There is no guide for parenting, but there are a heck of a lot of resources and information bombarding us from all directions. I have gathered together some of the resources that have played a pivotal role in how I parent and supported me in becoming a better, more conscious parent for my girls.
I have recommended these resources to countless clients over the years and many have come back to me telling me how helpful they are. My hope is that if you are having difficulty in a certain area of parenting, these resources might just be the lifeline you need to make sense of your situation and begin to see positive change in your relationship with your children.
- For General Parenting Advice
Janet Lansbury- The woman that introduced me to respectful parenting, a strategy and approach to motherhood I immediately adopted and swore by through the toddler years. Her book “No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame” is a must read for any parent struggling with the growing independence of their toddler. She also has an amazing podcast called “Unruffled”, that I consistently tuned into until my youngest was 4 years old.
- For Challenging Behaviors
The Mindsight Institute by Dan Siegel. He is the author of the Whole Brain Child, a fantastic book but I benefited more from his course called “No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind”. This course came to me at the moment when I was at my absolute wit’s end with a stubborn 3 year old who wouldn’t go to bed and my husband and I were at odds with each other about what to do about it.
- For Feeding and Transition to Regular Food
Baby Led Weaning, an approach to introducing solid foods pioneered by Gill Rapley, PhD and hands down the approach I wish I had used with both of my girls. In her book “Baby Led Weaning- The Essential Guide” she promotes skipping pureed foods completely and providing regular food to babies. There are some nuances to this and it is essential to do your research and make your own informed decision. However, whenever I am asked I always recommend introducing solids using the baby-led weaning methods.
- For Toilet Training
Jamie Glowacki’s book “Oh Crap, Potty Training” was my potty training bible and it worked like a charm BOTH times. It’s straight to the point and effective. I also love her recommendation to support your child in feeling what “wet/dirty” is by using cotton training pants instead of pull ups. I am proud to say I NEVER bought a box of pull ups because of this book.
- For a Roadmap to each Child
I love Human Design and believe it can absolutely change how you parent for the better. There are countless resources out there but recently I came across Embrace Your Design by Stephanie Hogge and her husband. Stephanie blends Human Design with parenting to support you in understanding your child on a new level to find more peace around meal time and bedtime. I suggest popping over to her Instagram and taking a look. She is also my guest this week on the Mama Wellness Weekly Podcast, so tune in Wednesday 10/9/24 to listen to our conversation.
What resource are you most interested in? Drop a comment below! I would love to know!
XO,
Hilary
