With Fall just around the corner, the thought of busy schedules is lurking. Paired with an ever increasing amount of stuff and demands, no wonder we can become overwhelmed. This list of parenting books shares the common theme of connection. From being present, to simplifying, to focusing on love and togetherness, these inspiring reads shine light on the idea that sometimes less is more.
I hope you find some inspiration and helpful strategies for enjoying time together and parenting with love!
5 Parenting Books for Connection
Presence and Simplicity
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Shauna Neiquist
This book shares the author’s journey to live a life marked by grace, love, rest, and play. It will encourage you to leave behind pushing and proving in exchange for a life of presence. Amen.
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
Kim John Payne
This parenting guide focuses on ways to scale back and do less in a world focused on more. Through routines, breaks, and play, this book encourages creating space, freedom, and a simpler way of being.
The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids J
I Love, love, LOVE this book. This is my top pick from this list. Will parenting be easier if I just move to Denmark? (Kidding, kind of! 😉 )This book shares insight into the habits and practices of Danish culture and applies them to parenting through six essential principles. This is an inspiring, calming, and wonderful guide to finding happiness together.
Love and Connection
The 5 Love Languages of Children
Gary Chapman
Each child expresses and receives love through one of five different communications styles. I learned a lot about the different ways my children communicate and feel love. Vienna loves quality time: I saw a huge difference in her behaviour when I focused on her love language.
The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection
Brene Brown
Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and write this very blog! Here she shares the concepts of wholeheartedness and authenticity as they apply to parenting. I love how she considers the struggle with societal expectations placed on “perfect parenting.” I’m sure we can all relate! Embracing imperfection and leading by example encourages our children to be connected, authentic, and compassionate people.
Helpful Time-Saving Tip
I often listen to these on audio books in my car driving to and from work. Framing my day with inspiring parenting concepts is SO good for everyone. I’m calm, reset, and its a great reminder … particularly when those early morning drop offs or after work pick-ups can be less than ideal (although, we’re working on it!)
More Books!
If you’re looking for a great list of kids books focused on love, check out our Five Books About Love and Life. I also love to read/listen to self development books and a few of my favourites are featured here in Five Books for YOU.
Happy reading! xo
The 5 love languages was the first book I read with my husband 11 years ago! Love Gary Chapman!
So good right! I need to re-read the original too!
Thank you for these recommendations! These sound like they’re right up my alley.
You are so welcome Laura, thanks for stopping by!Enjoy!
I’m not a momma yet, but these are such great ideas for gifts!! I know my sister would love the one about the Danish culture. I think we could learn so much by taking pieces of every culture and applying it to our lives!
So true Katherine! And what a sweet thought to give these as gifts.
I hadn’t heard about the Danish culture book..will have to check it out!
It is fantastic, one of my favourite books!
These books sound so good, I really like the sound of The 5 Love Languages of Children – will look it up on Amazon! Thanks!
Thanks for checking them out Helen, hope you find one you love! They are all so great!
Those all sound like great books! I need try listening to audio books. I bet I’d be able to read more that way. Great tip!
I’m a huge fan of all the five love languages. The original book seems to cover the gamut of relationships, in my opinion.
These are great finds. I’ve read the 5 Love Languages for couples, but not for children. I would definitely like to check it out.
Thanks Marysa for checking this list out! That one is such a good read (and super popular in the comments too!)
They sounds like great books if you are a parent! Thank you for sharing
The 5 Love Languages of Children sounds so nice for learning how to comunicate with children
Such a great read!
“The 5 Love Languages of Children” was great. On your recommendation, I am going to try The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids” next.
Awesome list! Oh, I just love the 5 love languages. It’s such an amazing book.
These sound like great suggestions for all the parents out there!
Adding these all to my Goodreads list! I’m in this new season of really wanting to make sure I get this parenting thing down the best way possible for me and my family. I could always use good inspiration. Thank you for this!
I am always looking for new books to read on parenting my childrens, you have done such a great job at sharing these with us! thanks!
This is such a great and helpful list! I will most definitely be looking into the books. I currently have the 5 Love Languages book, and love it 🙂
These are great suggestions! I’ll be sure to check them out.
Great resources for our most important job! Thanks for the recommendations.
The love languages of children! How did I not know this existed! LOVE!
Those pics are so cute! Thanks for the recommendations!
I read a few of those. Now I am reading about parenting adult children.
Can’t wait to read them! Thank you
You’re so welcome! Emjoy!
Love Present over Perfect & the 5 Love Languages. Thanks for the recommendations.
You’re welcome! They are such wonderful resources.
I’ve read the 5 Love Languages with my husband but I haven’t read the one for children, this one is high on my list!
What a fantastic list! I had no idea Brene Brown had a parenting book. I can’t wait to read it!