SEL Recommendations

The Anxious Generation

• Author: Jonathan Haidt

• Synopsis: The Anxious Generation is a penetrating and alarming accounting of how we adults began to overprotect children in the real world while giving essentially no protection in the brutal online world. 

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

• Authors: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

• Synopsis: This book offers twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors, both experts in child development, explain the new science of how a child's brain is wired and how it matures. The book provides practical advice and age-appropriate techniques for dealing with day-to-day struggles.

Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting

• Author: John Gottman

• Synopsis: John Gottman, a renowned psychologist, provides parents with a five-step "emotion coaching" process that helps their children understand and manage their emotions. The book includes research-based techniques to foster emotional intelligence and create a stronger parent-child bond.

The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives

• Authors: William Stixrud, Ned Johnson

• Synopsis: This book emphasizes the importance of giving children a sense of control over their lives. Stixrud, a neuropsychologist, and Johnson, a motivational coach, offer practical advice on reducing stress and enhancing motivation by fostering independence and self-driven learning.

How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success

• Author: Julie Lythcott-Haims

• Synopsis: Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former Stanford dean, examines the negative effects of overparenting and provides practical strategies for raising self-sufficient children. The book encourages parents to allow their children to make mistakes and learn resilience and self-efficacy.

The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired

• Authors: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson

• Synopsis: This book highlights the crucial role of parental presence in a child's development. Siegel and Bryson provide research-based insights into how consistent, reliable interactions between parents and children help build secure attachment and emotional resilience.

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life

• Author: Susan David

• Synopsis: Susan David, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding emotions. This book offers tools and strategies for parents to help their children navigate life's challenges with flexibility, curiosity, and courage.

Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls

• Author: Lisa Damour

• Synopsis: Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist, explores the unique pressures faced by girls today. She provides insight into the causes of stress and anxiety and offers practical advice for parents to help their daughters manage and thrive under pressure.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

• Author: Carol S. Dweck

• Synopsis: Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, introduces the concept of "fixed" vs. "growth" mindsets. She explains how encouraging a growth mindset in children can foster resilience, motivation, and success in all areas of life.

25 Can't Miss Titles for Teaching SEL - differentiated TEACHING

14 Picture Books for SEL - American Association for School Libraries (AASL)

14 Middle Grade Books that Tackle Mental Health - Read Brightly

21 Middle School Social-Emotional Book List - TeachingBooks