The best 67 Family Life books

Family is an integral part of our lives, shaping our experiences, values, and relationships. Exploring the dynamics and complexities of family life can provide us with a deeper understanding of ourselves and those closest to us. Our curated book list is designed to help you delve into this essential topic.

These books offer insights into various aspects of family life, from parenting and communication to overcoming challenges and fostering strong bonds. So, let's nurture our family connections and embark on this enlightening journey together!
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1
Family Life Books: Becoming Attached by Robert Karen

Becoming Attached

Robert Karen
First Relationships and How They Shape Our Capacity to Love
3.8 (83 ratings)

What's Becoming Attached about?

This book is about the importance of children’s first relationships, especially with their primary caregiver, typically the mother. It offers insights into the ways that attachment can positively or negatively affect children’s development, and offers a great deal of scientific research on important findings concerning attachment.

Who should read Becoming Attached?

  • Anyone interested in psychology
  • Anyone interested in child care
  • Parents or anyone about to become a parent

2
Family Life Books: Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte

Overwhelmed

Brigid Schulte
Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time
3.3 (27 ratings)

What's Overwhelmed about?

Overwhelmed (2014) explores how our outdated attitudes to gender, parenthood and race are making us all stressed and frantic. Author Brigid Schulte shows how such old fashioned ideas are holding us back from living happier, more fulfilled lives. Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are alternative ways to live, we just need to learn how to implement them.

Who should read Overwhelmed?

  • Anyone who feels stressed or overwhelmed
  • Anyone who feels pressured to conform to gender stereotypes

3
Family Life Books: The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber

The Opposite of Spoiled

Ron Lieber
Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money
4.5 (75 ratings)

What's The Opposite of Spoiled about?

The Opposite of Spoiled (2015) is the essential guide to raising patient, generous children through financial education. These blinks will show you how to guide your child’s development by talking to them about money, involving them in financial decisions and showing them the importance of generosity and work.

Who should read The Opposite of Spoiled?

  • Parents or people considering having children
  • Teachers and those who work with kids
  • Anyone concerned that today’s children are growing up spoiled

4
Family Life Books: Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest

Minimalist Parenting

Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less
4.0 (95 ratings)

What's Minimalist Parenting about?

Minimalist Parenting (2013) presents a new conception of parenting: fewer rules and more listening to your gut. Rather than following the herd’s latest parenting trends, Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest present an approach to raising a family that puts your personal and family values at the heart of your life as a parent.

Who should read Minimalist Parenting?

  • Parents of all stripes
  • Moms and dads who are overwhelmed by parenting books
  • Anyone wanting to maintain healthy family relationships

5
Family Life Books: Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober

Getting to 50/50

Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
How Working Parents Can Have it All
3.5 (46 ratings)

What's Getting to 50/50 about?

Getting to 50/50 (2009) exposes the myths surrounding traditional male and female parental roles and provides actionable techniques that allow both mothers and fathers to be independent earners, enjoy quality time with their children and share responsibilities in the household.

Who should read Getting to 50/50?

  • Parents who want to share their responsibilities but don’t know how
  • Pregnant women or mothers who want to continue working throughout motherhood

6
Family Life Books: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

Amy Chua
3.8 (70 ratings)

What's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother about?

Amy Chua was born in the United States to strict Chinese immigrant parents who pushed her to work hard and succeed instead of coddling and encouraging her. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (2011) is about her experience of raising her third-generation kids according to her parents’ old-school beliefs. Chua offers not only an insightful and often controversial take on parenting, but also a memoir of a very stern yet loving tiger mother.

Who should read Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother?

  • People who work with children – and their parents
  • Parents who are curious about non-Western child-raising methods
  • Anybody interested in an unusual family memoir

7
Family Life Books: Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel

Screamfree Parenting

Hal Edward Runkel
The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool
3.8 (133 ratings)

What's Screamfree Parenting about?

Screamfree Parenting (2007) is your guide to a better relationship with your children. From the space and boundaries that a child needs, to the trust and love you need yourself, these blinks shed light on the principles of screamfree parenting.

Who should read Screamfree Parenting?

  • Parents of children of all ages
  • All mothers- and fathers-to-be
  • People interested in the psychology of positive parent-child relationships

8
Family Life Books: How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson

How to Raise a Wild Child

Scott D. Sampson
The Art and Science of Falling in Love With Nature
4.1 (27 ratings)

What's How to Raise a Wild Child about?

How to Raise a Wild Child (2015) will help your family reconnect with nature. With helpful hints and clever strategies, these blinks will ensure your kids can enjoy the scientifically proven benefits of growing up in the great outdoors.

Who should read How to Raise a Wild Child?

  • Parents who want their children to love nature
  • Teachers who want to educate their students to appreciate and respect nature
  • Nannies who want to spend more time with kids in nature

9
Family Life Books: The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair

The Big Disconnect

Catherine Steiner-Adair
Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age
4.0 (45 ratings)

What's The Big Disconnect about?

The Big Disconnect (2013) is about the current generation of babies, toddlers and children growing up in the digital world. Digital media, from online games to social networking sites, have a profound impact on a child’s development, both intellectually and socially. These blinks outline the reasons why, and what parents can do to try to keep their children safe from these developmental hindrances.

