Parenting in Jesus' Footsteps

Angel with Book

Favorite  Parenting  Books - Highly  Recommended!


Empathy for Children


Parenting for a Peaceful World by Robin Grille.  This easy-to-read book is very highly recommended, to understand the history and prevalence of child abuse, and how harsh treatment of children has led to dysfunctional, aggressive societies that lack empathy for others. Meticulous research shows that increased protection and empathy for children results in dramatic, positive changes in the world. A must read! This book can be ordered here:  http://www.naturalchild.org/ppw/

The Natural Child - Parenting From the Heart by Jan Hunt.  A wonderful book on empathy for children.  Jan addresses many issues such as alternatives to punishment, sleep-sharing, homeschooling and children's advocacy, with clarity, warmth, and many real-life examples.

Everyday Blessings by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
  The Kabat-Zinns speak of "Mindful Parenting," consciously thinking through parenting decisions to do what is best for children.  Many real-life examples, attachment parenting principles.

Primal Mothering in a Modern World by Hygeia Halfmoon.  The author describes how she left her abusive husband, raising her three children with attachment parenting, and homeschooling them as well.  Always on the side of children, this is a very inspiring book.

Care of Babies

Attachment Parenting:  Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child - Kate Granju.  Explains all the basics of Attachment Parenting, a gentle, empathic way of caring for babies.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International.  Authoritative guide on breastfeeding, with lots of information on keeping the whole family happy and peaceful.

The Family Bed by Tine Thevenin.  The book that convinced us to try sleep-sharing - it's great - so loving and peaceful!  Written with warmth and candor.

The Vaccine Guide - Making an Informed Choice  by Randall Neustaedter, OMD, LAc.  Vaccines can cause behavior changes, injury and even death.  This informative guide examines all of the common childhood vaccines, and the diseases they are supposed to prevent.  Concise, thoroughly researched, invaluable resource.  Alternatives to vaccines are discussed as well.

The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff.  The author lived with an Amazon tribe, observing how they are a very happy, non-violent culture.  She concludes that their peacefulness and well-being are due in large part to how the children are raised - in constant contact with their mothers as infants, and never punished or controlled.

Being There - The Benefits of a Stay-At-Home Parent  by Isabelle Fox, Ph.D.   The best book we've seen on the dangers of daycare, with workable solutions for parents that keep the best interests of children in mind.

Discipline

Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner.   Written with great kindness and understanding of babies and young children, with gentle encouragement for extended breastfeeding and child-led weaning.  Lots of useful tips on discipline of young children.
 
How Would Jesus Raise a Child? by Teresa Whitehurst.  An in-depth look at Jesus' teachings and examples from his life and interactions with others, applied to the parent/child relationship.  Written with warmth and clarity, the reader will learn how to emulate Jesus' ways of empathy and gentle discipline.

Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.  How to turn troubling situations into healthy play.

Parents Do Make a Difference by Michele Borba, Ed.D.  Encouraging book with lots of practical advice on raising capable, caring children.  Especially recommended for parents of children over five, and foster parents.

Protecting the Gift - Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane) by Gavin de Becker.  Practical solutions for protecting children, teaching safety skills, screening baby-sitters, etc.

Communicating with Children

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.   The reader learns about acknowledging children's feelings, and non-punitive solutions to problems.  Many great examples to learn from.

Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Compassion by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.  Proven techniques for communicating and meeting one's needs without hurting others.

Understanding Child Abuse

Spare the Child by Philip Greven.  Information about the religious roots of violence toward children.

The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller.  This classic in psychology helps one understand how parents unconsciously twist the parent/child relationship to meet their needs, rather than the child's.

For Your Own Good by Alice Miller.  The author exposes unhealthy child-rearing methods ("poisonous pedagogy") and shows how they lead to violent behavior.  Insightful discussions of Hitler's childhood, Sylvia Plath and others.

Breaking Down the Wall of Silence by Alice Miller.  Important book on child abuse, how widespread it is, and the problems it creates.  Includes chapters on what can be done to prevent child abuse, and helping victims recover. 

Helping Autistic Children

Son Rise by Barry Kaufman.  A mother and father help their severely autistic young child overcome his difficulties, with gentleness, respect, and lots of patience. 

Books For children

The Story of Christmas  words from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, pictures by Jane Ray.  The birth of Jesus is gently told; there are several beautiful pictures showing Mary breastfeeding Jesus, while Joseph is portrayed as a kind, affectionate and involved father.

The Story of Jesus/La Historia de JesusA bilingual English/Spanish book that tells the story of Jesus' life and teachings in a simple, sweet manner.  "Love one another as I love you" and "All people should have the faith of a little child" are included, as well as healing and feeding the crowds.  Charming pictures.

Books about Jesus

The Lost Religion of Jesus - Simple Living and Nonviolence in Early Christianity by Keith Akers. 
A well-researched source for information about Jesus and his earliest followers, who believed in pacifism, kindness to animals, and simple living.


Madonna Litta by Leonardo da Vinci
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