Parenting Books

Ever wish you had a quick list of helpful books for raising a child?

 

Here’s 15! This list is not comprehensive nor will you agree 100% with every chapter in each book, however it’s like a recipe. You take the basic ideas and tailor it to your family’s needs or what’s in the pantry that day. I find it much easier to modify a recipe than to make one up, wouldn’t you agree?

No book list should ever replace solid Biblical truth. The best of parents are those who understand that solid parenting skills come from the unchanging truth of God. They also reach out to like minded others who are just a few steps ahead of them. 

A friend recently asked me for some parenting resources, and I literally went to my bookshelf and pulled off a few favorites. These are books I have read or used over the years. I ask that you use discernment in whether or not they are the best resource for you. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, or favorite friend, I hope this list will be helpful. It’s divided into 3 sections, and I’ve included Amazon links.

The Younger Years

Parenting Books:

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp (Biblical basis for parenting)

Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard (Practical application of biblical parenting including a “put on/put off” chart that inspired me to make my own)

When Mothers Pray by Cheri Fuller (The notation inside this baby shower gift says to read it now as I become a mom and read it again later as it will be super insightful. I totally agree! This one belongs in every stage for different reasons. Being a part of a Mom’s In Prayer group was one of my best tools as a parent.)

Books to read aloud:

Big Thoughts for Little People by Ken Taylor (ABC book with questions)

Right Choices by Ken Taylor (one pagers with questions)

Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (read aloud Bible stories)

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross Storybook by Carl Laferton (gospel centered read aloud stories)

The Middle Years

Instructing a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp (Compliments Shepherding a Child’s Heart.)

Get Outta My Face: How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel by Rick Horne (Don’t let the title scare you. This will provide much insight in laying the groundwork to building bridges and hopefully avoiding some of these situations. Read in the middle years and again in the launching years.)

The Launching Years

Books for parents but not necessarily parenting books:

War of Words: Getting to the Heart of your Communication Struggles by Paul David Tripp (Good for middle years, launching years, adult years, marriage, work, and the golden years.)

Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem (Grudem’s Systematic Theology book provides insight but not really practical for the dinner table read aloud as it’s 1,290 pages. This book 150 page book has short chapters with a few questions at the end. It’s a launching pad for further discussions about Christian beliefs.)

Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Cannot Get Their Act Together by Jared C Wilson (For any adult, but helpful in discipling your teen or to discuss with a college student.)

Discipling: How to help others follow Jesus by Mark Dever (Thoughts on helping others become more like Christ. Use for your own purpose or when asking someone to disciple your child.)

Do You Believe? 12 Historic Doctrines to Change your Everyday Life by Paul Tripp (Biblical truths for everyday life, plus fabulous artwork)

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney (practical Biblical habits)

For Teens to Read + Good for Small Group Discussions

(I have led small group discussions for all 3 of these resources. Also, any of the books in the section above would be good for a book study.)

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris 

This Changes Everything: How the Gospel transformers the teenage years by Jacquelle Crowe

True Purity by Hayley and Michael DiMarco

Table Talk: Which of these books have you read? Which book is not shown in the picture? What book would you add to my list?