FIVE Must-Have Parenting Books for Special Needs Moms

Over the years, I have read all sorts of books, as Zane was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder at age 4, giftedness at age 7 and Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 7.

I'm constantly on the lookout for knowledge and I'm never without a an audio book (or 5) loaded onto my iPhone and a couple paperbacks by my bedside. I strive to parent Zane well, and to do that I realized I need to learn about myself and heal and grow.  

So, my recommendations for parenting books include some books that aren't really about parenting children.  Some are about letting go of your past and growing as you parent your youngsters and learn to parent yourself.

My Favorite Parenting Books:

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
Based on the latest research on brain development and extensive clinical experience with parents, Dr. Laura Markham’s approach is as simple as it is effective. Her message: Fostering emotional connection with your child creates real and lasting change. When you have that vital connection, you don’t need to threaten, nag, plead, bribe—or even punish.


Will I Ever Be Good Enough?
This books helps us learn to mother OURSELVES. Will I Ever Be Good Enough provides the expert assistance you need in order to overcome this debilitating history and reclaim your life. Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a therapist specializing in women’s health and hundreds of interviews with suffering daughters, Dr. Karyl McBride helps you recognize the widespread effects of this emotional abuse and create an individualized program for self-protection, resolution, and complete recovery.  

 
The Explosive Child
Screaming, swearing, crying, hitting, kicking, spitting, biting...these are some of the challenging behaviors we see in kids who are having difficulty meeting our expectations. These behaviors often leave parents feeling frustrated, angry, overwhelmed, and desperate for answers. In this fully revised and updated book, Dr. Ross Greene helps you understand why and when your child does these things and how to respond in ways that are nonpunitive, nonadversarial, humane, and effective.  

 
The Loving Push
Parents, teachers, therapists, and anyone who cares about a child or teen on the autism spectrum needs this essential roadmap to prepare our youth for being successful adults in today’s world. Best-selling author, autism advocate, and animal science professor Dr. Temple Grandin joins psychologist and autism specialist Dr. Debra Moore in spelling out the steps you can take to restore your child’s hope and motivation, and what you must avoid. Eight life stories told by people on the autism spectrum, including chapters on subjects such as how to get kids off their computers, how to build on their strengths and get back to caring about their lives, and how to find a path to a successful, meaningful life make this a “MUST-READ BOOK.”  


The Awakened Family
We all have the capacity to raise children who are highly resilient and emotionally connected. However, many of us are unable to because we are blinded by modern misconceptions of parenting and our own inner limitations. In The Awakened Family, Dr. Tsabary shows you how you can cultivate a relationship with your children so they can thrive; moreover, you can be transformed to a state of greater calm, compassion and wisdom as well.    

Do you have any books you love that I haven't listed here? Let me know in the comments below!