Website: www.childmind.org A library of short readings by child therapists covering many topics that are important to parents.

Books:

All of these books emphasize how various parenting approaches affect how children’s brains develop. The information is based on newer research and technology. Children of all ages, including babies, can undergo brain scans while doing various activities and the researchers can see, in real time, how the brain is reacting. The approaches presented in these books are based on solid biological data and not someone’s opinion of how to interact.

Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy. Good Inside takes parents through child-rearing methods of learning to understand their children (and themselves) and problem-solves ways of effective parenting to reduce stress on both children and parents.

No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. This gives an overview of brain development in the child to explain their capabilities from birth to adolescence. The authors provide multiple examples of helpful approaches to various behavioral issues in childhood. Dr. Siegel has several other books on parenting, including books on understanding and interacting with teens.

Scaffold Parenting by Harold Koplewicz, M.D. Dr. Koplewicz encourages parents to regulate their own emotions and then explains the “Scaffolding Approach” as a method for parents to guide their child’s development of skills they will need during their growing and adult years. He includes many examples of how to approach the various events that parents and children encounter in a positive way that leads to a ‘win-win’ outcome for both the parents and the child.

The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. This book continues to provide parents with more examples of how to deal with difficult situations with their children in a positive manner. It gives many examples of how to interact with understanding and nurturing when you have to say ‘No’ to certain requests from your children.