In between all the fiction I read, I love to pick up non-fiction books surrounding topics such as parenting, nature, homes, traditions… anything that can inspire even one new thing to enrich our lives. I’ve read a whole lot on such topics and I thought it would be fun to compile some of the very best books that have inspired how I raise my family. Some of these have to do with family traditions while others inspire us to get outside more. Whatever the lesson, these have stuck with me. Maybe you’ll find that they stick with you, too. x
Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt: Lots of fun ideas to reference for your own family traditions.
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk: One of the best non-fiction books I’ve read ever because the concept is very simple, though we tend to forget that it’s okay to go outside if it isn’t sunny and warm. But this book is a wonderful reminder and has changed my perspective.
How to Raise a Reader by Maria Russo: Because I truly believe the love of reading is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your children. This book is 5-stars all day.
The Creative Family Manifesto by Amanda Blake Soule: This book encourages you to use what you have around you and harness the power of your imagination to relax and play together as a family. And who doesn’t want to raise creative children?
How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber and Julie King: This is one of the only parenting books that I really really loved and swear by. Great tips on how to communicate with your children in a gentle way that will work. I am NOT perfect but I do my very best to reference this book and re-read to try and make some of these “talk tracks” a habit.
The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Blake Soule: My gosh, I just really really enjoyed this book. A husband and wife go through each month of the year and share stories, traditions, and the things that they celebrate during seasonal shifts. It was very comforting to read and has inspired a number of ideas for our own family moving forward.
Simplicity Parenting: by Kim John (M.Ed) Payne and Lisa M Ross I loved this book because it encourages you to slow down, have less, do less, and to be gentle with your family. Very inspiring.
Introverted Mom by Jamie C. Martin: I am an introverted mom so this book really resonated with me.
The Book of New Family Traditions by Meg Cox: Another book with tons of suggestions for family traditions. You don’t have to go crazy and do every single thing under the sun but this is a great book to inspire. We’ve been trying a few new traditions out in our family. Not all of them will stick, but it is fun to find what will!
The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie: We read so much in this house and this book just solidified why we do. There are so many great books recs by age in here. I highly recommend!
Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment: This is such a beautiful glimpse into the variety of ways you can homeschool your kids. We have recently made the decision to homeschool and this book really excited and inspired me beyond belief. Also…
The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart: Along the same lines, this book was an amazing introduction into homeschooling and taking control of your child’s education. I can’t speak enough about this book and how good it made me feel to stand firm in our decision.
I know you mentioned you’re homeschooling, I thought this might be helpful: https://www.thehealthyamerican.org/freedom-learning
Peggy has so many great resources :)
Thank you!!
I hope it’s helpful!!!