Being a parent is overwhelming, exhausting and terrifying but ultimately, extremely rewarding and wonderful. If you’ve ever struggled or felt confused as a parent, know that you’re not alone.

Parenting books are similar to taking a time-out in a sports match. They’re a great way to step away from the action and catch your breath so that when it comes time to re-enter the game, you feel recharged and more prepared than before.

The best parenting books are a good mix of both consoling and challenging. They remind us that parenting is hard but also encourage us to improve ourselves by equipping us with skills.

Listed below are the best parenting books when it comes to unlocking the best version of your parenting.

Your Five-Year-Old: Sunny and Serene

This book is part of a great series of little books about child development. The books are only around 150 pages and have got your covered from 1 year old, right through to 14 years old! In general, the books discuss: what you’re dealing with, here’s what seems to work, do this and it will get better soon. They are an excellent tool for any parent, with any age child!

Despite being published in 1946 by late co-authors, Louise Bates Ames and Frances L. Ilg., these books are far from dated and contain information that is still extremely relevant and valuable. When the book references television, make a mental note that in current terms this now includes smartphones and all other digital entertainment technology.

Like a Mother

Like most mothers, Angela Garbes was filled with a million questions about pregnancy and motherhood when she found she was expecting. Working as a journalist, she began to write articles on topics such as breastfeeding, where she interviewed scientists about what makes up breast milk. Angela soon realised the lack of easy-to-read, scientific information about parenting that was out there, so she wrote this book.

Through her book, Angela debunks several popular beliefs about pregnancy and early motherhood. Don’t let the cover fool you. This book contains a lot of information about post-pregnancy as well.

The Whole-Brain Child

If you’re confused by your child’s actions and want to figure out what is going inside their mind, this book will help you to understand. This book addresses your child’s brain development in an easy-to-read manner and provides you with practical approaches to deal with day-to-day struggles such as tantrums.

Authors, Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, present their findings in the form of twelve key strategies. To help you raise intelligent, calmer and happier children who go on to lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

Described as ‘the parenting bible,’ this book will help you discover the best way of communicating with your child. This book has been around for so long that it’s quite likely that your parents read it. Despite the book’s long history, its tried and true methods continue to solve common problems such as coping with your child’s negative feelings.

Through the book authors, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, aim to build foundations between parent and child to achieve lasting and rewarding relationships. Their innovative suggestions will help to solve many common parenting communication problems and will make dealing with your child less stressful and more delightful.

Einstein Never Used Flashcards

We all want our children to be “advanced” and “special” but, as a parent, how can we help them reach their potential? The pressure to stimulate your child’s brain development early in life so that they succeed later in life can feel overwhelming.

Einstein Never Used Flashcards addresses this pressure and much to our relief, argues that the best way to inspire a growing brain is through creative play. The book offers pages of practical games to play with your child to help them reach their potential.

These books are a great excuse to take a time-out and catch your breath before re-entering the parenting game. The books listed above are just the right amount of encouraging, consoling and challenging to help you on your journey to unlocking your best parenting skills.