Who should read The Big Disconnect?

  • Parents and parents-to-be
  • Teachers
  • Anyone interested in sociology, technology or education

10
Family Life Books: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

It Didn't Start With You

Mark Wolynn
How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End The Cycle
4.2 (299 ratings)

What's It Didn't Start With You about?

It Didn’t Start With You (2016) sheds light on a common thread in family relationships. These blinks explain how the source of your emotional or mental problems isn’t necessarily you but instead, your family history. You’ll learn how trauma can be passed from generation to generation, and what you can do to break the cycle.

Who should read It Didn't Start With You?

  • Anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or phobias
  • Parents and children seeking to mend relationships
  • Psychology students

11
Family Life Books: Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

Simplicity Parenting

Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
4.3 (163 ratings)

What's Simplicity Parenting about?

Simplicity Parenting (2009) teaches parents how to reduce the levels of stress experienced by their children. Parents can accomplish this by controlling their children’s environment, limiting their access to the adult world and providing them with a steady, rhythmic schedule. Taking these simple steps will improve family life for all involved.  

Who should read Simplicity Parenting?

  • Parents and parents-to-be
  • Child psychologists
  • Therapists

12
Family Life Books: The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

The Yes Brain

Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity and Resilience in Your Child
4.2 (178 ratings)

What's The Yes Brain about?

The Yes Brain (2018) is a hands-on guide to teaching yourself and your kids to approach the world with openness, creativity and boundless curiosity. Packed full of useful tips, examples and ideas, this book shows parents how to model and cultivate the traits that let you say “yes” to the world: balance, resilience, insight and empathy. And that doesn’t just give children better self-control and awareness; it also puts them on the path to meaningful and successful lives.

Who should read The Yes Brain?

  • Parents worried about their child’s selfishness
  • Anyone who works with children
  • Anyone looking for a mindful solution to everyday problems

13
Family Life Books: Nanaville by Anna Quindlen

Nanaville

Anna Quindlen
Adventures in Grandparenting
3.8 (48 ratings)

What's Nanaville about?

Nanaville (2019) is a guide to the figurative city of grandmotherhood. Being a grandma is a joyful experience, but it’s certainly not the same as being a mother. Breaking the habits of maternity can be difficult; however, it’s necessary if you want to be the best granny to your grandchildren. Filled with useful, first-hand tips on grandmothering, this book is a must for anyone new to “Nanaville.” 

Who should read Nanaville?

  • Women on the verge of grandmotherhood
  • Grandmas struggling to overcome maternal habits
  • Mothers and fathers trying to navigate Nanaville

14
Family Life Books: Weird Parenting Wins by Hillary Frank

Weird Parenting Wins

Hillary Frank
Bathtub Dining, Family Screams, and Other Hacks from the Parenting Trenches
3.5 (61 ratings)

What's Weird Parenting Wins about?

Weird Parenting Wins (2019) shows you how not to lose it while bringing up your kids – all you need is a little craziness. That means being creative and playful. Children approach life ready to deploy their imagination at every turn, and this book in blinks shows how you can be just as imaginative. You’ll find ways to make life easier for the whole family and even have fun in the process.

Who should read Weird Parenting Wins?

  • Overwhelmed parents
  • Anyone who is planning a family and wants to be prepared
  • Caregivers and guardians

15
Family Life Books: The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

The Power of Showing Up

Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired
4.4 (403 ratings)

What's The Power of Showing Up about?

The Power of Showing Up (2020) is a guide to doing one of the most essential things when it comes to raising well-adjusted children – being fully present for them. From providing a safe haven to helping cope with life’s hurdles, parents and caregivers can learn how to build strong bonds with their children that will encourage them to feel confident and secure as they step out into the world.

Who should read The Power of Showing Up?

  • Hands-on parents who want to feel empowered and connected to their children
  • Teachers and caregivers looking to become better equipped to support children
  • Students and educators in the field of child psychology

16
Family Life Books: A New Way for Mothers by Louise Webster

A New Way for Mothers

Louise Webster
A Revolutionary Approach for Mothers to Use Their Skills and Talents While Their Children Are at School
4.0 (42 ratings)

What's A New Way for Mothers about?

A New Way for Mothers (2017) is an action plan for mothers to achieve career satisfaction alongside their caregiving responsibilities. It not only offers advice and encouragement to mothers trying to make the most of their time; it also seeks to unleash their incredible talent by connecting them with the skills and people that will help them thrive.

Who should read A New Way for Mothers?

  • Full-time caregivers wanting to find greater purpose
  • Working mothers struggling to achieve balance
  • Women weighing up whether or not to have children

17
Family Life Books: Why Love Matters by Sue Gerhardt

Why Love Matters

Sue Gerhardt
How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain
4.5 (122 ratings)

What's Why Love Matters about?

