A Big Thank you to all the mothers who have helped Dr Dad to compile this list. It has taken a long time but finally, our list of Parenting books that every Indian Parent should read is out.

So here is the list of the top 50 Parenting books that will surely guide you.

1. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

This book brings you 12 key strategies that foster healthy emotional and intellectual development while explaining how a child’s brain matures, helping them to lead better lives.

2. Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men by Leonard Sax:

Family physician and research psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax presents you with five factors that prevent young men and men from achieving their goals while at home or in school times. If you are among one such parent who thinks that his/her boy is unmotivated or is underachieving then this is a must-read.

3. Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids by Peg Dawson:

Are you worried about your kid not being smart enough to deal with things? Yes, then this book by Peg Dawson gives you various ways and easy-to-follow steps that help you identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses and help him/her to be more organized and focused. Buy here

4. How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: 

A book by New York Times bestselling authors that teaches you how to effectively communicate with your child. The book also gives in certain suggestions and methods to parents that teach them to build a healthy relationship.

5. The Thriving Child: The Science Behind Reducing Stress and Nurturing Independence by Dr William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

This book talks about encouraging independent thinking in children and collaborating rather than micro-managing them to help them grow up as happy, smart, and stress-free kids.

6. Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: 

A book that offers prompt solutions to parents to help their kid overcome their rivalry by examining various methods.

7. What’s going on in there?: How the Brain and Mind Developed in the First Five Years of Life:

A book that guides you on how the baby’s brain is formed and how baby’s skill, the sense are developed. Also, the writer who herself is a neuroscientist tells you about how a parent’s role as a nurturer affects the whole baby developing concept.

8. Keep Calm and Mommy On by Tanu Shree Singh

Comprising a collection of essays, this book shows how mothers can explain issues to children that one usually feels uncomfortable about, from gender diversity to religion.

9. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr.Marc Weissbluth:

This book by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a pediatrician and father of four explains the beneficial habits of the child’s sleep cycle. Also, the book offers a program to ensure the best sleeping habits within the kids.

10. The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp: 

If your baby is the one who can’t stop crying and you are tired of his/her crankiness then this is the book you should opt for. The book helps you to know how to soothe your crying baby. The book also tells you about four basic principles that are important for a better understanding of your babies.

11. Giving The Love That Heals by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt: 

An author who understands how important it is for parents to shower their kids with love. This book by Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt helps parents nurture their own development as they bring out emotional wholeness in their children. The book brings about a personal transformation of every parent helping them to generate a healthier relationship with their little one.

12. Spiritual Parenting by Gopika Kapoor: 

This book by Gopika Kapoor, mother of two twines shares her experience as a parent and also provides tips on parenting. The book also looks at the common problems that every parent faces while raising their child.

13. The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by Dr William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

This book talks about the best way to nurture children, by letting them have control over their own lives. It analyses the intricacies of behavioral therapy and case studies to show how kids can be made to walk the real road to success.

14. What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel:

This book published in a question and answer format depicts all the stages including physical, emotional experiences, and more that a woman goes through from conception till the time the baby is born.

15. Parenting From the Inside Out by Daniel. J. Seigel: 

This book by psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel and childhood expert Mary Hartzell tells you about how influential a parent’s childhood can be to shape the way parents behave with their kids.The book helps parents in building a loving and secure relationship with their kids.

16. The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross Greene: 

Does your child’s frequent outburst leave you to feel frustrated? Then this is the book for you. This book by Ross Greene provides you with a framework that helps you understand your kid’s difficulties. The book also helps you in inculcating certain skills within your child that they lack.

17. Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood by Joanne Stone:

Looking up for a book that provides you with complete information? Then this is the book for you. This attractive book on pregnancy and early parenthood acts as a guide touching various significant issues.

18. The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby From Birth to Age Two by Dr.Bill and Martha Sears:

A book by medical professionals and the two parents Dr. Bill and Martha Sears and their two sons provide you with the essential needs of the baby and also address the common concerns that every parent faces while raising up their kids.

19. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline For Children 2- 12 by Thomas W. Phd Phelan:

Is your child an undisciplined one? And are you constantly tired of fighting with him/her over his behavior? Read this book and inculcate the difficult task of discipline within your child without arguing, fighting. The book also gives you some easy steps to follow to manage your child’s troublesome behavior.

20. The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night Foreword by William Sears, M.D.Elizabeth Pantley:

Is your child one of those who doesn’t sleep on time and neither does allow you to sleep peacefully? Now the problem is solved. Read this book that provides you with gentle solutions and tips to have a No-Cry sleep baby.

