In order for me to recommend a book to one of my clients, I have to feel like it's made of solid gold. I want to be respectful of people's time, and I only want to recommend books that feel truly helpful and encouraging, rather than books that just add a lot of things to an already full to-do list. Here are a few of my top picks, as well as a couple of children's books that I commonly use in therapy. These are all general enough that I feel like they are helpful to most anyone!
Because I am indeed a book hoarder, I keep extra copies of these favorites on hand, and I'm so excited to give this set away to one of you! Find me on instagram to see the details on how to enter. Keep reading to learn a little more about each book, and just click on an image to order a copy of your own:)
A Simplified Life - Emily Ley
I received a copy of A Simplified Life as a Christmas gift when Lily was nearly one year old. Without even realizing it, I'd let myself get pretty run down in the first eleven months of Lily's life, and reading these very encouraging and practical thoughts on living a more simple life were a great help in getting myself back on track. I've recommended it to countless clients since then with phenomenal feedback. This book is easy to read, and my favorite thing about it is that it feels full of permission to let go of all the things that are getting in the way of truly enjoying the things that matter the most.
Grace Not Perfection - Emily Ley
Grace Not Perfection is actually Emily Ley's first book, but I read it after I read A Simplified Life. This was a good order for me, because it reminded me to take all of the new routines I had put in place and hold them to a standard of grace, instead of a standard of perfection. I've had so many clients find freedom in learning to go a bit easier on themselves, and this book is a great tool. Grace Not Perfection for Young Readers is set to release in August, and I'm sure it will be such an encouragement to so many younger girls as well.
Boundaries - Cloud and Townsend
I can't possibly begin to count how many clients I've seen benefit from reading Boundaries. Written by two Christian psychologists, it provides the most thoughtful and Biblical information on setting limits with time, relationships, resources, and in many other areas. As a young adult and new professional, it really helped me find the freedom to say no to things that felt like obligations so I could say yes to things that really mattered. I think everyone should read Boundaries at some point!
Boundaries with Kids - Cloud and Townsend
I don't recommend too many parenting books, and honestly I don't read too many myself. So much about parenting is personal to you, your family, and your circumstances. Sometimes too much good advice and too many varying opinions can add to being overwhelmed and lead to feelings of failure. But if I had to recommend one parenting book, it would definitely by Boundaries with Kids. Also written by Cloud and Townsend, it provides practical information on how to set healthy boundaries for your children and the benefits of doing so. I've so many client parents be encouraged by this book.
The Thank You Book - Mary Lyn Ray
I can't say enough good things about The Thank You Book! The illustrations are wonderful, and it talks about being thankful for and finding beauty in ordinary things in a way kids (and grown ups) can actually understand. I think this book is great for starting conversations about the difference between a polite "thank you" and true gratitude, and it's one of my favorite books to share with young clients.
Be Kind - Pat Zietlow Miller
As adults, we often tell children "you need to be nice" but what that actually means can be confusing for them. Be Kind gives wonderful, practical examples of kindness and inclusivity in a way children can relate to and understand. It's such an important topic for our kids, plus I think we can all benefit from a little reminder about being kind right now:)
