Why Parent Education and Awareness Matter
Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—journeys in life. Whether navigating a child’s big emotions, supporting sensory needs, or encouraging independence, knowledge gives parents the confidence to respond with patience and understanding.
At 40:31 Rehab & Wellness, we believe education empowers families. The right tools and insights can transform everyday struggles into opportunities for connection and growth. Below is a thoughtfully curated list of books and podcasts for parents—resources that align with our therapy philosophy of emotional awareness, regulation, and healthy communication.
Books That Build Understanding and Connection
1. What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner, PhD
This engaging workbook helps children recognize and manage anxiety through relatable stories and cognitive-behavioral strategies. It’s a great resource for parents to use alongside their child, reinforcing skills learned in therapy for emotional regulation.
2. What to Do When You Dread Your Bed by Dawn Huebner, PhD
Perfect for children struggling with sleep anxiety or nighttime fears, this book provides step-by-step tools to make bedtime calmer. It promotes consistency, routine, and comfort—essential elements of self-regulation.
3. What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake by Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, and Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD
This title teaches resilience, helping children view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Parents and therapists can use it to build growth mindset skills and reduce perfectionism.
4. When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron
Designed for children with anxiety or sensory sensitivities, this book introduces strategies to identify emotional “sizes” of worries. It’s an excellent companion for children who benefit from visual and structured support systems.
5. The Incredible 5-Point Scale by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis
A practical tool for teaching emotional regulation, this book helps children and parents identify the intensity of feelings on a 1–5 scale. Therapists frequently use it in clinics and schools to support emotional control.
6. The Highly Sensitive Child by Elaine N. Aron, PhD
This classic resource offers insight for parents of children who are emotionally or sensory sensitive. It explains how to nurture a child’s empathy and creativity while reducing overwhelm in daily routines.
7. You Can’t Make Me by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
For parents of strong-willed children, this book offers practical, respectful approaches to discipline and communication. It emphasizes understanding personality differences over power struggles.
8. Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed.D
An excellent read for parents navigating big emotions, high energy, or intense personalities. This book celebrates spirited children while providing tools for patience and consistency.
9. From Defiance to Cooperation by Jon F. Taylor, PhD
Dr. Taylor focuses on transforming power struggles into teachable moments. This book helps parents set limits while promoting cooperation and positive family communication.
10. Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids by Amanda Robinson, LPC, RPT
Filled with interactive exercises and reflection prompts, this workbook helps children understand anger and develop safe ways to express frustration—an ideal resource to use alongside occupational or play therapy.
11. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun and The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
These books focus on sensory processing challenges and how to create positive sensory experiences at every age. They are invaluable for parents seeking to understand how movement, touch, and sound affect behavior.
12. My Sensory Book by Lauren H. Kerstein, LCSW
This interactive workbook helps parents and professionals collaborate with children to explore sensory needs and emotional triggers. It bridges understanding between home and therapy sessions.
13. The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD
A compassionate approach to challenging behavior, this book introduces “Collaborative Problem Solving,” a framework that emphasizes empathy and shared solutions over punishment.
14. Slow and Steady Get Me Ready by June R. Oberlander
Perfect for early childhood, this book provides over 260 simple developmental activities for birth to age five. It encourages play-based learning and early skill-building.
15. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
This parenting classic teaches effective communication strategies for both parents and children. It’s a must-read for improving emotional connection and reducing family conflict.
16. The Life-Giving Parent by Clay and Sally Clarkson
For families seeking faith-based encouragement, this book emphasizes nurturing a child’s heart, values, and spiritual well-being through intentional parenting.
Podcasts That Encourage Growth and Calm
Calm Parenting Podcast with Kirk Martin
This podcast offers practical advice for handling emotional outbursts and building peaceful parent-child relationships. Kirk’s empathetic, real-world examples help parents approach behavior with understanding instead of frustration.
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast with Ginny Yurich
Based on the movement encouraging families to spend more time outdoors, this podcast explores the benefits of nature for physical, sensory, and emotional development. It’s especially valuable for parents of children with sensory processing or attention challenges.
At Home with Sally with Sally Clarkson
This nurturing, faith-based podcast focuses on building a peaceful home environment. Sally shares personal reflections on raising children with grace, faith, and emotional warmth.
Parent Education: How These Resources Support Therapy
Reading and listening to these resources helps parents reinforce the goals set in therapy. Whether your child is working on emotional regulation, sensory integration, or behavioral strategies, understanding the “why” behind their behavior allows you to respond with confidence and compassion.
These materials help parents:
- Gain practical tools for managing emotions and routines.
- Learn language that supports positive communication.
- Recognize sensory and emotional triggers.
- Build empathy and reduce daily stress.
- Strengthen consistency between therapy and home routines.
By engaging with these books and podcasts, families can extend the benefits of therapy into everyday life—creating lasting change and deeper connection.
Empowering Families Through Knowledge and Connection
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but these books and podcasts for parents come close. Each one offers guidance, empathy, and practical tools to help families grow together.
At 40:31 Rehab & Wellness, we believe parent education and awareness are vital to every child’s progress. By combining professional therapy with trusted parent resources, families can create supportive, thriving environments where children flourish—in body, mind, and heart.
