If you are a parent, an educator, or both, I’m putting this book list together for you. I’ve invested an incredible amount of my time and energy into studying the topics of parenting and educating in order to best serve my children as I prepare them for adulthood through a home education. This book list is always growing!
I’m a firm believer in the concept that in order to take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. Though these books are child focused, you should know, I have a whole separate list of books that have helped me better understand myself and grow as a person. Don’t forget about you as you dive into the mucky waters of being a parent and educator. You are the glue that holds it all together!
That said, all of these books have helped me in some way. Some to a greater extent than others. With any book (especially a parenting book), I find some parts to be of value, while other parts, I could do without or even frankly disagree with. As you read the selected books below, take what helps and toss what doesn’t. The goal is to add knowledge and fill your tool belt.
Before children, my knowledge was exceptional and my tool belt bulging; however, reality set in that I was grossly unprepared for one of the most important roles, if not the most important role, in my life. I spent many years studying and gaining a college diploma in order to become a nurse (my career prior to now), but I had not studied parenting. In this way, I was a sort of adolescent. I thought I had all of the answers without the know how and dove in with overconfidence. Words now come out of my mouth I never thought I’d say or have to say for that matter. Becoming a parent is humbling.
Now take that up a notch and not only be parent, but be educator as well, and juggle this harmoniously…now that takes skill. I was more aware of my lack as an educator as I hesitantly answered the call to homeschool. I learned early on that the field of education (being a teacher) does not translate directly to being an effective home educator. These roles are different. As with any career, you can find some overlap, but they are different. You do not flip a switch between parent and educator, when you homeschool, you are both at all times. Spending the time to research and become an expert in homeschooling your children turns this double role into a blessing and not a curse.
As you gain your self-proclaimed degree in home education and parenting, I would beware of any books that want to give you a rigid and definitive way of raising or educating. That’s simply not how we work. Kids don’t give two hoots about the rainbows and unicorns you’ve built up in your head of what their childhood and school life will look like. Be ready to adapt and change. Even if something works now, it likely won’t later. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Be prepared to feel intense feelings of love, but just as intense feelings of pain/anger/frustration. Children will teach you where your weaknesses are. Growth is a slow process. We are learning and growing as much as they are.
When I first started homeschooling I began with the book, The Well Trained Mind by Jesse Wise & Susan Wise Bauer. It was a great place to start and gain confidence, but I have given myself far more freedom as the years have gone by. The suggestions and schedules are much too rigid I’ve learned, but at first I needed that. My homeschool now more closely reflects that described in The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment with some inspiration from Julie Bogart (author of The Brave Learner). Julie Bogart has been an exceptional resource to me over the years through her podcasts, YouTube videos, and curriculum.
My approach to homeschool these days is far more eclectic with flexibility to veer “off track” as my creativity flows and I discover a new way to guide my children in this journey we’re on together. I’m much more open to letting my children take a leading role in their learning and incorporate ways for them to flex their own muscle of control over their education.
This list is long and not in a particular order, so I’d look through the titles and start with whatever jumps out at you.
Now finally…
My book recommendations:
- The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart
- The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education by Ainsley Arment
- The Self-Driven Child by William Sixtrud
- The Well Trained Mind: A guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
- How to Talk To Kids So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- The Child Whisperer by Carol Tuttle
- Beyond Behavior Management: The 6 Life Skills Children Need to Thrive in Today’s World by Jenna Bilmes
- The Global Achievement Gap: Why Our Kids Don’t Have the Skills They Need for College, Careers, and Citizenship — and What We Can Do About It by Tony Wagner
- Parenting With Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay
- The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
- The Explosive Child: A New Approach For Understanding And Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene
- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
- Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham
Please reach out to me if you want to discuss any of these books or are not sure where to begin.
Happy reading comrades!
Stay Safe. Stay Sane. Pick up a Book.