last year? (parenting or other)
