They say children don’t come with instruction manuals. While this is true, with the right tools, kids can learn how to identify their emotions, understand their feelings, and develop healthy strategies for when they feel stressed. As parents, we can help kids learn about their feelings and develop strategies to use when they feel overwhelmed. Today, there are countless books on mindful parenting and techniques for raising children. Self-awareness, self-control, and self-confidence are important parts of your child’s emotional toolkit (and yours, too!). This school year in the Ladybug for Girls Clubhouse, we’ll talk about a few books that can help you understand emotional intelligence and how to share those concepts with your children. This list contains memoirs and books by psychologists. Let’s take a closer look. 

SEPTEMBER: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Fields-Clark

A book dedicated to raising children to be kind, empathetic adults is perfect for our world right now. The book acts as a guide to help parents avoid autopilot and approach situations with compassion and kindness. The book also helps parents unpack their habits to change the way they think about interactions as well. 

NOVEMBER: The Boy, The Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

We had been looking for something different and thought-provoking for our parents, so we chose this illustrated story which has a message for all ages. The titular characters find themselves together on a series of adventures and learn life lessons along the way. It will be a thought-provoking book for us to share in the Clubhouse and you can also share with other families. 

JANUARY: The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Phillippa Perry

This book, released in early 2020, doesn’t set forth a perfect parenting plan but creates a roadmap to examine the elements of a good parenting relationship. It’s intended to dive into emotional intelligence, both for children and parents. The book is a judgment-free zone that gives parents the tools to examine their upbringing and understand their child’s emotions. 

MARCH: The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel

While the book was published in 2012, it’s become a new standard for understanding child development. There is also a workbook version that you can use along with the reading to complete exercises and document your experience. Neuropsychologist Siegel offers insight into children’s brain development for parents to better help them nurture emotional intelligence. 

MAY: Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin

Upon searching for books about emotional intelligence, we noticed a disturbing trend. Most popular parenting books are not written with the experiences of BIPOC readers in mind. To dive into the idea of motherhood in America, our book of the season is Motherhood So White, a memoir of a single black woman’s experience of adopting a black son. It’s a thought-provoking book club read that examines social and cultural bias around motherhood. 

We want to hear from you. What are your favorite books about parenting?