Why Love Matters (2004) is a study of how our early years shape who we become later in life. But this isn’t about rehashing the old nature-versus-nurture debate. As we’ll see in these blinks, the weight of scientific evidence points to a much more fascinating conclusion: that we’re “co-produced” by genetics and social experience during babyhood. This means that many of the social and psychological problems that affect us as adults can be traced back to these formative years.

Who should read Why Love Matters?

  • Mental health professionals
  • Parents with babies or toddlers
  • Would-be mothers and fathers

18
Family Life Books: Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

Why Does He Do That?

Lundy Bancroft
Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men
4.5 (218 ratings)

What's Why Does He Do That? about?

Why Does He Do That? (2003) reveals the psychology behind abusive men. Drawing on his experience as a counselor to male abusers, author Lundy Bancroft explains the nature of abusive thinking, the early warning signs of abuse, and the steps women can take to free themselves from an abusive relationship.

Who should read Why Does He Do That??

  • Anyone who feels trapped in an abusive relationship
  • Mothers considering leaving their abusive partner
  • People who suspect a friend or family member is being abused

19
Family Life Books: Parenting Outside the Lines by Meghan Leahy

Parenting Outside the Lines

Meghan Leahy
Forget the Rules, Tap into Your Wisdom, and Connect with Your Child
4.5 (181 ratings)

What's Parenting Outside the Lines about?

Parenting Outside the Lines (2020) is an essential guide to forgetting everything you’ve ever learned about parenting – and following your intuition instead. As parents, we’re insecure and desperate to get it right. So we keep searching for the perfect book or workshop that will tell us how to raise our children. But, truthfully, there is no perfect method. The only thing we can do is learn how to tune into ourselves and our children, and respond to specific situations with flexibility and grace.

Who should read Parenting Outside the Lines?

  • Perfectionist parents wanting to learn how to forgive themselves for making mistakes
  • Parents of young children who are tired of being locked in continual power struggles
  • Parents and caregivers who want to have more fun with their children

20
Family Life Books: The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

The Self-Driven Child

William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
4.4 (264 ratings)

What's The Self-Driven Child about?

The Self-Driven Child (2018) shows us how our instinct to control our children’s lives can result in stressed-out, uncooperative, and poorly motivated kids. Instead, the book argues, we should try to help our children come to informed decisions themselves – and trust them to make the big calls. 

Who should read The Self-Driven Child?

  • Parents of stressed, overworked kids
  • Child psychologists and pediatricians
  • Anyone interested in the complex dynamics between parent and child

21
Family Life Books: The Optimistic Child by Martin E.P. Seligman

The Optimistic Child

Martin E.P. Seligman
A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience
4.4 (117 ratings)

What's The Optimistic Child about?

The Optimistic Child (1996) explores both the benefits of raising children to be optimistic and the dangers of pessimistic thinking. Drawing on psychologist Martin Seligman’s seminal research, this practical guide explains how parents can instill optimism in their children and equip them with a healthy way of thinking.

Who should read The Optimistic Child?

  • Educators looking for a fresh perspective
  • Parents seeking new insights
  • Anyone suffering from depression and anxiety

22
Family Life Books: Raising Leaders by Wendy Born

Raising Leaders

Wendy Born
Using the principles of parenting at work to become a great leader and create great leaders
4.2 (57 ratings)

What's Raising Leaders about?

Raising Leaders (2020) is a thoughtful primer on contemporary leadership. This guide lays out the surprising parallels between raising strong, independent children and cultivating successful, productive teams.

Who should read Raising Leaders?

  • New parents seeking positive advice
  • Business leaders preparing to take on a new role
  • Anyone interested in raising the next generation of leaders

23
Family Life Books: Fault Lines by Karl Pillemer

Fault Lines

Karl Pillemer
Fractured Families and How to Mend Them
4.5 (36 ratings)

What's Fault Lines about?

Fault Lines (2020) examines a common problem that no one talks about: family estrangements. Over a quarter of Americans experience being cut off from friends and family during their lifetimes, which has devastating psychological impacts. Fault Lines explores the common causes of estrangement and gives surprising and insightful advice on how to work towards reconciliation.

Who should read Fault Lines?

  • Anyone who’s experienced the pain of family estrangement
  • Budding sociologists who are fascinated by human relationships
  • Parents wanting to learn how to navigate conflict with their kids

24
Family Life Books: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Set Boundaries, Find Peace

Nedra Glover Tawwab
A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
4.6 (594 ratings)

What's Set Boundaries, Find Peace about?

Set Boundaries, Find Peace (2021) lays out everything you need to know about boundaries: what they are, why you need them, and how to implement them in your life right now. By breaking down the ins and outs of setting healthy boundaries, these blinks will leave you feeling confident and empowered to finally tackle those thorny conversations that you’ve been avoiding for so long.

Who should read Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

  • People-pleasers who don’t know how to say no
  • Couples that have trouble communicating
  • Anyone who finds setting boundaries especially difficult

25
Family Life Books: The Connected Child by Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross and Wendy Lyons Sunshine

The Connected Child

Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family
4.5 (54 ratings)

What's The Connected Child about?

The Connected Child (2007) is an insightful guide for parents of adopted and foster children. Children from deprived or abusive backgrounds have unique needs. By taking a multipronged approach including behavioral interventions, good diet and exercise, and lots of nurturing, parents can play a vital role in helping their children heal. 

