This article about books for kids behaviour was last updated in 2022.
We love our kids to the moon and back a million times, but when they misbehave it can be super hard to know the right thing to do.
Different kids behave differently. The way they react to the environment around them and express themselves depends on various ever-changing factors.
For this reason, there is no “one size fits all” solution to discipline our children.
In this article we recommend a number of books about getting kids to behave. Hopefully you’ll find one (or maybe two) that work for you.
And, in case you’re wondering who I am …
I’m Lucy, a single mum and the founder of the website you are on. I spend my time helping other single mums embrace independence, redefine their paths and be the best they can be, all whilst being brilliant single mums. You can get more in-depth, personalised support from my “You’ve Got This” Single Mum eCourse, which has already been downloaded by 2k+ single mums from around the world.
Discipline Without Damage
By Vanessa Lapointe
Getting kids to behave without messing them up is a difficult challenge for all parents. This science-based book shows that with the right disciplinary strategies, it is possible to correct immature behaviour without losing your cool and driving your children away from you. Take it from the author and psychologist who has helped hundreds of families raise happy, well-adjusted kids.
Recommended for: Parents who need an effective and healthy approach to disciplining their kids even in the toughest situations.
Calm Parents Happy Kids The Secrets of Stress free Parenting
Dr. Laura Markham
We’ve all lost our tempers when our kids act out, and often we feel guilty about it afterwards. Calm Parents Happy, Kids is a practical book based on the latest research about getting kids to behave without threats, manipulation or power struggles. You will learn a three-step programme on how to set limits with a focus on empathy and emotional awareness.
Recommended for: Parents who want to help their kids want to behave instead of forcing compliance.
From Boys to Men
By Maggie Dent
The teen years are probably the most difficult for any parent. But teenage boys come with their own unique set of challenges. In this common-sense guidebook, Australia’s boy expert and parenting educator Maggie Dent shows parents how to communicate effectively with their sons, teach them to deal with failure, foster healthy relationships and more.
Recommended for: Parents of teenage boys. Packed with practical and ground-breaking tips to help you navigate day-to-day adolescence.
BOOKS TO HELP MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR (CONT.)
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk
By Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
This bestselling book is not just a practical guide on getting kids to behave. It is also a treasure trove of positive parenting strategies to help you set limits without disconnection, resolve conflicts peacefully, encourage cooperation from your children, and allow them to express anger and negative emotions in a healthy way.
Recommended for: Families looking for a practical and complete positive parenting guidebook that works.
No-Drama Discipline
By Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Getting kids to behave is usually a drama-filled exercise. But it doesn’t have to be. This book offers a different approach to discipline, one that is built on respect and connection, to encourage children’s innate drive to please parents and get along with others. Best of all, you’ll help your kids develop emotional and social skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Recommended for: Parents who are tired of high-drama and high-conflict discipline.
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
By Philippa Perry
There’s no perfect parenting plan for getting kids to behave, but there’s a perfectly good one offered in this book by Philippa Barry. Drawing on the psychological history of both parents and children, she helps you understand in a judgement-free way why your own upbringing may affect the way you discipline your kids. Learn how to break negative behaviour patterns, learn from mistakes and cope with difficult feelings.
Recommended for: Parents who are scared of messing up their kids the way their own parents did.
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