Parenting By the Book

Nope - This isn’t a read for storing up more parenting rules or manualized rigidity. Rather, it’s a love letter to books and how books can be helpful tools for the hardworking caregiver. For the parent who is stretched thin and feels overwhelmed by the idea of tackling more - read on.

“Take a look, it’s in a book…”

Do you hold childhood memories tied to books? Perhaps they were narrated by Lavar Burton or spent alongside a parent or teacher. Books are ways to connect children to themselves, others, and vast worlds of possibility. What books left a lasting impact on you? Was it the rhythm of the story? The captivating images? Perhaps a plot twist a la Miss Viola Swamp?

Books harness the power of the experiential. They allow readers to learn through experience and immersement. Because books can leave such a powerful impact, we love to highlight them as influential parenting and child development tools. Parents take on so much and carry the responsibility of supporting social and emotional development, so partnering with trusted books and authors can help to share some of that weight.

Books are incredible resources for promoting open discussion of challenging topics, ways to practice moving into values, and connection between you and your child. There are also added benefits of promoting cognitive and social emotional development. Books help to open children to their inner worlds and can encourage them to follow their creativity to the utmost limit.

Therapy in the Picture Books?

While we are obviously proponents of mental health and the utility of therapy, we also believe that there are many ways to support mental health. Bibliotherapy is the use of books to support people through reading and storytelling. This includes self-help books as well as picture books, and anything in between. 

Life offers us many challenges with loss of family members and pets, health issues, identity exploration, and more. As parents are constantly moving to fix up the “next leak in the boat”, they also carry a lot of pressure to parent well. Books are one way to build support around you and increase your confidence in facilitating discussions around harder life experiences. 

Perhaps you’ve been in the throes of grief and felt the demand to provide emotional understanding? It’s a lot to take on, but you’re not alone in it. Children’s books can support big life events like adjusting to new additions to the family, and they can also support working through normal, developmental challenges (e.g., sharing, perfectionism, jealousy, courage, etc.).

When selecting books to support a life stressor, we encourage finding books that match their presenting concern, are culturally and characteristically similar to your child, and are developmentally appropriate. Beyond being able to process their experiences through a character’s arc, children are able to see themselves and their struggles represented. We all need reminders that we are not alone in our struggles.

Nothing Stacks Up to Libraries

Still, finding a great match of books can be challenging. We love to highlight some of our favorites. Teachers and child therapists may also offer great recommendations. But never discount the librarians. They make Shh happen.

Librarians are our first stop for seeking out book recommendations for special topics to support parents. They know what to search for, how to search, and what other community events may be relevant. From books to movies, games, and other learning tools, libraries are a hub of community resources for you and your family - no spending necessary. 

Beyond building a love of literacy, libraries help build community. And that’s something we believe deeply - that parenting should be done in community. 

Reading Rituals

The presence of rituals is powerful because it fosters consistency and belonging for children. Establishing a ritual of reading together into a bedtime routine is a brilliant way to wind down from the day, promote literacy, open discussion, and connect with your child. Bedtimes can already feel like a rush to the finish line - but they can be much more.

No matter when you choose to establish your reading ritual, we encourage you to play. Let the stories transport you, too. Showcase your array of voices, get lost in exploring illustrations, and stay curious. Neither you nor your child need to have all the answers - but searching in the next book together can be part of the adventure.