The Most Useful Books and Podcasts for Parents

It is that time of year! The kids are back in school and your parenting to-do list is starting to grow… Here are some helpful resources to support you through the ups and downs of raising kids!

Need support now?Just reach out! We are here to help and you don’t have to do this alone. Let’s tackle the tough stuff together-it all starts with a free consultation.

Books for General Mental Health & Emotional Development (Ages 5–18)

1. The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

   • A foundational book explaining how brain development influences behavior and how parents can respond effectively.

   • Great for ages 5–12 but concepts are applicable for teens too.

   • Therapist tip: Useful to help parents understand why their child reacts emotionally and how to co-regulate.

2. Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel & Mary Hartzell

   • Helps parents reflect on their own childhood experiences to be more attuned, emotionally available caregivers.

   • Best for parents of children of all ages, especially helpful during family therapy or parent coaching.

3. Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields

   • Focuses on mindfulness and breaking generational cycles. Practical and accessible.

   • Great for parents of kids 5–13 who want tools for emotion regulation and connection.

Books Supporting Therapy & Mental Health Challenges

1. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner

   • A CBT-based workbook for kids (ages 6–12). Best used alongside a parent who wants to learn supportive language and coping strategies.

   • Therapists often assign this as homework to reinforce skills learned in session.

2. Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli R. Lebowitz

   • For parents of kids ages 5–18 dealing with anxiety and/or OCD. Based on the SPACE treatment program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

   • Empowers parents to reduce accommodation and increase support without pressure.

3. The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene

   • Ideal for parents of kids with emotional dysregulation, ADHD, ODD, or autism spectrum traits.

   • Introduces the “Collaborative & Proactive Solutions” model to reduce power struggles.

4. Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour

   • Excellent for parents of girls ages 12–18. Covers identity, friendships, autonomy, and mental health.

   • Therapists recommend it to normalize the ups and downs of adolescence.

5. Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Siegel

   • Great for parents of teens (13–18). Explains neurological changes during adolescence that impact mood, risk-taking, and decision-making.

   • Helps shift the narrative from “rebellious” to “growing.”

Podcasts for Parents

General Parenting + Emotional Support

1. Raising Good Humans with Hunter Clarke-Fields

   • Covers mindfulness, behavior challenges, gentle discipline, and emotional regulation.

   • Features therapists, educators, and authors; often includes parent-focused tools.

2. Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting with Dr. Lisa Damour & Reena Ninan

   • Covers timely topics in child and teen mental health, from anxiety to school refusal to social media.

   • Particularly helpful for parents of tweens and teens. Episodes are grounded in research and clinical insight.

3. Janet Lansbury: Unruffled

   • Focuses on respectful parenting and understanding behavior through a developmental lens.

   • Best for parents of younger kids (ages 2–10). Helps reduce shame and increase confidence in handling meltdowns and transitions.

Therapy & Mental Health-Specific

1. Your Parenting Mojo by Jen Lumanlan

   • Deep dives into research-based parenting strategies and child development topics.

   • Smart, intersectional, and great for thoughtful parents who want evidence-based insights.

2. The Child Psych Podcast by the Institute of Child Psychology

   • Created by registered child psychologists. Covers trauma, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and therapeutic tools.

   • Well-suited for parents of kids aged 5–18, especially those whose children are already in therapy.

3. On Boys Podcast

   • Helpful for parents raising boys and navigating unique challenges (emotional regulation, aggression, communication).

   • Especially useful for understanding developmental stages from elementary to high school.

4. Therapist Uncensored

   • Offers in-depth but accessible conversations about attachment, neurobiology, and parenting through a relational lens.

   • Parents of adolescents may especially appreciate episodes about boundary-setting and connection.

Don’t have the time or bandwidth to read or listen to a podcast but you need support? We are parents too, we get it! Our expert child and teen therapists as well as our experienced parent coaches are here to help! Let us create a tailored plan specific to your family’s needs through our virtual coaching! Reach out today to learn more and get started.