Books for Life's Big Milestones and Challenges
In This Article
When people think about reading, they often picture children curled up with a favorite storybook. But some of the most valuable books on a family's bookshelf aren't just stories. They are the books parents turn to for guidance, reassurance and practical advice during the many stages of childhood.
National Literacy Month is a great reminder that reading can do more than build vocabulary and imagination. Books can help parents better understand their child's development, navigate common challenges and start important conversations. They can also help children make sense of big emotions and life changes such as welcoming a new sibling, coping with anxiety or dealing with loss. Here are some trusted titles recommended by our pediatric providers.
For Parents
Understanding Child Development
These books offer insight into how children grow, learn and develop emotionally.
- Infants and Mothers by T. Berry Brazelton (2010)
- Touchpoints: The Essential Guide to Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development by T. Berry Brazelton (1993)
- What to Expect: The Toddler Years by Arlene Eisenberg (2011)
Parenting Support
From behavior and discipline to sleep and feeding, these books provide practical strategies for everyday parenting challenges.
- Toddlers and Parents: A Declaration of Independence by T. Berry Brazelton (1989)
- Practical Techniques for Enhancing Self-Esteem by Diane Frey (1989)
- Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki (2015)
- 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan (2016)
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson (2012)
- How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King (2017)
- Parenting the Strong-Willed Child by Rex Forehand and Nicholas Long (2010)
- Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater by Nimali Fernando (2015)
- Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth (2021)
- Precious Little Sleep by Alexis Dubief (2020)
- The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp (2015)
For Children
Books can also be powerful tools for helping children understand their emotions and work through new experiences.
Welcoming a New Sibling
- Nobody Asked Me If I Wanted a Sister by Martha Alexander (2016)
Potty Training
- Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel (2014)
Worries, Fears and Big Emotions
- My Mama Says There Aren't Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things by Judith Viorst (1987)
- What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews (2005)
Divorce
- Daddy by Jeannette Caines (1977)
- On Divorce: An Open Family Book for Parents and Children Together by Dara Bonnett Stein (1979)
Understanding Where Babies Come From
- Where Do Babies Come From? by Margaret Sheffield (1973)
Coping With Loss
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst (1971)
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (2018)
- The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia (1982)
Reading together creates opportunities for connection, conversation and learning. Whether you're preparing for a new stage of development, helping a child navigate a difficult experience or simply looking for parenting support, the right book can be a valuable resource for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can books help parents and children?
Books can help parents better understand their child's development, navigate common challenges and start important conversations. They can also help children make sense of big emotions and life changes such as welcoming a new sibling, coping with anxiety or dealing with loss.
What types of parenting topics do the recommended books cover?
The recommended books cover child development, behavior and discipline, sleep, feeding, potty training, self-esteem and other everyday parenting challenges.
What types of experiences can books help children understand?
Books can help children understand emotions and work through experiences such as welcoming a new sibling, potty training, worries and fears, divorce, understanding where babies come from and coping with loss.
