Recommended Books for Parents
Supporting Parents of Tweens
Middle School Matters – Phyllis L. Fagell
This book provides practical strategies to help parents support their middle schoolers through academic, emotional, and social challenges.
Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen – Michelle Icard
A guide to having meaningful conversations with tweens before they enter high school, covering key topics like friendships, technology, and independence.
The 10 Basic Principles of Good Parenting – Laurence Steinberg
A research-backed guide outlining fundamental principles to raise well-adjusted tweens with warmth and structure.
The Tween Book – Wendy L. Moss & Donald A. Moses
A research-backed guide outlining fundamental principles to raise well-adjusted tweens with warmth and structure.
Masterminds & Wingmen – Rosalind Wiseman
A research-backed guide outlining fundamental principles to raise well-adjusted tweens with warmth and structure.
Supporting/Raising Tweens & Teens
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers – Lisa Damour
This book helps parents understand teenage emotions and provides strategies to support their child’s mental well-being.
Brainstorm – Daniel J. Siegel
Explores the adolescent brain’s development and how parents can foster healthy risk-taking, emotional regulation, and independence.
The Self-Driven Child – William Stixrud & Ned Johnson
Encourages autonomy in teenagers by emphasizing self-motivation, resilience, and responsible decision-making.
Untangled– Lisa Damour
A must-read for parents of teenage girls, breaking down the seven key transitions of adolescence and offering guidance.
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen – Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
A practical communication guide for parents looking to strengthen their relationship with their teens.
The Teenage Brain – Frances E. Jensen
Provides a neuroscience-based understanding of adolescent brain development and how parents can support healthy decision-making.
Supporting Children with ADHD & Executive Function Challenges
Taking Charge of ADHD – Russell A. Barkley
A science-backed guide offering practical advice for parents managing ADHD in children.
Driven to Distraction – Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey
A well-regarded book explaining ADHD in children and adults, along with coping strategies.
Parenting ADHD Now! – Elaine Taylor-Klaus
A hands-on resource with step-by-step interventions for parents of children with ADHD.
Smart but Scattered – Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
Focuses on executive function challenges, providing strategies to improve focus, organization, and self-regulation.
Scattered Minds – Gabor Maté
Offers a holistic approach to ADHD, discussing emotional regulation and parenting strategies.
Supporting Students with Learning Differences & Neurodiverse Learners
The Whole-Brain Child – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Provides neuroscience-based parenting techniques to help children develop emotional and cognitive resilience.
NeuroTribes – Steve Silberman
A deep dive into autism and the broader neurodiversity movement, offering insights for parents.
Different – Nathan & Sally Clarkson
A heartfelt book about raising children who think and learn differently, offering encouragement and advice for parents.
The Dyslexic Advantage – Brock L. Eide & Fernette F. Eide
Focuses on executive function challenges, providing strategies to improve focus, organization, and self-regulation.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child – Lindsey Biel & Nancy Peske
A must-read for parents of children with sensory processing challenges, providing practical strategies for support.
Transitioning to College & Building Good Habits
Atomic Habits – James Clear
An excellent book on how small habit changes can lead to long-term success, ideal for college students and parents alike.
The Freshman Survival Guide – Nora Bradbury-Haehl & Bill McGarvey
A helpful resource to prepare students for their first year of college, covering academics, social life, and mental health.
The Naked Roommate – Harlan Cohen
A lighthearted and informative guide to handling the social and practical aspects of college life.
Grown and Flown – Lisa Heffernan & Mary Dell Harrington
Guides parents through the transition of sending their child to college while maintaining a supportive relationship.