Who should read The Connected Child?

  • Parents who are considering adopting or fostering a child
  • Teachers or social workers who interact with at-risk youth
  • Anyone who’s ever had a showdown with a toddler in the cereal aisle

26
Family Life Books: Crucial Accountability by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and David Maxfield

Crucial Accountability

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and David Maxfield
Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior
4.5 (131 ratings)

What's Crucial Accountability about?

Crucial Accountability (2004) tackles the often tricky issue of addressing broken promises and unmet expectations. The book shares tools and steps for holding friends, family, and colleagues accountable for their actions, and enabling them to fulfill commitments and meet future expectations.

Who should read Crucial Accountability?

  • Managers fed up with missed deadlines
  • Friends and partners frustrated by broken commitments
  • Parents who want to teach their children accountability

27
Family Life Books: Thrivers by Michele Borba

Thrivers

Michele Borba
The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine
4.4 (207 ratings)

What's Thrivers about?

Thrivers (2021) is a study of what it means to be a child in today’s fast-paced, ultra-competitive, and digital world. Kids are achieving more and more, but they’ve never felt so lonely and stressed. In our rush to prepare them for an uncertain future, we’ve taught them to strive for accolades but forgotten that there’s more to success – and happiness – than test scores and grades. What’s missing is an emphasis on helping them thrive.

Who should read Thrivers?

  • Parents worried about their kids’ futures
  • Teachers on the frontlines of our burnout-inducing education system
  • Psychologists interested in child development

28
Family Life Books: The Addiction Inoculation by Jessica Lahey

The Addiction Inoculation

Jessica Lahey
Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence
4.2 (146 ratings)

What's The Addiction Inoculation about?

The Addiction Inoculation (2021) is a parents’ guide to raising kids who have the knowledge, support, and self-confidence necessary to steer clear of the twin dangers of alcohol and drug use. From peer pressure to self-efficacy, it examines the risks kids need to avoid, and the defenses they need to acquire, in order to live happy, healthy, and substance-free lives.

Who should read The Addiction Inoculation?

  • Parents who want to raise drink- and drug-free kids
  • Teachers interested in the psychology of addiction

29
Family Life Books: The Family Firm by Emily Oster

The Family Firm

Emily Oster
A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years
4.0 (59 ratings)

What's The Family Firm about?

The Family Firm (2021) explores the latest research on pre-teen child development. It explains how parents can make data-driven decisions on important parenting decisions like a child’s school, bedtime, diet, and extracurricular schedule.

Who should read The Family Firm?

  • Parents of children ages five to twelve
  • Educators looking for a fresh perspective
  • Psychology buffs seeking new insights

30
Family Life Books: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart

Michelle Zauner
A Memoir
4.2 (118 ratings)

What's Crying in H Mart about?

Michelle Zauner’s memoir, Crying in H Mart (2021), explores Zauner’s search for identity, her relationship with her Korean mother, and her beginnings as a musician. Key moments and emotions are constantly linked with food, which lies at the heart of Zauner’s connection with her mother, her heritage, and her true self.

Who should read Crying in H Mart?

  • Anyone who has experienced grief
  • Fans of Japanese Breakfast
  • Asian food aficionados

31
Family Life Books: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields

Raising Good Humans

Hunter Clarke-Fields
A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids
4.5 (330 ratings)

What's Raising Good Humans about?

Raising Good Humans (2019) is a mindful parenting guide that teaches you how to stop yelling and get grounded. It features healthy practices that can help you break generational cycles and be a better parent.

Who should read Raising Good Humans?

  • Parents who want to stop yelling
  • Teachers and parents who need better conflict management strategies
  • Caregivers interested in personal development

32
Family Life Books: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee
4.8 (189 ratings)

What's To Kill a Mockingbird about?

To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is one of the most influential American novels ever written. Set in a small town in Alabama in the 1930s, it follows the Finch family over three tumultuous years as a trial divides a community. Covering themes of love and hate, innocence and experience, and kindness and cruelty, Harper Lee’s book goes to the heart of human behavior.   

Who should read To Kill a Mockingbird?

  • Anyone interested in classic fiction
  • History buffs
  • Those invested in the struggle for justice

33
Family Life Books: My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi

My Life in Full

Indra Nooyi
Work, Family, and Our Future
4.1 (118 ratings)

What's My Life in Full about?

My Life in Full (2021) is the memoir of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi. She reflects on her rise to success and the juggling act it required as she struggled to make time for her family.

Who should read My Life in Full?

  • Working parents
  • Women aspiring to leadership positions
  • Anyone interested in the story of a uniquely successful career

34
Family Life Books: Parenting by Andy & Sandra Stanley

Parenting

Andy & Sandra Stanley
Getting It Right
4.5 (55 ratings)

What's Parenting about?

Parenting (2023) presents essential parenting principles in a format that is easy to follow and implement. By drawing on practical knowledge and experience, the authors illustrate the goals and steps required to raise a happy and healthy kid – whether you’re dealing with the sleepless frustration of a newborn or the emotional rollercoaster of a moody teenager.

