Savvy Co-Parenting's Must Read Books for Parents

Savvy Co-Parenting's team has curated this list of essential books that every parent can benefit from. Whether you're navigating co-parenting, focusing on your child’s health and wellness, seeking educational strategies, or looking to foster empathy and social responsibility in your children, these books will provide valuable insights and actionable advice.

Parenting & Co-Parenting

1. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" by Stephen R. Covey
   This book applies Covey’s powerful "7 Habits" principles to family life, offering strategies for fostering unity, improving communication, and building a family culture centered on shared values.

2. "Co-Parenting Works!" by Samantha Rodman
   A practical guide for co-parents navigating the ups and downs of joint parenting after a separation or divorce. The book provides effective communication strategies and tips for creating a peaceful co-parenting relationship.

3. "The Co-Parenting Handbook" by Karen Bonnell
   This guide offers actionable advice on managing co-parenting challenges, establishing boundaries, and improving communication, all while maintaining a healthy, stable environment for children.

4. "How to Raise Healthy and Happy Children" by Dr. Laura Markham
   An insightful resource for parents seeking to raise emotionally intelligent children, offering practical strategies for nurturing positive behavior and building strong, healthy connections.

5. "Positive Co-Parenting" by Andrea K. D. King
   This book focuses on creating a cooperative and peaceful co-parenting relationship through clear communication, setting boundaries, and prioritizing the well-being of your children.

Wellness & Mental Health

6. "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
   A practical guide to understanding your child's brain development and using that knowledge to foster better behavior, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.

7. "Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child" by John Gottman
   Gottman’s expert strategies help parents build emotional intelligence in their children, teaching them how to recognize, label, and manage their emotions effectively.

8. "The Self-Compassion Diet" by Jean Fain
   A unique approach to healthy living and eating, focusing on developing self-compassion and building a healthy relationship with food and body image for both parents and children.

9. "The Power of Showing Up" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
   This book explains how showing up emotionally and physically for your child provides the foundation for a healthy attachment, resilience, and emotional security.

10. "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt
    Haidt, a renowned social psychologist, explores the rise of anxiety and mental health issues in younger generations, particularly in the age of social media, and offers insights on how parents can help their children build resilience and emotional strength in the digital age.

Health & Nutrition

11. "How to Raise Healthy and Happy Children" by Dr. Laura Markham
    This book offers practical advice on nurturing both the physical and emotional health of your child, with tips on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and mental health.

12. "The Family Table" by Tyler Florence
    Focusing on healthy, family-centered meals, this book provides delicious recipes and tips for parents who want to ensure their children develop healthy eating habits.

13. "Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet" by Tonia Reinhard
    A comprehensive guide to understanding and incorporating nutrient-rich superfoods into your family's diet for better health and wellness.

14. "Raising Healthy Kids" by Dr. Susan Jones
    This book covers the essentials of physical health, from proper nutrition and exercise to understanding childhood health conditions and fostering healthy habits.

Education & Lifelong Learning

15. "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character" by Paul Tough
    A compelling look at the importance of grit, perseverance, and emotional intelligence in a child’s ability to succeed in life and school.

16. "The Montessori Method" by Maria Montessori
    A classic in educational philosophy, this book outlines the Montessori approach, which prioritizes child-led learning, independence, and the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity.

17. "The Read-Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease
    This essential guide for parents emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children at every age and provides a wealth of book recommendations to foster a love of reading.

18. "The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity" by George Couros
    A great resource for parents who want to foster creativity and a growth mindset in their children, helping them adapt to the challenges of the modern world.

19. "The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally" by David Elkind
    This book stresses the importance of play in childhood development, encouraging parents to embrace unstructured play as a critical aspect of their child's cognitive and social development.

20. "Raising Boys by Design" by Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D. and Michael Gurian
    Combining the latest brain science and spiritual wisdom, this book offers guidance on raising emotionally healthy, strong, and well-adjusted boys.

Raising Community-Minded Children

21. "The Kindness Project: Raising Compassionate Kids" by Edward Hallowell
    Hallowell offers strategies for nurturing kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, helping parents guide their children toward becoming compassionate, caring individuals.

22. "Raising Citizens, Not Consumers" by Stephanie M. Falk
    This book offers insights into how parents can raise children who are socially responsible, environmentally aware, and involved in their communities.

23. "How to Raise Healthy and Happy Children" by Dr. Laura Markham
    Markham’s guide goes beyond physical health to include emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of raising children who are connected to others and understand the value of cooperation and compassion.

24. "The Compassionate Classroom: Relationship-Based Teaching and Learning" by Sura Hart & Victoria Kindle Hodson
    Focusing on relationship-building, this book teaches parents and educators how to raise children who are empathetic, responsible, and socially conscious.

25. "Raising Kids Who Care: A Guide to Developing Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness" by Emily Rosenbaum
    A wonderful resource for teaching children the values of empathy, kindness, and giving, Rosenbaum’s guide helps parents foster a sense of social responsibility and community spirit.

Conclusion

Parenting is an evolving journey, and these books provide invaluable knowledge across a variety of topics that can help parents make informed decisions about their children's health, education, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for guidance on co-parenting, wellness, raising emotionally intelligent kids, or teaching your children how to be active, compassionate members of their communities, these books offer a wealth of wisdom that can help you succeed.

By reading and applying the lessons in these books, parents can ensure they’re raising well-rounded, resilient, and happy children—prepared to thrive in today’s complex world.