SEL books we love
The books in the "What to Do Series?" are amazing. I love that they follow the same format we use at Mackintosh. The first chapter explores the topic. Topics include: worries, perfectionism, friendship, fear, going to bed, and complaining. This helps students understand the vocabluary that is needed to discuss the issue. The next chapter discusses what that concern looks like and how it feels in your body. The final chapters give the student practical ways to handle the issue. The series is meant for 2nd- 4th grade but I think you could use it with any age.
The Whole-Brain Child, by Dr. Daniel Siegel is a great book for parents with younger children. I love how it helps remind us that children tell us how they are feeling through their actions. For example, after reading books at night a child may ask for a glass of water before falling asleep. The child may not actually want water, what they are really needing is more time with the caregiver to unwind after their long day. There is also a workbook of activities that can accompany it.
Between the ages of twelve and twenty-four, the brain changes in important and, at times, challenging ways. In Brainstorm, Dr. Daniel Siegel busts a number of commonly held myths about adolescence—for example, that it is merely a stage of “immaturity” filled with often “crazy” behavior. According to Siegel, during adolescence we learn vital skills, such as how to leave home and enter the larger world, connect deeply with others, and safely experiment and take risks.
No-Drama Discipline provides a roadmap for effective yet compassionate discipline when dealing with tantrums, tensions, and ruptures without causing a scene.
The 5 Love Languages of Children (there is also a book for teens) is a great resource to build empathy with your child or teen. There is a free online test for both children and teens. I love to have students take the test to learn "what fills their bucket." This can build empathy because if you also take the test your family can be more intentional filling each other's bucket by using the love language of the person.
Lisa Damour wrote two of my favorite books for parents of teenagers (they are supposed to be just about girls but I find the information helpful for teens of any gender). Untangled looks at each stage from preteen to young adult. Each stage has specific helpful parenting tips and developmental skills for the teen to learn. Under Pressure takes a deep dive into the topic of teen stress and anxiety.
Remember to TRUST YOUR GUT when it comes to parenting. YOU know your child best.
These books are simply suggestions if you want to learn a bit about a topic.
Need some good resources to talk about puberty with your preteen? I love these!
This is a book that explores ways to take anxiety and perfectionism and use them as superpowers for resilience.
This is Lady Gaga's new book for teens. It is a powerful read, one you might want to read together with your teenager. This is from the description on Amazon: "Within these pages, you’ll meet young changemakers who found their inner strength, who prevailed in the face of bullies, who started their own social movements, who decided to break through the mental health stigma and share how they felt, who created safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, and who have embraced kindness with every fiber of their being by helping others without the expectation of anything in return."