I have only been a parent for seven years, and in that time, I have learned that parenting is full of so much joy and fulfillment, but it is also complicated and confusing. In that time, I’ve read a handful of books that have helped form the way I parent my children and provided encouragement. The books below, though not all specifically about parenting, have shaped how I think about parenting, raising kids, and the kind of mom I want to be. While this is an ever-changing landscape as our kids grow up, these books have been most helpful thus far.
Parenting with Words of Grace by William P. Smith
This is probably the most formative book on my list. Early on, I really struggled with speaking impatiently and harshly to my kids (I still do, because sin, but the Lord has done a lot of work in me on that front). I believe God used my reading this book to begin working out of me the tendency to speak to my kids in a way that was unkind and unproductive. If you read only one book on this list, make it this one.
Paul Tripp will always be on a list of my favorite books. In true Tripp fashion, Parenting encourages parents to raise their kids in light of the gospel and God’s grace.
Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff
Parents who struggle with anxiety (raises hand) are more likely to have kids who also struggle with anxiety. Knowing that about myself, after I had a baby girl I latched on to this book very early on. Truthfully, I probably read it too early on in my parenting journey and will likely revisit it if needed. So far, neither of our children has exibited signs of persistent worry or anxiety. But some of Goff’s practical advice has come in handy over the years with both kids (one girl, one boy) during times they were feeling anxious or having a hard time with emotions.
I also recommend Goff’s The Worry-Free Parent. Again, as a parent who struggles with anxiety, I am highly concerned about raising kids who do not inherit that struggle (Lord willing and to the best of my ability). I have discovered that Sissy Goff (and her colleague, David Thomas) have extremely helpful, accessible, and practical advice for parents in this realm. I encourage you to listen to their podcast and read their books.
Raising Kids with a Heart for Mission by Danny Akin
It’s no secret that I feel strongly about raising kids with a Great Commission mindset. This is a short, but highly helpful book that helps parents think about the “why” and “how” of raising kids in this way.
Family Worship by Donald Whitney
This book has made it on numerous lists for me at this point. But it has shaped the most vital habit our family practices, so it must be on this list, too. I wish Donald Whitney knew just how much he has influenced our family for the better by writing this book.
This is the non-parenting book I referred to above (though, she does include a section about how her premise applies to parenting). As my husband and I read more research about the “anxious generation” and the lack of resilience among younger generations, this book was a helpful corrective and helped us consider some strategies and practices to raising resilient children. A book like this must always be read in light of Scripture, since the author doesn’t base her premise in the Bible, but we still found it a helpful perspective on what seems to be a persistent issue in our culture today.
Other Recommendations
- Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids by Eliza Huie
- Little Habits, Big Faith by Christie Thomas
- The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley
- Are My Kids on Track? by Sissy Goff
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