Who should read Parenting?

  • Overwhelmed new parents who want a bit of direction in their chaotic lives
  • Frustrated moms and dads looking for a fresh perspective on classic problems
  • Expecting couples who want to have a solid foundation from the very start

35
Family Life Books: The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday

The Daily Dad

Ryan Holiday
366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids
4.7 (89 ratings)

What's The Daily Dad about?

The Daily Dad (2023) is a philosophical meditation on the roles and responsibilities of parents. Presented as short passages to be consumed one day at a time, it draws on the author’s experiences of fatherhood, as well as the writings of history's greatest thinkers – from Plato to Bruce Springsteen. Whether you’re an expecting new parent or already living with a full nest, this wisdom and practical advice is timeless and applicable to all.

Who should read The Daily Dad?

  • New parents looking to cultivate a healthy and productive mindset for the momentous task ahead of them
  • Seasoned parents who want to raise their kids with the bigger picture in mind
  • Teachers, mentors, and other carers craving the best for their children’s future

36
Family Life Books: Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Stephanie M. Kriesberg

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

Stephanie M. Kriesberg
Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve
4.6 (65 ratings)

What's Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers about?

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (2022) explores the ramifications of having a narcissistic parent, and what you as an adult can do to release yourself from your mother’s toxic hold. Its toolkit will help you manage the difficult feelings that come with being raised by a narcissist – like self-doubt, shame, and anxiety – so that you can start living on your own terms. 

Who should read Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers?

  • Adults with controlling, manipulative, or domineering mothers
  • Those who have struggled with anxiety and insecurity since they were young
  • Anyone who has felt fundamentally flawed since they were a child

37
Family Life Books: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families

Stephen R. Covey
4.6 (420 ratings)

What's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families about?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families (1997) was written by Stephen R. Covey with, as he says, “such a passion . . . because family is what I care about most.” It’s a very personal book that talks about how the author, his wife, and nine children apply each of the habits in their family life. It can also be your guide to solving the problems you face in your family as you strive, individually and together, to become more effective.

Who should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families?

  • Self-improvement seekers who want to understand how effective families work
  • Couples who want to raise their family in a nurturing environment
  • Fans of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People

38
Family Life Books: The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies

The Montessori Toddler

Simone Davies
A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being
4.4 (54 ratings)

What's The Montessori Toddler about?

The Montessori Toddler (2019) teaches parents how to better understand their toddlers and raise them according to the method developed by Italian physician and philosopher Dr. Maria Montessori. With its practical approach, it offers actionable advice that parents and grandparents can apply no matter whether they already have experience with the Montessori method or not.

Who should read The Montessori Toddler?

  • Parents who want to understand how toddlers communicate
  • Parents whose children are nearing the toddler stage and want to provide a supportive environment for them
  • Parents curious about the Montessori method and how they can employ it in their own homes

39
Family Life Books: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini
4.6 (58 ratings)

What's The Kite Runner about?

The Kite Runner (2003) is narrated by Amir, an Afghan living in the US, as he reflects on his childhood in Kabul, and an incident that changed his life. This best-selling novel is a story of friendship, family, betrayal, and redemption.

Who should read The Kite Runner?

  • Fathers and sons
  • People interested in Afghanistan

Anyone who’s curious about a book that was a New York Times bestseller for 2 years


40
Family Life Books: Potty Training in 3 Days by Brandi Brucks

Potty Training in 3 Days

Brandi Brucks
The Step-By-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers
4.5 (10 ratings)

What's Potty Training in 3 Days about?

Potty Training in 3 Days (2016) is a success formula for parents and caregivers who want their babies to start using the toilet. The plan involves recognizing when your child is ready for potty training, what to do during the three days of intense practice, and how to follow up for lasting results.

Who should read Potty Training in 3 Days?

  • Parents
  • Family members and caregivers who want to understand their role in potty training
  • Pediatricians and teachers

41
Family Life Books: Good Inside by Becky Kennedy

Good Inside

Becky Kennedy
A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
4.6 (416 ratings)

What's Good Inside about?

Good Inside (2022) offers hope to parents who feel helpless when it comes to managing conflict in their homes. More than parenting, it’s about loving yourself and extending that love to your children. Dr. Becky rejects traditional reward and punishment strategies, instead encouraging parents to seek understanding with their children while still maintaining healthy boundaries.

Who should read Good Inside?

  • New parents
  • Parents who are afraid it’s too late to change how they parent
  • People healing from emotional damage

42
Family Life Books: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

Lindsay C. Gibson
How to Heal from Difficult, Rejecting, or Self-involved Parents
4.6 (380 ratings)

What's Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents about?

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (2015) exposes the negative impacts that many adults face as the result of growing up with distant, rejecting, or self-involved parents. From demystifying the behavior of emotionally immature caregivers to providing practical tools for personal growth, it’s a step-by-step guide to healing old wounds and embracing a more positive future.

Who should read Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents?

