8 Books to Remind Parents That They’re Doing A Good Job

Ramona and Her Father, by Beverly Cleary
Hey, nothing will remind you that you’re an awesome parent like seeing your child being empathetic and considerate, right? In Ramona and Her Father, Ramona’s dad loses his job and Ramona decides to help in any way she can, even shortening her Christmas list. It is so lovely to see your kids not only thinking of others, but you specifically.

Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace, by Ayelet Waldman
Banish the guilt with a copy of Bad Mother. You are doing the best you can, and most days you know that, but this book is a hilarious look at the guilt we put ourselves through as parents and how we really just need to get over it.

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
A classic, but still the ultimate book for parents. Ever think you’re getting it all wrong? Remember that you are giving your children one of the greatest gifts possible—a loving family. In Little Women, the bond between the four sisters is enough to make any mother proud. Add in the way they all fawn over Marmee and think she hung the moon, and your heart will really be warmed. We all have hard days, including Marmee, but you are still the center of your children’s world and you still matter to them, no matter what you think.

Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie
Don’t you want to rescue Peter and all of the Lost Boys? That’s because you’re an awesome parent. Plus, Peter Pan is full of moments related to parenthood, motherhood specifically. From Mrs. Darling reassuring her children that night lights are the eyes a mother leaves behind to protect her children, to her exclaiming over tiny Wendy, wishing she would stay little forever, Peter Pan gives me all of the feels. You are your children’s fiercest protector—never forget that.

Are You My Mother?, by P.D. Eastman
Even a classic children’s book can remind you of how great you are at this parenting gig. Are You My Mother? is the sweet story of a little bird trying to find his mother. Think about how persistent that little bird is and how his only mission, the most important thing to him, is to find his mother. Doesn’t it feel great to be wanted so much by your own little one? Even when you haven’t washed your hair in 3 days, your kids still think you’re the bee’s knees.

The Pure Gold Baby, by Margaret Drabble
In The Pure Gold Baby, Jess becomes an unexpected mother to a beautiful baby, Anna. And when it turns out that Anna is developmentally disabled, Jess becomes more dedicated than ever to her daughter. Not only is this a beautiful story about the bond between a mother and daughter, but it also focuses on the beauty of mom friendships. Jess and Anna are surrounded by other great moms, and their reliance on each other will remind you of the strong bonds you form with other parents.

The House We Grew Up In, by Lisa Jewell
Worried that the attitude you had during your DIY craft time ruined your child’s memories? Or that the pancakes you slaved over weren’t worth it? You are building your child’s memories and you know what? You’re great at it. Read The House We Grew Up In to remind yourself of how important you, and your memories, are to your children.

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, by Brene Brown
Some self-help books are worth it, like Daring Greatly. In this book, you learn how to take your vulnerability and see it as courage; as a stepping stone towards purpose. Parenting is full of a whole lot of vulnerability. You’re never sure of yourself, you’re always worried about messing things up, and you’re constantly nervous that you aren’t cut out to be a parent. This book will change your mind on all of that, trust me. Take those worries and fears and turn them into something bigger because you? You are a great parent.
What books remind you that you’re doing a good job at this parenting thing?