Books Every Parent (and Educator!) Should Read

A few weeks ago, as I gave my daily tour to new families added to the waiting list, an eager father asked me a question no one has asked in the past 38 years.  (I LOVE the opportunity to be challenged with a new question!)  He asked what books I might recommend to read.  I assumed he meant children’s books, but as I began to answer, he stated, “I mean books for me to read about child development—books that will help me to be a better father.”   I can’t tell you how THAT warmed my heart!  I did immediately rattle off a few favorites, but thought I would share them in this blog so that every parent who reads this will have the opportunity to dig into some VERY important books.  These books will support you as you share in your child’s growing by deepening your understanding of these critical years in your child’s development.  I can confidently state that the South Hills’ parents are already doing most of the ‘right things’ for their children, but these books all contain information and research that can make all of us pause and consider new approaches, ideas, and ways that we can guide our children to be successful, confident, and happy in all domains—focusing on the whole child, as is our priority here at South Hills as well.

Please let me know your thoughts after your reading!  This list will get you started—I am sure to add more!

How Children Succeed; Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough

The Irreducible Needs of Children by T Berry Brazelton and Stanley Greenspan 

(ANY books by T Berry Brazelton are most worthwhile!)

Mind in the Making: 7 Essential Life Skills that Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky

Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner

Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner

Intelligence Reframed by Howard Gardner

The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease


♥Ms. Connie