Last week my 10 things was on Practical Christmas Presents For Children. This week I am continuing on a gift list theme, but specific to parenting books that I think would make a great practical Christmas gifts for parents.
I should note here that I have only included two that I have read myself, which are the last two on the list. The remaining books actually come from my wish list (hint to any of my family that might be reading this!!!!). If you have read any of them, I would love to hear what you thought of the book.
(1). Parents Please Don’t Sit on Your Kids 
The subtitle of this book is “Alternatives to Punitive Discipline”. The book looks at constructive methods for handling anger, and help children develop social responsibility.
(2). Doing Anger Differently
Adolescent boys can swing between silence and anger very quickly. This book
presents complex theoretical issues from the existing adolescent and aggression treatment literature in a set of clear and practical principles, which are illustrated with case studies taken from the author’s years of experience working with angry boys.
(3). The Literacy Wars: Why Teaching Children to Read and Write Is a Battleground in Australia
This probably tells a little bit about my nerdy interests, like literacy education.
(4). Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children from the Culture of Hyper-Parenting
I have written previously on this blog about Honore’s book. I would love to have this book as a reference point for me to go to, so it can remind me that childhood is precious.
(5). Hidden Messages : What Our Words and Actions Are Really Telling Our Children
This book has been on my to read list all year, since I wrote about it back in January. This book emphasizes the importance of letting children do things for themselves.
(6). The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and BuildLifelong Resilience
Seligman studies demonstrate that
“pessimistic children are at much higher risk for becoming depressed than optimistic children.” His mission here is to teach parents and other concerned adults how to instill in children a sense of optimism and personal mastery.
(7). My Mother Wears Combat Boots: A Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us
Jessica Mills is a touring musician, artist, activist, writer, teacher, and mother of two.
This book provides a clever, hip, and entertaining mix of advice, anecdotes, political analysis, and factual sidebars that will help parents as they navigate the first years of their child’s life.
(8). Unconditional Parenting – Alfie Kohn
Begins with the question “What do children need – and how can we meet those needs?” rather than “How can we get kids to do whatever we tell them?” Helps parents to move from techniques that emphasize control (and conditional acceptance) to an approach designed to help kids grow into good people.
(9). What’s the Hurry? – Kathy Walker
In a very easy to read style, this book provides parents with well-grounded information, ideas and advice about children as they move from pre-school to school.
(10). Children are People Too – Louise Porter
This would be the most referred to parenting book that I own. It is a parent’s guide to young children’s behaviour and covers all the hot topics like tantrums, hitting, eating etc.