21. Connected Parenting by Jennifer Kolari:

A book that offers you a CALM Project that lets you deal with every situation as a parent and how to overcome temper tantrums. This book by author Jennifer Kolari offers you various interactive and non-verbal methods to reduce conflicts and create a strong bond between parents and their kids. The book also features some stories from families who have experienced transformations using Kolari’s parental approach.

22. Raising Your Spirited Child Rev Ed: 

A Guide for Parents Whose Child is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent and Energetic by Mary S Kurchinka: A book that acts as a guide for parents whose kids are intense, energetic, sensitive and more. Also, the book provides vivid examples and views that help you understand your child better.

23. Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child by Ross W. Greene: 

From one of the best-selling authors and leading child psychologists in the US, this book tells you a structured approach to handling issues and stumbling blocks that your child might face. Under the premise that everybody in the world wants to do well if they are able to, this book teaches parents, teachers, and caregivers how to help kids identify the root of their problems.

24. All You Need is Love: The Art of Mindful Parenting by Shelja Sen

This book talks about how parents should acknowledge every kid’s uniqueness without pressurizing him or her to live their own unfulfilled aspirations. The book emphasizes how children need to be loved and respected just for who they essentially are.

25. Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth: Updated With New Material by Ina May Gaskin: 

Are you an expectant mother? This is the book for you then. Ina May’s guide to childbirth provides every mother with all the information related to mind-body connection to how to give a birth to a child without technological intervention. The book also involves some practical stories and tips and advice that every expectant mother needs.

26. What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff: 

One of the best-selling books by Heidi Murkoff on infant care gives you all the information and things that a parent might worry about during the first year of her child.The book covers sleep strategies, feeding tips, and more.

27. How to Multiply Your Baby’s Intelligence by Glenn Doman, Janet Doman: 

A book that helps you to teach Mathematics to your baby in a better way. The book contains certain programs and teaches parents how to work on them and develop their kid’s intelligence through thinking and reasoning skills. This is one of my favorite parenting books and shares information that every parent must know of.

28. The Happiest Toddler On The Block: How To Eliminate Tantrums And Raise A Patient, Respectful, And Cooperative One- To Four-year-old: by Harvey Karp: 

Are you a busy and stressed-out parent who is always worried about his/her child’s uncivilized behavior? Use these red, green, yellow lights methods given by child development doctor, Harvey Karp to reduce your kid’s tantrums and his/her unacceptable behavior.

29. Keys to Parenting Your Anxious Child by Katharina Manassis M.D: 

Is your child an anxious one? If yes, then read this book by Katharina Manassis that helps you to help your child overcome their anxiety. The book also includes certain signs that the child is anxious and in case of major issues as and when the kid needs professional counseling.

30. Hypnobirthing: The breakthrough natural approach to safer, easier, more comfortable birthing – The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan:

Are you scared that pregnancy and childbirth will cause chaos in your life? Read this book by Marie Mongan and adapt to the Mongan method to ensure a gentle and life-affirming process. This book inculcates positive thinking, relaxation, and more that helps you lead a happy and comfortable pregnancy.

31. Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld: 

Tired of dealing with a fussy eater? Read this one by Jessica Seinfeld that presents you with recipes that your kids will love gorging on. Also, the book gives you tips to deal with picky eaters.

32. On Becoming Toddlerwise: Parenting the Second Year From First Steps to Potty Training by Robert Bucknam: 

A book that helps you nurture your child in a loving way by presenting you with various strategies and ideas that help them improve their learning. Everything you need to know from potty training to first step it’s all presented in a way to help you get complete information.

33. My Child Won’t Eat: How to Enjoy Mealtimes Without Worry by Carlos Gonzalez

A pediatrician and father, Gonzlez help you analyze why your child refuses food, how his or her growth and activity can affect the calorie requirements, and how it can be regulated. The book includes stories of mothers who have had a hard time trying to get their children to eat.

34. The Baby Signing Book: Includes 350 ASL Signs For Babies And Toddlers by Sara Bingham:

A book that helps you learn 300 appropriate American sign languages. The book presents every parent with various instructions on every sign, game, song, and more to help you communicate with your baby in a fun way. By its visual highlights, the book is considered to be one of the most user-friendly and fun parenting books.

35. Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five by John Medina:

This New York Times bestseller book by John Medina tells you how to raise smart and happy kids from 0-5. The book depicts how a child’s brain develops and bridges the gap between what a scientist knows and what a parent practices.

36. Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn: 

A book that provides you with ideas for working with a child rather than doing things to make them learn things. The author says that the only thing a child needs is unconditional love and provides certain methods to raise a disciplined child.

37. Ain’t Misbehavin: Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors by Alyson Schafer: 

Parenting guru Alyson Schafer addresses all the parents whose life has become hell due to their undisciplined kids. This book provides certain tips to all the parents, giving ways to control their kid’s behavior, and provides solutions to meet even the toughest discipline challenges. The book is filled with “How to do it” pertaining to all the situations a parent faces.

38. Get Ready to Get Pregnant: Your Complete Prepregnancy Guide to Making a Smart and Healthy Baby by Dr. Michael C. Lu

Every woman wishes to have a safer and healthier pregnancy. Dr. Michael C. Lu presents you a book that guides you step by step to conceive a healthier child. With his expertise, he enlightens about many childhood conditions that could be minimized and prevented.

39. Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child’s True Potential by Eileen Kennedy Moore, PhD Mark S Lowenthal: 

Many kids face special challenges, this book relates to all the parents to help their kids overcome their struggle and build satisfying relationships by using some strategies. The book relates to essential skills that the kids need to possess to become caring and confident people.

40. Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder by Mariah Bruehl:

A book that helps you bring cognitive and creative development within your child. The author helps you out with various fun ways that encourage learning and give your kids a joyful experience.

41. No Regrets Parenting: Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids by Harley Robart: 

A book for all the busy parents in these busy times. The book teaches you how to manage and experience the art and joys of parenting amidst the chaos of work and family.

42. Different Learners: Identifying, Preventing, and Treating Your Child’s Learning Problems by Jane M. Healy: 

A book for the parents of those kids who face learning difficulty. The book also provides certain case studies that are helpful and provide helpful ideas and advice.

43. Dr. R.K. Anand’s Guide to Child Care:

This book teaches acts as a guide to child care in an Indian way, giving out information on pregnancy, childbirth, feeding and more.

44. Catastrophic Happiness: Finding Joy in Childhood’s Messy Years by Catherine Newman: 

For 5 minutes if my four-year-old steps out with her dad, giving me some me-time, I feel relieved!  Raising an infant or toddler is easier, I understand now! It’s these years, what the authors call messy years- from 4 to 14, that is both challenging and enjoyable for the parent-child combo. This book makes you laugh out loud and will also leave you teary-eyed with some aww moments!

45. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch: 

Saying NO to kids is something every parent finds really hard to do. By caving in to our children’s demands and wishes- are we satisfying them for the time being, or spoiling them in the long run? This author explains with a personal example how they taught their kids the difference between “want” and “need” and in the process raise kids who are grateful. You know, you need to read this book now!

46. The Philosophical Baby: What Children’s Minds Tell Us about Truth, Love & the Meaning of Life by Alison Gopnik

A lot of recent studies have shown how children are anything but irrational. A child’s mind is more scientific than one can imagine. In this book, Gopnik, a psychologist, and philosopher explain the psychological, neuroscientific, and philosophical developments of young children.

47. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross:

A book that offers inspiration, ideas, and more to help parents master the art of parenting. This book acts as a guide for parents to bear parenting. This is one book I am really looking forward to reading.

48. Fun On the Run by Cynthia L. Copeland: 

Looking up to raise your child’s spirit? Then this is the book which you should buy. This book depicts over a 100 fun ways to keep your child engaged in various activities and games.

49. Baby and Child Care by Benjamin Spock:

One of the bestsellers books of all the time, this book by Dr.Benjamin Spock offers teachings on medical and child care. By this book, Spock gives out a message to mothers saying, “You know more than you think you do.”

50. Mayo Clinic, Guide to Healthy Pregnancy: 

This complete book on pregnancy is a must have in every women’s book shelf. This book by Mayo clinic acts as a complete guide for all the new parents. The book covers all the aspects of parenting, baby’s health and safety, Baby’s growth and development and more.

Related Article For You:

20 Books that you should read while you are pregnant

Hi there! Is becoming a mom an easy job? Well, right from conceiving to delivery and after that, you are on your toes! Not just you, your partner too! We do not neglect the efforts your partner makes. But, who bears the child knows better. Your mind never stops popping doubt in such times, especially when it is your first pregnancy. Also, dads-to-be are in a dilemma of how to help their wives. To help you understand this phase better, today, we bring you a list of books that you should read while pregnant. Read More: