10 Parenting Books You Need on Your Wish List

Get Pregnant Fast

The holiday season is upon us once again, a time to cherish moments with family and friends while navigating the chaos that comes with it. With the kids buzzing from holiday treats and excitement, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of parenting books that are sure to resonate with you, bringing laughter, tears, and a sense of camaraderie in this wild journey of parenthood.

1. Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Parenting, Marriage, Madness by Jamie Carter
   This book features a particularly memorable chapter titled “The Day We Caught Our Kids Investigating Their Behind.” If that doesn’t pique your interest, I’m not sure we can be friends. Here’s a snippet of Jamie’s musings on childhood quirks:

   “It’s strange,” I said. “Have you ever seen your dad or me checking ourselves out like that?” After thinking for a moment, he chuckled, “I don’t know, but that would be hilarious!”

2. Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat by Sarah Blake
   Sarah Blake’s debut is the perfect antidote to holiday stress. She articulates all the thoughts you’ve had about those irritating relatives needing a metaphorical throat punch. Her kids even have their take on it:

   “Please read my mom’s book; it’ll make her happy.” – Gomer, 7
   “OMG, Mom, you’re so embarrassing!” – Adolpha, 5

   A taste of her humor:

   “Animal lover bakers? You can spot them—the ones already draped in cat hair. I mentally note to steer clear of their Tupperware and hairy cookie platters.”

3. The Science of Parenthood by Fiona Roberts and Jessica Bailey
   Who would’ve thought there’s an actual science behind parenting? This book cleverly employs charts and graphs to illustrate the absurdity of parenting and how kids seem to defy logic at every turn. For instance, they reimagine Newton’s Law:

   “Newton’s First Law of Parenting: A child at rest will stay that way… until you need your phone back.”

4. Moms Who Drink and Swear by Rachel King
   Rachel King has an uncanny talent for weaving humor into the chaos of motherhood. She refers to her kids as “mini-me’s” and describes motherhood with candor:

   “Dinner is the herpes of motherhood.”

   Yet, she delivers heartfelt truths like,

   “A mother gives endlessly, often surprised at her own capacity to love despite what she may receive in return.”

5. Listen to Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now, edited by Kim Johnson
   If you’ve never experienced a Listen to Your Mother performance, make it a point to attend one next Mother’s Day. In the meantime, this anthology captures the myriad emotions of motherhood. Here’s a poignant quote by Jenny Lawson:

   “Becoming a parent thrusts you into an emotional whirlwind, making you feel more vulnerable than ever, just as strangers start offering unsolicited advice on how to be a better parent.”

6. It’s Really 10 Months: Special Delivery, compiled by Natalie Green
   An anthology featuring thirty-two talented writers discussing the realities of pregnancy. It’s not the glamorous nine months we often hear about. Here’s a snippet from Kathryn Lee’s contribution:

   “As we waited for my cervix to open, back labor had me on all fours on the hospital bed, like a naked, screaming piece of art.”

7. Mothering Through the Darkness, compiled by Lisa Smith and Jessica Brown
   This anthology addresses the often unspoken challenges of postpartum mental health. It eloquently expresses the fears and shame mothers can experience:

   “When a mother feels anything less than joy about her newborn, how can she not feel a wave of shame?” — Kate Kearns

8. The Mother of All Meltdowns, compiled by Crystal Lee
   We’ve all had our moments of meltdown, and this collection captures that chaos perfectly. Thirty women share their stories of motherhood, revealing that it can often feel like a circus in a war zone.

   “Motherhood is certainly not a fairy tale. It’s more like a circus in the midst of a battlefield.” — Crystal Lee

9. I Heart My Little A-Holes by Lisa Adams
   Lisa Adams captures the hilarious reality of motherhood in her book’s title alone. She describes the transition from a blissful couple to overwhelmed parents:

   “Once, you enjoyed leisurely dinners and lazy Sundays, but now it’s all about pediatricians and princess costumes. And discovering your little one is, in fact, a miniature A-hole.”

10. Confessions of a Scary Mommy by Megan Foster
    Did you know that Megan Foster, the founder of a well-known parenting brand, has penned some best-selling books? They’re both humorous and heartfelt, helping you realize you’re not alone in your parenting struggles.

    “Every night, as I read bedtime stories, my child points out every flaw in me, counting them like sheep. He falls asleep comforted by my imperfections.”

So, take a moment for yourself—grab one (or all) of these books, find a quiet spot, maybe with some eggnog in hand, and indulge in a well-deserved break. Happy reading! And if you’re looking for more parenting insights, check out our other blog post here or explore reputable options like this at-home insemination kit for your parenting journey. For additional resources on family building, visit Resolve.

In summary, these ten books are a must-have for any parent looking to navigate the ups and downs of raising kids. They provide laughter, relatable stories, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in this crazy world of parenthood.