Raising a child is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Don’t get me wrong, it’s filled with fun, novelty and so much love. That said, it can be tough when you have to do it alone. Uncertainty and inexperience meet exhaustion and frustration. Sometimes, you might want to shirk responsibility or just take a few days off. The good news is that there are informative single parenting books with pearls of wisdom that help you get through the hard times and create more good ones.
Here are 14 best books for parents that can make your life easier
Books for Single Moms:
We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of Grit, Heart, and Humor – by editors: Marika Lindholm, Cheryl Dumesnil, Katherine Shonk and Domenica Ruta, 2019.
Seventy-five single mothers come together to write stories that inspire.
Single motherhood is a unique experience for each woman, but much can be learned from other mother’s stories. In this book, 75 women pen down their experiences of raising their kids alone. Some are famous, others are ordinary, yet each tells a story worth listening to. Filled with tales of embarrassment, hope, fear, resilience, rejection and triumphs. We Got This is one of the best books for single moms that will leave you awe-inspired.
Dancing in the Narrows: A Mother-Daughter Odyssey Through Chronic Illness– by Anna Penenberg, 2020
A single mother and her daughter survive through the darkest times together.
Dancing in the Narrows narrates the story of a mother and her daughter, who suffers from chronic Lyme disease. The two women search beyond conventional medicine, on a path of discovery and revelations. Dancing in the Narrows is written amidst pain, uncertainty, and the horrible possibility of losing a child. In the midst of struggle, the two women create an unbreakable bond. The humor, confrontations, and unwavering love is what makes this book one of the best books for single moms raising daughters.
Single Mom But Not Alone: How to survive being a single mom. A guide of how to get a job, find love and raise a child. Tips and advice – by Barron Pittman 2020
The ultimate cheatsheet for single mothers looking for answers not found anywhere else.
Life as a single mother can be a daunting prospect. Beyond societal judgment, raising a child is a huge responsibility and is filled with numerous challenges. Single Mom But Not Alone is a cheat sheet for single mothers. Author Barron Pittman spells out the myriad challenges single mothers face – from financial reliance to dating prospects – and gives simple answers to each one in just a few pages. Without a doubt, it is among the best books about single mothers.
The Kickass Single Mom: Be Financially Independent, Discover Your Sexiest Self, and Raise Fabulous, Happy Children – by Emma Johnson, 2017
The mantra for being a single mother and excelling at it.
For the longest time, single mothers and successful women were considered two different people. Author Emma Johnson broke that stereotype. In her book, The Kickass Single Mom, Johnson narrates her own experiences with the struggles and shenanigans of being a single mom, and how she overcame them. The book is a collection of sage advice for single moms about everything from from managing finances to nurturing kids to body positivity and pursuing a romantic life. Written in Johnson’s optimistic tone this is a great book for single mothers.
The Three of Us: A Brutally Honest, Often Hilarious, and Sometimes Heartbreaking Memoir of One Mom’s Adventures in Single Parenting – by Summerlin Conner, 2020
A real look at what single motherhood is all about.
Being a single mom isn’t a hilarious joyride that some writers might have you believe. Summerlin Conner, instead, shines light on what single motherhood actually is. The book includes anecdotes on becoming exhausted, financially broke, low on motivation, and even regret. The book is like a friend you can gossip with and pour out your pains and insecurities. Conner pulls no punches in showing the real life of single moms – sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet, but ultimately worth reading.
Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men – by Meg Meeker, 2015
A must-have guide for all mothers to properly raise their sons.
As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman, often it’s their mother. On the shoulders of single moms lies the heavy burden of making a man. Strong Mothers, Strong Sons is an essential guide to help you through the way. To make strong men, you need strong mothers – single or otherwise. From inculcating empathy to respect for women, mothers play a crucial role in nurturing the right mindset in their boys. The book gives just the right advice to single moms raising boys.
Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You – by Monica Swanson, 2019
An important book on the mother-son relationship and how to do it right.
The dynamics between a mother and her son are special, yet complex. Things become more complicated when you are a single mother. Monica Swanson writes a brilliant book about everything single moms need to know to raise their sons right. While tailored to mothers of sons, Boy Mom is a wonderful guide for single mothers in general, covering topics like finances, career, dating and life goals. This one is among those to-the-point books on single parenting you must have.