  • Adult children of emotionally immature parents
  • Parents who want to be more emotionally mature for their children
  • Anyone interested in the dynamics of family psychology

43
Family Life Books: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

La Leche League International
3.7 (13 ratings)

What's The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding about?

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (2010) is an updated version of the classic, definitive guide on breastfeeding. Based on the premise that breastfeeding should be the baseline standard of baby feeding, the book offers answers and techniques to both common and obscure breastfeeding challenges.

Who should read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding?

  • First-time breastfeeders
  • Anyone pregnant and considering breastfeeding
  • Partner of a breastfeeding (or soon-to-be) mother

44
Family Life Books: The Five Core Conversations for Couples by David Bulitt and Julie Bulitt

The Five Core Conversations for Couples

David Bulitt and Julie Bulitt
Expert Advice about How to Develop: Effective Communication, a Long-Term Financial Plan, Cooperative Parenting Strategies, Mutually Satisfying Sex, and Work-Life Balance
4.3 (310 ratings)

What's The Five Core Conversations for Couples about?

The Five Core Conversations for Couples (2020) examines the five important topics every couple should talk about. It offers expert guidance on the core facets of a relationship that can help you strengthen yours. 

Who should read The Five Core Conversations for Couples?

  • Young couples looking for relationship advice
  • Older couples wanting to fix and strengthen their marriage
  • Anyone in a relationship

45
Family Life Books: The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

The Fourth Trimester

Kimberly Ann Johnson
A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
4.4 (13 ratings)

What's The Fourth Trimester about?

The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality (2017) is the ultimate resource for postpartum women who are navigating life with a newborn and want to discover how to reclaim their health, their bodies, and their spirits.

Who should read The Fourth Trimester?

  • New and expectant mothers
  • Women seeking to reclaim their bodies following a traumatic birth
  • Women suffering from postpartum depression

46
Family Life Books: 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan

1-2-3 Magic

Thomas W. Phelan
Effective Discipline for Children 2-12
3.9 (65 ratings)

What's 1-2-3 Magic about?

1-2-3 Magic (1995) is a clear and thorough guide to one of the most difficult yet important aspects of parenting: discipline. By outlining essential parenting principles and demonstrating simple and immediately applicable techniques, it creates a roadmap for taking back control of your home and building a much more enjoyable relationship with your child. Whether your goal is to stop the bad behavior of a tantrum-prone toddler or encourage good behavior in your pre-teen, this revised sixth edition will give you the tools you need to discipline responsibly.

Who should read 1-2-3 Magic?

  • Overwhelmed parents of younger children who need to adopt a new approach to discipline
  • Exhausted carers of pre-teens who want to have more control over bad behavior
  • Anyone who feels like they spend more time fighting than having fun with their child

47
Family Life Books: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë
4.8 (31 ratings)

What's Wuthering Heights about?

Wuthering Heights (1847) is a masterpiece of English literature. Set in Yorkshire, it tells the story of two families and their intense, often tumultuous relationships – in particular, the stormy romance between Heathcliff and Catherine.

Who should read Wuthering Heights?

  • Fans of family sagas
  • People drawn to unconventional love stories and antiheroes
  • Anyone interested in classic novels of the nineteenth century

48
Family Life Books: We're Pregnant! by Adrian Kulp

We're Pregnant!

Adrian Kulp
The First-time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook
4.4 (12 ratings)

What's We're Pregnant! about?

We’re Pregnant! (2018) answers all those questions first-time dads scratch their heads over. It shows you how to tackle daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to provide strategic support to your partner throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Who should read We're Pregnant!?

  • First-time dads seeking practical advice on how to support their partners during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Dads keen on acing the next pregnancy
  • Anyone trying to understand the challenges women experience during pregnancy

49
Family Life Books: Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

Habits of the Household

Justin Whitmel Earley
Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
4.4 (27 ratings)

What's Habits of the Household about?

Habits of the Household (2021) offers a meaningful way for families to connect with God through daily routines. Through reflections and stories, you’ll learn how to implement simple habits that will help you find deeper meaning amid the chaos of family life.

Who should read Habits of the Household?

  • Busy Christian parents
  • Fans of the Lord’s message
  • Church tool kit shoppers

50
Family Life Books: Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud

Trust

Dr. Henry Cloud
Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken
4.6 (288 ratings)

What's Trust about?

Trust (2023) is a sensitive and practical guide to this essential part of human relationships. It reveals the deep significance of trust as a factor in our lives and outlines the five essential elements for building and maintaining it.

Who should read Trust?

  • Leaders who wish to create trust within organizations
  • Those looking to establish deeper personal and familial relationships
  • People who want to rebuild trust after it has been broken

51
Family Life Books: Drama Free by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Drama Free

Nedra Glover Tawwab
A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships
4.4 (68 ratings)

What's Drama Free about?

Drama Free (2023) is a concise and thoughtful guide to navigating the negatives of one of the most fundamental and unavoidable aspects of our lives: family. Covering a wide range of topics including emotionally absent parents, codependent siblings, substance abuse, and many more, it offers advice on recognizing the patterns of a dysfunctional family, healing from the past, and growing into the full human being you deserve to be.

