Resources & Books
“The Whole Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel
12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
- the number one book I recommend for all parents
- recommended for parents of young children ages 2+
- simple hands–on tools and skills to try with you child to nurture their brain in the optimal way
- easy to read, lots of “don’t do this, do this instead” ideas and tips
“Brain Storm” by Daniel Siegel
A book for parents to help turn one of the most challenging developmental periods in their children’s lives into one of the most rewarding.
- the number one book I recommend to parents of tweens and teens
- an essential read for parents of teenagers
- a very important read to fully understand what is happening neurologically in the teenage brain
- learn what is necessary for healthy brain development, what is normal, what is expected, and what you can do as a parent to facilitate healthy brain growth
“The Big Disconnect” by Catherine Steiner-Adair
Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age
- recommended for all parents of all aged children
- this book strategically divided into development stages (ages 0-2. 2-5, etc…) to learn how you should help navigate technology in your family at each stage of life
- learn how technology (smartphones, Baby Einstein, iPads) affects brain development; what is harmful and what is healthy
“Hold Onto Your Kids” by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate
Why Parents Need to Matter more than Peers
- recommended for parents of all ages
- learn how to ‘collect’ your child before you redirect or guide you kids, leading to an improved relationships with them
- filled with lots of what to do’s, what not to do’s
- how to ensure your child will turn to you for support, rather than their peers
“The Invisible Classroom” by Kirke Olson
Relationships, Neuroscience and Mindfulness in Schools
- recommended for all educators, of all ages
- learn how students need security and emotional connection from you, in order for learning to occur
- how to help create learners that are creative, resilient and curious
- based on the latest research in brain science, obtain easy hands-on tools to try in your classrooms/schools
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown
Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
- recommended for parents who have a hard time with perfectionism and a fear of failure/vulnerability
- can be read for the benefit of parents, as well as for your own personal growth
- explains how we have to let ourselves feel vulnerable sometimes, in order for whole-hearted happiness to occur
- I often recommend the author’s TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability
“Yes Your Teen Is Crazy” by Michael J. Bradley
Loving Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind
- recommended for all parents of tween and teens
- a hilarious look at what is happening in your teens head (the craziness, the inconsistencies, the moodiness)
- provides easy hands-on strategies for things like: chores, part time jobs, curfews, and how to navigate these with your teen
- an easy read that is also very entertaining