6+ Favorite Books on Parenting (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on parenting (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

The Family Virtues Guide by Linda Popov
$23.89

The Family Virtues Guide by Linda Popov focuses on helping parents and teachers teach kids essential virtues. It highlights 52 virtues—one for each week—drawing on insights from various religions to promote family togetherness. I found it packed with useful strategies and relatable examples, making it a fantastic tool for discussing values with kids, regardless of their background. However, it can get a bit fluffy, so parents might need to tweak some parts to keep their kids engaged. Overall, it’s a solid resource for anyone looking to instill good character in their children.
Pros:
Valuable resource for parents and teachers
Presents 52 virtues for weekly practice
Offers simple strategies for explaining and practicing virtues
Covers important themes related to family life
Religion-agnostic approach suitable for all faiths
Includes great prompts, examples, and scenarios
Cons:
The book gets a little fluffy at times
Parents may need to edit the presentation for their kids
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01/31/2026 09:00 pm GMT
Dad Camp by Evan Porter
$14.23

In Dad Camp by Evan Porter, the story flips the classic coming-of-age theme by focusing on parents navigating their children's growth. I was excited for this book because Evan is a fantastic writer, and it turned out to be even better than I expected. The unique perspective makes it engaging, while the writing flows beautifully, immersing me in the camp setting. The mix of humor and insight as it explores different Dad avatars adds depth. Honestly, I can't find a single thing to criticize—this book is a delightful, meaningful read that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Pros:
Unique twist on the coming-of-age genre
Well-written with vivid details
Creative structure and character development
Humorous and insightful portrayal of fatherhood
Cons:
Nothing.
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02/01/2026 01:00 am GMT
Kazdin Method for Parenting by Alan Kazdin
$15.00

The Kazdin Method for Parenting by Alan Kazdin offers practical strategies for managing children's behavior, backed by solid research. I found the book approachable and full of actionable advice, focusing on the ABCs of parenting—antecedents, behavior, and consequences. It emphasizes creating a nurturing environment and using rewards to foster positive habits. While I appreciated its encouraging tone and clear instructions, I felt it could use more disclaimers about the complexities of real-life parenting. Plus, the title's mention of defiant might deter some readers who could really benefit from these insights. Overall, it’s a useful read for all parents.
Pros:
The book is evidence-based and practical.
The strategies are approachable and tactical.
It provides a useful foundation and language for parenting.
Cons:
The book could include disclaimers about the complexities of real-life parenting.
The title may deter potential readers by using the word "defiant."
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02/01/2026 01:01 am GMT
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
$11.44

The book How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish focuses on effective communication between adults and children. I found it packed with practical tips, including six key skills for better interactions, like helping kids handle their feelings and encouraging their independence. The book’s tone is approachable, with relatable examples that apply to everyone, not just kids. While it sets high expectations for parenting, it’s a great starting point. Just remember, real-life parenting is a messy journey that requires continuous practice and patience.
Pros:
Classic parenting book with timeless strategies
Easy to read with practical examples and exercises
Applicable communication skills for all ages
Cons:
Strategies may raise unrealistic expectations about parenting
Real-life parenting is often messier than described
Nothing in the book is disliked
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01/31/2026 02:00 pm GMT
The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
$7.88

In The Gift of Failure, Jessica Lahey dives into how parents can raise resilient kids by letting them experience setbacks. Letting your kids fail is awful and counter-intuitive...but also necessary to raise the kids everyone wants (resilient, independent, thoughtful, gracious, kind, brave). The key is understanding the difference between failure and catastrophic failure. The former prevents the latter. And catastrophic failure usually comes from never learning basic failure skills in the first place. She encourages a hands-off approach, giving practical advice on everything from homework to friendships. Lahey emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them, promoting independence and self-esteem through responsibilities. I found the book to be a fantastic resource—it's a must-read for parents who want to nurture confident, capable children. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike; it’s just that good!
Pros:
Thought-provoking approach to parenting
Concrete solutions for raising resilient children
Emphasizes the importance of embracing failure for growth
Encourages autonomy and independence in children
Provides targeted advice on various parenting challenges
Promotes supportive parenting over controlling parenting
Valuable resource for parents looking to equip their children for life's challenges
Cons:
Nothing - brilliant book.
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01/31/2026 12:00 pm GMT
Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too

$15.79

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01/31/2026 05:02 pm GMT