Who should read Drama Free?

  • Adult children or siblings looking to untangle their current family relationships
  • Emotionally troubled individuals who are prepared to analyze their childhood
  • Anyone who tenses up when a family member calls

52
Family Life Books: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare
4.8 (26 ratings)

What's Romeo and Juliet about?

Romeo and Juliet (c. 1591-1597) is the iconic tragedy of two youths who fall in love amid the feud raging between their two families. The many themes it explores include love and hate, fate and free will, and dream and reality.

Who should read Romeo and Juliet?

  • Romantic souls
  • Shakespeare fans who want a Romeo and Juliet refresher
  • Anyone trying to up their knowledge of classic literature

53
Family Life Books: The Home Edit by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin

The Home Edit

Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin
A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
3.1 (66 ratings)

What's The Home Edit about?

The Home Edit (2019) proposes a straightforward formula to organize any part of the home in a way that is functional, classy, and easy to maintain. The technique it teaches is equally easy for other members of the household to learn and apply, so that everyone can enjoy a calm, happy home environment.

Who should read The Home Edit?

  • Anyone trying to maintain order and beauty in their homes
  • Parents teaching their kids good housekeeping habits
  • Interior designers trying to help clients maintain the spaces they create

54
Family Life Books: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

East of Eden

John Steinbeck
4.5 (66 ratings)

What's East of Eden about?

East of Eden (1952) is a sweeping epic that centers around three generations of the Trask family. Growing up, Adam Trask competed with his brother for his father’s love – with jealousy and vengeance leading to violent consequences. When Adam has children of his own, he struggles to spare them the same fate.

Who should read East of Eden?

  • Fans of the great American novel
  • Lovers of classic Westerns
  • Anyone who enjoys epics or family dramas

55
Family Life Books: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa Damour
Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents
4.7 (54 ratings)

What's The Emotional Lives of Teenagers about?

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (2023) is a best-selling guide to navigating the highs and lows of parenting your child through adolescence. It dispenses honest, practical, research-informed advice aimed at helping parents understand, support, and connect with their teens in a way that honors the huge transition they’re experiencing.

Who should read The Emotional Lives of Teenagers?

  • Parents looking for effective strategies to support their teen’s mental health
  • Educators and youth workers seeking clinically informed advice about the adolescent years
  • Anyone who wants to help the teenagers in their lives feel loved, supported, and heard as they transition into adulthood

56
Family Life Books: Love More, Fight Less by Gina Senarighi

Love More, Fight Less

Gina Senarighi
Communication Skills Every Couple Needs
3.8 (234 ratings)

What's Love More, Fight Less about?

Love More Fight Less provides straightforward directions on how to develop communication skills that will help you and your partner handle conflict. Various activities let you practice the skills, and this Blink details how to use these communication techniques in real-life situations.

Who should read Love More, Fight Less?

  • Couples that need help communicating
  • Those interested in improving their social skills and personal growth
  • Skilled communicators looking for new ways to connect in their relationships

57
Family Life Books: The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene

The Explosive Child

Ross W. Greene
A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
4.3 (52 ratings)

What's The Explosive Child about?

The Explosive Child (2021) is a groundbreaking and scientific guide to dealing with children who react extremely to routine situations. Drawing on neuroscience and child psychology, Greene lays out a conceptual framework focused on the cause of the behavior, rather than the behavior itself. This framework can serve as a guide for frustrated parents who want to understand and address their child’s severe outbursts.

Who should read The Explosive Child?

  • Frustrated parents who feel like they've tried it all
  • Caregivers and teachers who are concerned by a child's violent outbursts
  • Anyone looking for a fresh and compassionate perspective on children's problematic behavior

58
Family Life Books: The Parenting Map by Dr. Shefali

The Parenting Map

Dr. Shefali
Step-By-Step Solutions to Consciously Create the Ultimate Parent-Child Relationship
4.6 (86 ratings)

What's The Parenting Map about?

The Parenting Map (2023) by Dr. Shefali Tsabary offers a step-by-step guide to parenting healthy, happy, resilient, and grounded children by adopting a mindful parenting approach. In it, parents are encouraged to unlearn toxic parenting habits and replace them with moments of meaningful connection.

Who should read The Parenting Map?

  • Expectant families looking for clear, compassionate parenting advice
  • Seasoned parents who’d like to feel more present for their children
  • Grandparents, caregivers, guardians, and anyone with special young people in their lives

59
Family Life Books: Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore

Care of the Soul

Thomas Moore
A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life
4.2 (210 ratings)

What's Care of the Soul about?

Care of the Soul (2016) offers a Jungian approach to everyday life. It’s a guide for codifying our experiences into story and myth, recognizing and accepting the soulfulness and messiness of our experiences, and seeing the sacred in the ordinariness of life.

Who should read Care of the Soul?

  • Spiritual people
  • Those struggling with their mental health
  • Fans of Jung and Campbell

60
Family Life Books: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison
3.8 (134 ratings)

What's The Bluest Eye about?

