5 Parenting Books to Change Your Life

Throughout my time in Kid's Ministry, and as a parent, I have had the opportunity to read some amazing parenting books! Maybe you love to read, maybe you are just in a rut as a parent and need some guidance and wisdom. Either way, I have some top suggestions for you that I would highly recommend! So let's get started:

1. Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony- I love this book because it makes you rethink how you parent your kids to see God in everything they do. It challenges us as parents to really stop focusing on changing a child's behavior, and help them see the heart change that needs to happen. I have gotten to take ministry classes under Michelle Anthony and she is the real deal! She's an awesome writer and a godly woman!

2. Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joiner & Carey Nieuwhof- This book is an awesome resource. It encourages families to create a tribe around you of people who can be resources to you as a parent and who can invest in your children. Reggie Joiner is well known in the Children's Ministry world and is a great resource for families as they enter into parenthood. He is very wise and has a lot of great insight about creating a rhythm for your family that points to Jesus.

3. Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman- This book is a change of pace. It was actually given to me by my stepmom as she passed down some parenting books and cooks full of crafts and recipes to do with my kids. I enjoyed this book because it is a psychologists view on parenting. There are many useful tips, tricks, and lots of information given by someone who is an expert in this field.

4. Parenting is Wonder-Full by Sue Miller & Holly Delich- This is an awesome "first time parent" book. It is so sweet and full of encouragement for moms and dads with new babies. It's a quick read full of beautiful pictures and artwork and sweet reminders of the excitement, fear, joy, and worry that comes with being a parent to a tiny human. I recommend this book for all parents! (By the way, it's a great baby shower gift)

5. Parent Up by Kelly Rippon- This book is written by the mom of an Olympic gold medalist. She talks about the importance of inspiring, encouraging, and empowering your kids to be the best version of themselves. I read this recently and loved how she was so open about the struggles of parenthood and yet how in those moments, we just have to keep being optimistic, teaching kindness, compassion, love, joy, and grace. Such a great read by "just another mom".

Do you have any "must read" parenting books? I'd love to hear about them!