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Books for Big Emotions
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items Big feelings are a normal part of child development, but knowing how to support them can make all the difference. This list includes some of the best books on emotional regulation, anxiety, and attachment. I recommend these resources because they hel...
Why I recommend it: This book introduces emotion coaching in a way that’s easy for parents to understand and apply. It helps you guide children through big feelings instead of dismissing or avoiding them. I recommend it because it builds long-term em...
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman Ph.D., Joan Declaire (Editor), Daniel Goleman (Foreword by)
Why I recommend it: This book focuses on understanding challenging behavior as a lagging skill rather than intentional defiance. It introduces a collaborative problem-solving approach that reduces conflict. I recommend it because it’s incredibly effe...
The Explosive Child [Sixth Edition]: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene Ph.D.
Why I recommend it: This book is grounded in evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety in children. It walks parents through step-by-step ways to build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors. I recommend it because it’s both practical and res...
Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
by Ronald Rapee Ph.D., Ann Wignall D. Psych, Susan Spence, Ph.D., Vanessa Cobham, Ph.D., Heidi Lyneham, Ph.D.
Why I recommend it: This book explains how stress impacts behavior and emotional regulation. It helps parents identify hidden stressors that may be affecting their child. I recommend it because it shifts the focus from discipline to understanding and...
Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life
by Stuart Shanker
Why I recommend it: This book highlights how consistent presence and responsiveness shape a child’s emotional development. It simplifies attachment theory into four key parenting principles. I recommend it because it’s easy to apply and highly impact...
The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson
Why I recommend it: This book emphasizes the importance of parental self-regulation in managing children’s emotions. It helps parents stay calm and connected even in challenging moments. I recommend it because it reduces reactive parenting and create...
Break Free from Reactive Parenting: Gentle-Parenting Tips, Self-Regulation Strategies, and Kid-Friendly Activities for Creating a Calm and Happy Home
by Laura Linn Knight
Why I recommend it: This book combines mindfulness practices with parenting strategies. It helps parents become more aware of their reactions and respond more intentionally. I recommend it because it promotes calmer, more thoughtful parenting. It’s e...
Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE, Carla Naumburg, Ph.D. (Foreword by)
Why I recommend it: This book focuses on helping children develop resilience and openness to new experiences. It explains how to encourage flexibility and emotional strength. I recommend it because it supports long-term emotional growth. It’s especia...
The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child
by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., Tina Payne Bryson
Why I recommend it: This book centers on the idea that all children are inherently good, even when their behavior is challenging. It helps parents respond with empathy while still maintaining boundaries. I recommend it because it reframes behavior in...
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
by Becky Kennedy
Why I recommend it: This book explores how modern factors like technology and social changes impact children’s mental health. It provides insight into why anxiety is increasing in younger generations. I recommend it because it helps parents understan...
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
by Jonathan Haidt
Why I recommend it: This book offers a deeper understanding of attachment theory and early relationships. It explains how early experiences shape emotional development. I recommend it because it provides a strong foundation for understanding behavior...
Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love
by Jessica Baum LMHC
Why I recommend it: This book helps parents recognize how their own anxiety may influence their child. It provides practical strategies for breaking anxiety cycles within families. I recommend it because it’s relatable and actionable. It’s especially...
Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children
by Lynn Lyons, LICSW, Reid Wilson, Ph.D.
Why I recommend it: This book connects emotional behavior to the nervous system and stress responses. It helps parents understand that behavior is often a sign of dysregulation. I recommend it because it shifts parenting from control to support. It’s...
Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids
by Mona Delahooke
Why I recommend it: This book explains how children process emotions based on brain development. It provides simple strategies for helping children regulate feelings. I recommend it because it’s foundational and easy to apply. It’s one of the most us...
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
by Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson
Why I recommend it: This book offers a deeper, more advanced look at attachment and emotional development. It connects research with real-life application. I recommend it because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of emotional patterns. I...
Attachment in Psychotherapy
by David J. Wallin, Ph.D.