Books for Single Dads:
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know – by Meg Meeker, 2015
A cheatsheet for becoming a great dad to your daughter.
The father-daughter relationship is perhaps the most complicated, fraught with awkwardness, protectiveness, and misunderstandings. In another of her brilliant books, Meg Meeker draws on her 30 years of experience as a doctor and offers 10 pieces of advice. Tips include becoming a “strong father,” educating daughters on drugs and sex, becoming her friend and walking the fine line between being protective and possessive. A great read for first-time single dads and all fathers raising daughters.
A Father’s Guide to Raising Daughters: How to Boost Her Self-Esteem, Self-Image and Self-Respect – by Michael T. Wilkinson, 2015
A comprehensive guide for men raising strong women.
Life as a woman can be difficult, especially for girls in their formative years without a female-figure around. Many single fathers find themselves helpless in understanding the needs of their daughters. Author Michael T. Wilkinson writes an excellent guide for single dads grasping for straws. The book offers wisdom about bringing up a strong lady who is confident about her body and her worth. The book is brutally honest and doesn’t mince words; definitely among the must-have single parenting books.
Now What? A Divorced Dad’s Guide to Parenting Excellence – by Steve Adams. 2019
An excellent memoir of a divorced man being an amazing single father.
Divorces are painful for the separating couple, but they’re even harder for the children. Many single fathers, who now have the custody of their kids, find themselves struggling to meet this new challenge. Now What? is an amazing memoir by Steve Adams that talks about his life after divorce. It tells how Adams changed his priorities and focused on being a better parent to his kids. Amidst the story, Adams offers great lessons on being a responsible single father during and after separation.
Father to Son, Revised Edition: Life Lessons on Raising a Boy– by Harry H. Harrison Jr., 2013.
The ultimate guide of being a great dad to your son.
Fathers and sons can be legendary duos; however, things aren’t always as smooth as butter. Boys look up to their dads, even more so when their father is the only parent they have. Father to Son is an inspiring parenting book about the journey of parenthood from the perspective of single fathers. It leaves the reader with teachings about being a father, a mentor, a friend, and a role model. One stand out take away is that it’s okay to hug your son.
Co-Parenting Books:
The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation – by Karen Bonnell, 2017
A sensitive co-parenting guide for separated couples.
Separation is always hard. Even the most amicable separations can take a toll on the kids. The Co-Parenting Handbook is an impressive guide for couples who are divorced or undergoing one. The book details the challenges of raising kids in two different homes with two separate beliefs, rules and how to address those challenges. For couples who are struggling with parenthood after divorce, this is one of the best co-parenting books.
Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: A Guidebook for Targeted Parents – by Sharie Stines and Patricia Harriman, 2019
The book you need while co-parenting with the wrong person.
Imagine separating from a partner because of their toxicity, yet being legally bound to raise a kid with them. How exactly do you go about this sticky situation? Co-Parenting with a Narcissist is the ultimate rulebook for raising a child with a toxic person. The book explains how to be a great parent and offer the best nurturing to your child. At the same time, it provides advice on how to minimize the impact your narcissistic partner has on you and your children.
Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture: 11 Steps to Keep Her Happy, Healthy, and Safe – by Meg Meeker, 2019
Sage advice for raising a daughter in an ever-changing, toxic world.
Today’s world is a difficult place to grow up. There’s excessive socializing, floods of information and so many things that could go wrong. For daughters, it could be worse. Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture spells out the challenges and tells you the simplest ways to deal with them. From sexuality to career prospects, this book is a wholesome approach towards raising a daughter. Meeker offers perspectives and roles for both parents, making this one of the best single parenting book for moms and dads.
And that’s all, folks. We hope these single parenting books can make the difficult task of raising kids alone, a little bit easier.
About the author:
Anna Penenberg is the author of Dancing In The Narrows. In addition to her work as an author, Penenberg is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, trauma healer and Kundalini yoga practitioner. Her wisdom and experience informs everything she does, including her private practice building healthy relationships with families and individuals.
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