Updated 08/08

Parenting and Self Help Books

1) The New First Three Years of Life by Burton White Ph.D., 1995, Simon and Schuster Press, paperback, $14.00
Excellent information on parenting the crucial first 3 years based on and by explaining child development.  My personal favorite.  Starting off right from birth to 3 can make such a difference now and later!

2) Assertive Discipline For Parents, Revised edition,  by Lee Canter with  Marlene Canter, (authors of Homework Without Tears) 1993, Perennial Library press, paperback, $13
One of the best book for parents who too often give in and need help setting firm, not harsh, limits.  Excellent for all parents.  And it’s concise!

3) 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline For Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan Ph.D., 2003, paperback, Parentmagic press, $14.95
Straightforward parenting to avoid power struggles and excess talking and arguments.  “Counting” using 2 cues and then action.  Great use of simple behavior charts and effective praise and rewards.

4) Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy  by Michael Bradley EdD., 2003, Harbor Press, paperback, $14.95

5) Taking Charge of ADHD  by  Russell Barkley Ph.D., 2000, Guilford Press, paperback, $18.95
The best book on all aspects of ADHD including school and parenting. 

6) Parenting With Love and Logic  by  Foster Cline M.D. and Jim Fay, 1990, Navpress Books, hardcover, $21.00  (Their second book covers Teens)
This book emphasizes helping parents properly shift  “the problem” to the child and not take the situation personally.  I particularly like how they help parents detach from power struggles and not let their own issues get in the way. 

7) The Introvert Advantage: How To Survive In An Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D., paperback, 2002, $14.95
A different perspective favoring the shy, low key, and non-socialites.  Written to build self esteem, understanding, and see the advantages. 

8)  Talking Back to OCD by John March M.D., paperback, 2007, Guilford Publications, $15.00
A self-help book written for parents and teens and younger youth to help learn cognitive therapy techniques to combat obsessions and compulsions.

9) Your Defiant Child  by Russell Barkley  Ph.D., 1998, Guilford Press, paperback,  $15.95
Excellent at helping parents disengage from power struggles and rebuilding a pleasant and productive relationship.  Your Defiant Teen  by Russell Barkley  PhD., 2008, Guilford Publications, Paperback, $17.00 

10) The Explosive Child  by Ross Greene Ph.D., 2001, Quill Press, paperback,  $14.00
A good book helping parents understand and better parent youth who have biologically based difficult temperaments. 

11) Overcoming Dyslexia by  Sally Shaywitz M.D., 2003, Knopf Publisher, paperback, $15.95
The book to read to learn how reading, writing, and comprehension really work in the brain and more importantly how to help your child overcome dyslexia. 

12)  ADD-Friendly Ways To Organize Your Life  by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau Ph.D., 2002, Brunner-Routledge, paperback, $21.95
Does what the title says - for adults. 

13) Teaching Your Child The Language of Social Success , by Drs. Duke and Nowicki, 1996, Peachtree Press, paperback, $14.95
This book gives concrete teaching examples for parents at home and teachers at school. 

14) It’s So Much Work To Be Your Friend by Richard Lavoie, 2005, Touchstone Press, hardcover, $25
 “Helping the child with learning disabilities find social success.”  A well written book by an expert in helping parents coach youth in social skills. 

15) Feeling Good by David Burns M.D., 1999, Avon Press, paperback, $7.99
The classic best self help book teaching how to use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to combat especially depression but also anxiety. 

16) Codependent No More by Melody Beattie, 1992, Hazelden Press, paperback, $15.95
This classic provides self help unearthing and changing behavior and emotional patterns learned in dysfunctional familes especially those affected by alcohol or drug abuse. 

17) Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz M.D., Regan Books, paperback, $12.50
One of several books targeting various Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) via cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques.

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