14 Favorite Parenting Books We Read This Year
by Cynthia C. Muchnick, M.A. and Jenn Curtis, M.S.W.
Fellow parents, the last year has given us time to read, reflect, think, and make some new parenting choices. We’ve been fortunate to have had conversations with so many of the authors below and have had the privilege of reading their timely books chock full of sage advice. So, this holiday season, we invite you to dive into our list of the best books we read this year. Add them to your 2022 “To Be Read” (TBR) pile and, even better, gift them to friends. It’s never too late to add some new tools to your parenting arsenal!
Parenting Essay Collections
1.Moms Don’t Have Time to Have Kids, by Zibby Owens: The consummate essay collection that illuminates the adage: “You are not alone.” An easy book to pick up and put down for juicy, tasty, potent parenting essay snacks. The varied perspectives will make you feel seen, heard, and connected on your parenting journey.
2. Life’s Accessories: A Memoir, by Rachel Levy Lesser: Poignant, bittersweet, and lovely essay collection about life, loss, and motherhood.
Parenting Tech-Theme Books
3. 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week, by Tiffany Shlain: A helpful, thoughtful, (potentially) life-changing book reminding families why we need to take time and discipline to disconnect in order to reconnect.
4. Raising a Screen Smart Kid, by Julianna Milner: Humorous, thought-provoking, must read for parents of tweens and teens. Read it before you get them a phone!
Research-Based Parenting
5. How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, by Melinda Moyer: A definitive, easy- to-read-and-follow, chock full of useful information. This science-backed book will help parents of every age and life stage on topics such as bullying, respect, social media navigation and etiquette, and much, much more. And honestly, who doesn’t want to raise nice kids?
6. The Gift of Failure, by Jessia Lahey: This research-based book reads like the history of parenting with real-life anecdotes and data sprinkled in. Insightful and helpful reminder how important it is to allow our kids to fail and make mistakes.
7. The Power of Showing Up, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: Fascinating analyses using neuroscience research explained in easy-to-digest chapters to remind parents about the power of connection. Teaches readers the “4 S’s” of showing up: safe, seen, soothed and secure.
Creative Parenting-Themed Books
8. License to Parent, by Christina Hillsberg: An interesting, fun, pageturner and a great take on parenting through the lens of applying real spy tactics to life at home. Think 007 meets mom and dad.
9. Happy Campers, by Audrey Monke: Imagine merging the magic of summer camp experiences and joy to your parenting life at home! This gem of a book offers those reflections and approaches from a veteran parent and summer camp director.
10. Noteworthy Parenting, by Kristen Buchtel: For the parent who needs a plan to get started and organized. And it comes with a companion journal for plotting out your tangible mission. Fun, crisp, entertaining, graphic images and tips keep you engaged and idea-filled.
11. Dear Me, by Donna Tetreault: A useful and important picture book for youngsters that helps parents connect with their little ones on exploring big emotions. Companion journal available, too!
Parenting for Mental Health and Wellness
12. Untangled and Under Pressure, by Lisa Damour: These books are essential additions to your parenting arsenal. Jam packed with relevant, useful, practical and comforting information from a seasoned therapist.
13. Ready or Not, by Madeline Levine: All of her books, really, have something important to teach parents of tweens and teens. Levine is a counseling pro and has worked with thousands of families through the years bringing her wisdom to us all. Her newest book tackles parenting in our uncertain world.
14. The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen’s Wellness and Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World, by Cynthia Muchnick and Jenn Curtis (that’s us!): This list would not be complete with our (obvious and personal) favorite book! How can you parent through the tween and teen years while preserving your relationship and being cognizant and aware of their mental health, too? In our humble opinion, this book has it all!
About the Co-Authors
Cynthia C. Muchnick, M.A. & Jenn Curtis, M.S.W. are the co-authors of The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen’s Wellness and Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World. To learn more, follow them on Instagram @parentcompass or visit www.parentcompassbook.com.
Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick, MA, is a graduate of Stanford University and has been working in education for the past 25+ years as a former Assistant Director of College Admission, high school teacher, educational consultant, and author of five other education-related books. She speaks professionally to parents, students, teachers, and businesses on topics such as study skills, the adolescent journey, college admission, and now the parent compass movement.
Jenn Curtis, MSW, earned a BA from UCLA and MSW from USC and has been an educational consultant and professional speaker for the past 13 years. As the owner of FutureWise Consulting, she has worked with hundreds of students throughout the nation on every aspect of the college admission process. She is particularly passionate about empowering teens to approach life with intention and educating parents about using their parent compass.
