5 Essential Reads for Parents and Teachers

We can always improve. As friends, colleagues, significant others, and definitely as parents and teachers. Gone (thankfully) are the days of do it “because I said so.” More and more, we are beginning to understand the psychology of our children and students, and the importance of educating ourselves on the ongoing process of growing up and ultimately becoming a successful part of society. That being said, we must be willing to continue learning in order to be the most effective parents and educators we can be. Below is an incomplete collection of essential reads for parents, teachers, and anyone working with the youth population.

Essential Reads for Parents and Teachers

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman: Less a parenting manual than an exploration of why over-nurturing, though well-intentioned, often backfires. Bronson and Merryman are science folks, so expect to learn a little about brain science and how it impacts children’s behavior. You can find more information on the authors’ website: http://www.nurtureshock.com/

Different Learners: Identifying, Preventing, and Treating Your Child’s Learning Problems by Jane Healy: A good primer not only on how to wade through the medical jargon (ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, processing issues, etc), but also a solid overview of what to look for, how to handle, and where to go for help when you suspect your child may be struggling with a learning disability. Dr. Healy’s website can be found here: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Jane-M-Healy/1463403

Your Anxious Child: How Parents and Teachers Can Relieve Anxiety in Children by John S. Dacey & Lisa Fiore: Anxiety and other psychological problems have only increased in the youth population as time and technology have progressed. Fortunately, we are better prepared than ever to identify and assist our children when anxiety strikes. This book provides a solid foundation of what child anxiety is and why it happens, as well as coping mechanisms that parents and teachers can use to help. You can find more information on the publisher’s page: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0787960403.html

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne & Lisa M. Ross: From “scaling back media” to “streamlining your home environment,” this book offers many pearls of wisdom that will help simplify what is an ever-more cluttered childhood for most of our young people. The “less is more” idea will help to clear physical and mental space for children and adolescents to grow and reach their full potential without feeling smothered or overwhelmed. There is a wealth of information including videos and tutorials available on the authors’ website: http://www.simplicityparenting.com/

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow: After all that science and psychology, here is a fun one. This a truly inspirational collection of daily affirmations culled from all those “Little Golden Books” we read as kids. Best of all, it includes the original illustrations from those books. “Get some exercise every day,” “frolic,” “let your children know you love them” are just a few of the reminders you’ll find in this book. This is a creative, offbeat collection to keep you inspired (and nostalgic) about being the best parent, teacher, and person you can be. Find more information here: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/218446/everything-i-need-to-know-i-learned-from-a-little-golden-book-by-diane-muldrow/9780307977618/

Written by Phil Lane

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