The Best Parenting Books and Podcasts to Handle Behavior Struggles From Babies to Teens
If there’s one thing every parent eventually learns, it’s this: behavior is communication.
From a baby crying at 3 a.m., to a toddler melting down in the grocery store, to a teen slamming a door and shutting you out — behavior is often the visible tip of something bigger happening underneath: unmet needs, big emotions, a developing brain, or a skill that hasn’t clicked yet.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Below is a curated list of trusted, evidence-based, parent-approved books and podcasts that support behavior and emotional development from babies through teens.
Think of this as a menu — pick what fits your child’s stage and your family’s values.
Why Parenting Resources Matter (and how to choose wisely)
Before we dive into the list, a quick reminder: There is no single “perfect” parenting approach.
The best resource is the one that:
matches your child’s developmental stage
supports your family’s values
feels doable in real life
helps you feel more connected, not more judged
If you ever feel overwhelmed by parenting advice, try this:
Choose one book and one podcast to start.
Try the ideas for a few weeks.
Keep what works. Leave what doesn’t.
Okay — let’s get into the good stuff.
Parenting Books for Behavior & Guidance (by age)
Babies & Toddlers (0–3 years)
These early years are full of rapid brain development and BIG feelings in tiny bodies. The books below help parents understand what’s normal, what children need, and how to respond calmly and confidently.
The Whole-Brain Child — Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
A beautifully simple explanation of young brain development and how emotions work. Great for tantrums, separation struggles, and early regulation skills.
No-Drama Discipline — Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Perfect for the “in-the-moment” chaos of toddlerhood. Focuses on connection first, then limits.
How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen — Joanna Faber & Julie King
Loaded with practical scripts and examples for transitions, defiance, hitting, whining, bedtime battles, and more.the m
Hunt, Gather, Parent — Michaeleen Doucleff
A refreshing lens on raising cooperative, helpful little kids with fewer power struggles.
Preschool & Early Elementary (3–7 years)
This stage is where boundaries, impulse control, and social skills really take shape. These books are wonderful for big feelings and tricky behaviors.
The Explosive Child — Ross W. Greene
Especially helpful for children who seem chronically dysregulated, rigid, or stuck in frequent meltdowns. Teaches Collaborative & Proactive Solutions.
Positive Discipline — Jane Nelsen
A classic. Supports respectful firmness, family systems, routines, and natural/logical consequences.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Still one of the strongest communication tools for school-age behavior and relationship building.
Raising Good Humans — Hunter Clarke-Fields
A powerful reminder that parent regulation is the foundation of child regulation. Great for breaking yelling cycles and reactive habits.
Big Kids & Tweens (8–12 years)
Tween years can surprise parents — kids want independence but still need strong emotional scaffolding. These books address motivation, responsibility, and relationship shifts.
The Self-Driven Child — William Stixrud & Ned Johnson
A fantastic guide to supporting motivation and responsibility without control battles.
Parenting with Love and Logic — Foster Cline & Jim Fay
Clear tools for loving boundaries and teaching problem-solving through real-life ownership.
The Power of Showing Up — Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
An attachment-informed reminder that consistent connection shapes behavior and resilience.
Teens (13–18 years)
Teen behavior is often misunderstood because it looks like attitude, defiance, and withdrawal — when it’s frequently developmentally normal brain rewiring plus stress. These books offer grounded, compassionate guidance.
Untangled — Lisa Damour
One of the best teen development books out there. Helps parents interpret behavior and respond with both empathy and boundaries.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers — Lisa Damour
A practical roadmap for moodiness, conflict, anxiety, and resilience.
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic — Foster Cline & Jim Fay
Excellent for rebuilding trust, navigating consequences, and holding limits respectfully.
Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety — John Duffy
Supportive for stress, social pressure, and emotional health-linked behavior.
Podcasts for Parenting Support & Behavior Guidance
Podcasts are amazing because they let you learn while driving, folding laundry, or walking the dog — no extra time required. Here are some favorites.
All-Ages / General Parenting Podcasts
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
One of the most popular parenting podcasts for a reason. Great for emotional regulation, boundaries, and repairing after hard moments.
Calm Parenting Podcast — Kirk Martin
Short, “right now” coaching for defiance, sibling conflict, and emotional blowups. Very practical.
Unruffled — Janet Lansbury
Respectful parenting and toddler guidance through a calm, grounded lens. Strong for early childhood behavior.
Babies / Toddlers / Preschoolers
Unruffled — Janet Lansbury
Worth repeating — a parent favorite for tantrums, boundaries, sleep struggles, and independence.
Oh Crap — Jamie Glowacki**
Funny, real, and very helpful for toddler chaos like potty training, meltdowns, and power struggles.
Big Kids / Teens
Raising Good Humans Podcast
Strong for school-age kids and teens, with lots of regulation and communication tools.
Connected Parenting — Jennifer Kolari
Attachment-based strategies, especially useful for anxious or emotionally intense kids/teens.
Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids — Hunter Clarke Fields
Helpful conversations around tech boundaries, teen stress, and family repair.
Remember…
If parenting feels hard sometimes… it’s because it is hard.
Behavior doesn’t need quick fixes as much as it needs:
understanding
co-regulation
clear boundaries
consistency
relationship
Pick one resource from this list that fits your child’s stage and your own personality. Let it support you, not pressure you.
And remember:
You don’t need to be a perfect parent. You need to be a connected one.
If you’re feeling lost, or looking to learn more about your child’s specific sensory profile and ways to best support their regulation, and yours, we’d love to help.
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