The Bluest Eye (1970) is the debut novel of author Toni Morrison. It tells the story of Pecola Breedlove and her parents, and reflects upon the familial and societal circumstances that would lead a Black girl to wish she had blue eyes.

Who should read The Bluest Eye?

  • Anyone interested in exploring themes of race and identity
  • Fans of landmark works of modern literature
  • Those seeking insight into African-American history and experience

61
Family Life Books: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The Brothers Karamazov

Fyodor Dostoyevsky
4.8 (92 ratings)

What's The Brothers Karamazov about?

The Brothers Karamazov (1879) follows the events, machinations, and tragedies of the Karamazov family over the course of four critical days in an unnamed town in Russia. As tensions within the household simmer and seeth into a stunning climax, we are treated to one of the most penetrating explorations of religion, faith, and doubt in all of world literature. 

Who should read The Brothers Karamazov?

  • Anyone interested in deep themes like philosophy and religion
  • Agnostics looking for spiritual guidance
  • People who don’t have time to read a 900-page novel

62
Family Life Books: Look for Me There by Luke Russert

Look for Me There

Luke Russert
Grieving My Father, Finding Myself
3.5 (246 ratings)

What's Look for Me There about?

Look for Me There (2023) chronicles the struggles of a man dealing with the loss of his father. By accompanying him on a journey across the world and his heart, we learn how he copes with grief, and what other lessons he learns along the way. 

Who should read Look for Me There?

  • Anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one
  • Travel fans who love to learn about interesting places
  • Anyone interested in the human condition and its struggles

63
Family Life Books: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations

Charles Dickens
4.5 (191 ratings)

What's Great Expectations about?

Great Expectations (1860) is Charles Dickens’ classic novel about the social ambitions and failings of Pip, a small-town orphan who suddenly becomes wealthy through a mysterious benefactor. Pip leaves his home town for London, but as his social and material standing develop, he suffers a moral deterioration that leaves him questioning his decisions. 

Who should read Great Expectations?

  • Fans of classic literature
  • Anyone who loves a good tale of rags to riches
  • People who want to find out what Dickens was all about

64
Family Life Books: The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen & Amy Ellis Nutt

The Teenage Brain

Frances E. Jensen & Amy Ellis Nutt
A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
3.9 (30 ratings)

What's The Teenage Brain about?

The Teenage Brain (2014) delves into the labyrinth of teenage neuroscience, offering a captivating exploration of why teens think and act the way they do. With a blend of science and real-world anecdotes, it illuminates the complexities and wonders of a brain in flux.

Who should read The Teenage Brain?

  • Concerned, proactive parents of teenagers
  • Educators seeking insight into students
  • Advocates of teenage mental health

65
Family Life Books: Stop Walking on Eggshells by Paul T. Mason & Randi Kreger

Stop Walking on Eggshells

Paul T. Mason & Randi Kreger
Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
4.5 (200 ratings)

What's Stop Walking on Eggshells about?

Stop Walking on Eggshells (1998) offers a lifeline to the beleaguered loved ones of those suffering from borderline personality disorder. It provides techniques grounded in empathy and understanding to establish healthy boundaries without abandoning those in need.

Who should read Stop Walking on Eggshells?

  • Partners or family members of someone with borderline personality disorder
  • Individuals seeking to understand personality disorders and emotional dysregulation
  • Anyone searching for compassionate approaches to complex psychological issues

66
Family Life Books: The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary

The Conscious Parent

Shefali Tsabary
Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children
4.6 (34 ratings)

What's The Conscious Parent about?

The Conscious Parent (2014) offers a new approach to parenting based on adults increasing their awareness of the impact that their behaviors and emotional wounds have on the children in their lives. By honoring a child’s authenticity and innate wholeness, parents can deepen their connection with their children, and support them in becoming happy, well-adjusted individuals.

Who should read The Conscious Parent?

  • Parents hoping to raise happy, well-adjusted children
  • Adults wanting to break the cycle of harmful parent-child dynamics
  • Extended family members who want to support the healthy development of the children in their lives

67
Family Life Books: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful

Ann Napolitano
A Novel
4.0 (100 ratings)

What's Hello Beautiful about?

Hello Beautiful (2023) is a tale of love, family, and sisterhood. It centers on William Waters, who meets and marries the ambitious, practical Julia Padovano while they are both still in college. Julia is one of four girls in a close knit Italian-American family, whose storybook lives at first seem like a fantasy to William. But soon enough, life’s many obstacles catch up with the Padovanos, and William is drawn deep into their lives, loves, conflicts, and griefs. 

Who should read Hello Beautiful?

  • Readers who love sprawling family epics
  • Lovers of Little Women, the classic story of sisterhood that inspired Hello Beautiful
  • Anyone who wants the scoop on one of 2023’s best-selling novels

Related Topics

Family Life Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Family Life book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Becoming Attached as the ultimate read on Family Life.

What are the Top 10 Family Life books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
  • Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte
  • The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
  • Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
  • Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
  • Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
  • Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
  • How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson
  • The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair
  • It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

Who are the top Family Life book authors?

When it comes to Family Life, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Robert Karen
  • Brigid Schulte
  • Ron Lieber
  • Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
  • Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober