Over the years I have recommended various parenting books for families or parenting groups. I have also had families or colleagues tell me about books they have found helpful. I thought I would pass some of these along to you.

If you are expecting your first child or having another baby these might be helpful:

And Baby Makes Three by John Gottman, Ph.D. and Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D.

Raising a Self-Reliant Child: a Back-to-Basics Parenting Plan from birth to Age 6 by Dr. Alana Levine

These books focus on discipline at different developmental stages.

Positive Discipline (various books) by Jane Nelson

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan

SOS Help for Parents by Lynn Clark

Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay

The Parent’s Handbook: Systemative Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) by Don Dinkmeyer Dr., Gary D. McKay, & Don Dinkmeyer Jr.

Transforming the Difficult Child by Howard Glass, MA and Jennifer Easley, MA

Teach your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success by Madeline Levine, Ph.D.

If you are going through a divorce or separation these books can give guidance in helping your child or children through the transition.

Helping your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastle Way by M. Gary Neuman

Parenting through Divorce: the Lasting Effects by Karen J. Todd, M.C. & Nancy Barros, M.A.

These books discuss creating a blended family or step-family.

How to Win as a Step-Family by Emily B. Visher, Ph.D. & John S. Visher, M.D

Step Families, Stepping Ahead by Stepfamilies Assoc. of America, Inc.

Mary Pipher’s book has been around for many years and I continue to refer her book to parents with pre-teen and teenage daughters.

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Shelves of Our Adolescent Girls by Mary Pipher

Odd Girl Out The Hidden Culture of Aggression by Rachel Simmons

Check your local library or Amazon.com for these and other helpful parenting books.

Nicole Burgess is a licensed marriage and family therapist located in Indianapolis, IN. She works with children, adolescents, individuals and families who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma or life transitions. She is located close to Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence and McCordsville.