French Twist

This was the first book I got (since Bringing up Bébé was not available) when wanting to learn more about French parenting and it was a great balance between a good story of the author’s journey in Paris and a ‘parenting’ book where she gave great tips on her observations. My favorite quote from this book is “If there is no blood, don’t get up.”

Bringing Up Bébé

This is the first book I think of when I hear parenting books, I think just from how popular it was when I was first married. And it didn’t disappoint. I absolutely love the ideas behind ‘French parenting’. Ideas like teaching patience, self-reliance, how to handle frustration, and the belief that our children are somewhat rational people who can learn things.

French Kids Eat Everything

Of course on my quest of ‘French Parenting’ knowledge, I had to read a book about french eating. This one broke it down into 10 ideas and how the author took those and was able to implement them into her own house. I think my favorite thing I learned from this book was the “Smart Things to Say when Objected’ and how it is totally okay for your child to feel hunger until dinner time. Great book if you are struggling with food in your family!

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Raising Self-Reliant Children

This book was referenced in one of the French parenting books so I requested it in the library and a few chapters in, I realized I needed to own this book. Almost every other page is highlighted or underlined in some way. The author is a Jewish psychologist, she brings in a lot of religious and Biblical aspects to her parenting philosophy and it just spoke to me and how I want to parent. Definitely a book I recommend for anyone who wants to read a ‘parenting’ book.

Big Dreams, Daily Joys

Set goals. Get things done. Make time for what matters. Elise Cripe is someone I’ve been following for as long as I can remember and she is the best example of creative productivity and goal-setting. Loved this book, it is one I know I will come back to many times because there is so much goodness on every page.

Gift this to someone who needs motivating to make their goals!

The Montessori Toddler

Not only is this book beautifully designed, but it explains everything Montessori in simple ways so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I haven’t finished it since the information isn’t applicable for me at the moment but I can’t wait to take these ideas and use them when Hazel gets older.

Before We Were Yours

A great story about such sad true events from the 1930’s. A pretty quick read and a nice novel break from all the heavy self-help books I had read in the weeks prior to picking up this one.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

A nice book with an interesting main character, who surprisingly, I could find a lot of things in her about myself. It made me think about the deep struggles others are going through that you may have no idea about and how a simple friendship and can make the world of a difference.

When Breath Becomes Air

This book is well written and such an honest and vulnerable feel to his words. I had heard great things about this book and it held up to it’s standard. It really made me think about my life and how I could get the most out of it.