Our Favorite Therapy Books for Parenting (That Actually Make a Difference)
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why is parenting so hard, and why am I reacting like this?”—you’re not alone. The truth is, raising kids pushes every button we have. And while there's no perfect roadmap, some therapy-informed books come pretty close to helping us show up the way we want to.
We put together a list of books we personally love and recommend all the time. These are the ones that have helped us, our clients, and lots of families feel more grounded, connected, and confident. They're practical, research-backed, and honestly just make sense.
The Whole-Brain Child by Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson This book is a game changer for understanding how kids’ brains develop and how to parent in a way that builds emotional resilience instead of power struggles.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham If you're working on staying calm when your kid is losing it, this one’s a must. It’s all about emotional regulation, connection before correction, and setting limits with empathy.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish Oldie but goldie. This one gives you practical language swaps that help reduce yelling, whining, and backtalk while boosting cooperation and trust.
Breaking the Cycle by Mariel Buqué For anyone trying to parent differently than they were raised, this book offers deep insight into generational patterns and trauma and how to break the cycle with awareness and care.
Declarative Language Handbook by Linda K Murphy This book shows parents how to use intentional, clear communication to help kids with social learning challenges feel more confident, connected, and understood in their everyday interactions. It's all about using language in a way that supports their social growth and emotional well-being.
Why I’m Sharing This
Parenting doesn't come with a manual, but these books are pretty close. They’re therapy-informed, practical, and most importantly, grounded in real life. No judgment, no perfectionism, just tools to help you show up with more calm, connection, and confidence.
These are just 5 of the books on our list. We've added many more options to support you in whatever season of parenting you're in. From emotional regulation to building routines to navigating tough behaviors, there's something there for every family.
This month, we’re diving into another therapeutic approach that is crucial for supporting children who have experienced trauma: Play Therapy. In this post, we’ll explore how play therapy offers unique benefits for helping children process their emotions, rebuild trust, and regain a sense of safety and control.
As a parent, it’s incredibly difficult to watch your child struggle with the emotional aftermath of trauma. Whether it’s from a single traumatic event or a series of ongoing experiences, childhood trauma can profoundly impact a child’s emotional health, relationships, and overall development. We understand the challenges parents face when their children have experienced trauma, and we are here to offer support and healing through therapy and specialized approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
As therapists, parents, and humans who’ve definitely stepped on a rogue Pop It in the middle of the night, we know that fidgets aren’t just toys, they’re tools. The right sensory item can help kids focus, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and build body awareness. And bonus: some of them are just plain fun.
Here are five of our favorite fidgets and sensory tools we actually recommend to families:
Our first list of therapy-informed parenting books got such great feedback, we had to come back with more. Let’s face it, no single book has all the answers. Parenting shifts with the seasons, and the more tools you have in your corner, the better.