The Parenting Books I wish I read BEFORE I had kids...

[published an unfinished draft of Becca's]

I've been thinking a lot about discipline lately.  Probably because I have a lot to do in that area--in more ways than one.  Let's take example #1: Disciplining my kids:

I was a pretty awesome parent...before I had kids.  I think even that first year with one baby I was doing pretty good.  Now there is rarely a day that goes by without me wondering, "What the heck am I doing?!".  (Please tell me I'm not alone here!)  I have read dozens of parenting books over the years, but the last several months have found me reading and re-reading several more.  Here are some of my favorites:

Unconditional Parenting

Siblings Without Rivalry/How to Talk so your Kids will Listen and Listen so your Kids will Talk



Three Steps to A Strong Family

The Secret of Parenting

Free Range Kids

Love and Logic (magic)

Headgates article


Tale of our Quest

The Parenting Breakthrough


Naturally Healthy Babies & Children  Aviva Romm

Take Charge of Your Child's Health

The No Cry Sleep Solution

Tjed  phases...(Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning)

love languages??

attachment parenting


Mitten Strings For God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry

home safe home???

(And these aren't exactly discipline books, but I've found them helpful in parenting as well:
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex


Protecting the Gift

I know that no parenting book can just solve all my problems and turn me or my kids into perfect people, but I have noticed that when I read something really insightful, it at least gets me to stop and think a bit longer before doing something stupid, and gives me a few extra tricks to use when I'm feeling stuck.

(Note:  If you happen to go and read all of these books like I have, you will see that I can not possibly agree with every single thing that is written in each one of these books, because some of the ideas differ.  I'm sure there will be things in these books that you might not agree with either, but hopefully there will be something that will give you some helpful ideas!)

Each parenting book I read pretty much makes me realize how the most difficult part of parenting is disciplining MYSELF!  Which leads me to Example #2: Self-discipline!

I've been trying hard to focus on

Okay, what are some of your favorites?